BRITISH CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALISATION
In order to become a British citizen by naturalisation, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain or permanent residence in the United Kingdom.
NATURALISATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP
Immigration status, the length of time spent in the UK, the applicant’s plans for the future, knowledge of the English language, and the applicant’s character are all considered when determining eligibility for naturalisation.
The following general requirements must be met by applicants.
- Continuous residence in the United Kingdom for at least five years without a period of more than 450 days away from the country
- A 12-month absence of more than 90 days from the date of application is required.
- Applicant must have been in Britain for exactly five years prior to applying.
- More than a year of residency in the United Kingdom prior to the date of application is required.
- Be fluent in English at the B1 level of the CEFR (unless exempt).
- Test your knowledge of British life or get a free pass.
- Been in compliance with all UK immigration laws.
- Be of sound moral character and plan to remain in the United Kingdom.
- It is possible to apply immediately after receiving Indefinite Leave to Remain if you are the spouse of a British citizen at the time of application.
- A person must have lived in the United Kingdom for at least three years with no more than 270 days away from the country.
- On the day exactly three years prior to the application date, I was in the United Kingdom.
WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?
We have a team of immigration lawyers who have a wealth of experience in assisting clients in obtaining British citizenship through the process of naturalisation. We conduct a thorough review of our clients’ circumstances in order to ensure that their eligibility requirements are met and to identify any potential issues with their application. Those who work at our award-winning law firm know that we take great pride in being approachable and innovative, as well as in going the extra mile to ensure that our clients receive the individual attention they deserve. It is our goal to provide our clients with clear, transparent, and dependable advice at every stage of the process.
QUESTION AND ANSWER
Q:IS DUAL CITIZENSHIP PERMITTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM?
A: Under UK law, multiple citizenships are permissible and there is no requirement to renounce prior nationalities, as dual citizenship is permitted in the UK. It is worth noting, however, that the national laws of the country in which you wish to continue or retain nationality may have different criteria.
Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO APPLY FOR RE-CITIZENSHIP IN THE UNITED KINGDOM?
A: Anyone who has previously renounced their British citizenship may apply for resumption. However, this may be possible only if the applicant’s renunciation was necessary in order to retain or acquire another nationality.
Q: WHAT DOES THE REQUIREMENT FOR GOOD CHARACTER MEAN?
A: There is no statutory definition of “good character,” nor is there any statutory guidance on how the requirement should be interpreted or applied. According to the Home Office’s internal guidance for caseworkers, a person may be considered to be of questionable character if they have a criminal conviction, have used deception in previous immigration applications, have filed for bankruptcy, or have used public funds unlawfully.
Q: HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS OF APPLYING FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP TAKE?
A: The Home Office normally decides on British nationality applications within six months. Applicants must attend a Citizenship Ceremony to receive their certificate of Naturalisation and then apply for a British passport.
Q: WHO CAN ACT AS A REFEREE FOR MY APPLICATION FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP?
A: The applicant’s application must be certified by two referees who have known the applicant for at least three years, have no criminal convictions within the last ten years, and are unrelated to either the applicant or each other. One must be a professional, while the other must be over the
age of 25 and possess a British passport.