British Citizenship Guidelines
You can become a British citizen by birth or if you are 18 years old or older, you may apply for naturalisation. To become a British citizen, you must show that you have been in the UK for at least three years on Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status and that you have never violated UK law, including immigration violations.
If your application for permanent resident status is accepted, without any restrictions, you will be able to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely. To fly and spend time outside of the country there will be no restriction and you need not fear about losing your status.
Contact our team of experienced immigration lawyers to learn more about how to obtain settled status in the UK.
Page Contents
- UK Citizenship Requirements
- How to acquire British nationality
- Required supporting documents
- Applying for Citizenship after IRL
- How to apply for UK nationality
- Citizenship application form
- Life in the UK & English Test
- UK Nationality by Marriage
- UK Nationality by Birth
- UK Nationality by Descent
- Dual Nationality
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I get help from Rubens Immigration
What are the British Citizenship requirements ?
Those who wish to apply for Naturalisation must meet the following eligibility criteria, according to the British Nationality Act:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Have lived in the UK for at least 5 years, with no more than 450 days spent outside the country.
- Have been in the UK for at least 12 months with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Meet the English language specifications for the CEFR level B1 (unless exempt).
- Pass the Life in the UK Test to demonstrate that you are familiar with the fundamentals of British customs, rituals, and history.
- There is no evidence that you have broken any UK immigration laws.
- Demonstrate that the Good Character requirement has been met.
The “Good Character” requirement
To become a British citizen, you must show that you have “good character.” Under this you cannot have a serious or recent criminal record. Any illegal offenses committed abroad as well as any immigration-related issues in the UK, will also be looked into by the Home Office. The UKVI, on the other hand, would consider any contributions you might have made to society.
How can I become a British citizen by Naturalisation ?
If you were not born in the UK naturalisation is the procedure for obtaining British citizenship. You must be at least 18 years old and meet certain criteria, to be eligible. You should not be involved in any serious or recent criminal record, nor have broken any UK immigration laws while in the UK. Most notably, you must have spent at least twelve months in the UK as a settled individual (with Indefinite Leave to Remain).
After three years of continuous residency as a settled person, those who are married to British citizens may apply for naturalisation.
You must also ensure that you meet additional conditions before applying for naturalisation. Your total number of absences from the UK must not exceed a certain time limit, especially during the final year of your qualifying term, when you are not allowed to spend more than 90 days outside the UK. Unless you are exempt, you must also meet the English language standards.
The relevant Home Office naturalisation form, should be filled out for you may apply for British citizenship. Typically, the application process takes three to six months. You will be invited to a Citizenship ceremony to receive your Certificate of Naturalisation if your application is accepted.
What are the immigration routes for British Citizenship registration ?
There are many options for registering as a British resident, depending on your circumstances.
- British Citizenship by Birth or by Descent: If you were born in the UK after January 1, 1983, you will be automatically recognised as a British citizen. You might also be eligible if you were born outside of the UK to at least one British citizen or settled resident.
- British Citizenship by Marriage: As the spouse or civil partner of a British resident, you must have lived in the UK for at least three years as a settled person before applying for British nationality (either holding Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status).
- 5-year route: You may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years of residency in the UK. After another 12-month period as a settled person, you are eligible to apply for British citizenship. On the EU Settled Scheme, the same applies to EU and EEA residents.
- Citizenship for “stateless” individuals: You may be entitled to become a British citizen if you are “stateless,” meaning you are not accepted as a citizen of either nation. On the basis of which country you were born in your eligibility as well as the application process you must follow are determined.
- Nationality for those who renounced it: You might be able to reclaim your status in the future, If you had given up your British citizenship in the past.
Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to learn more on UK Settlement.
What documents do I need to register for British Citizenship ?
It is critical to compile an appropriate portfolio of documentation to show that you fulfill all of the residency criteria before submitting your application to become a British citizen. This will assist the Home Office in evaluating the case and shortening the time it takes to process it.
To obtain British citizenship, you must send the following documents to the Home Office:
- Your passport, birth certificate, or any other official travel document will serve as proof of your identity and permanent resident status.
- Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), your residence card, or some other documentation proving that you have Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status.
- Details of your prior immigration status and right to stay in the UK, including any visas you held before settling in the UK.
- Proof of English language proficiency and familiarity with life in the UK. After passing both the Life in the UK Test and the ESOL language exam, you can obtain a valid pass certificate. You do not need to retake the Life in the UK Test if you already passed it when you were granted Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- Evidence of legal residence in the UK during the qualifying period. You must have always complied with all immigration rules, as a UK citizen.
- Travel information of any travel you have taken outside of the UK. To become a British citizen, you must prove that, during your five-year residency period, you have spent no more than 450 days in the UK.
- Proof that you are not subject to UK immigration time limits and have the right to live in the UK.
- You have never broken any immigration rules in the UK and display a good character.
- Depending on your immigration status, proof that you have used your treaty rights in the last 3 or 5 years. You may do so by including letters from your current employer, bank statements, or letters from your educational institution.
What are the differences between British Citizenship and ILR ?
ILR (including permanent residency and EU Settled status) and British nationality both grant you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without being subject to immigration controls. There are, however, two distinct statuses.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After five years of continuous residency in the UK, you may apply for ILR. You will be legally a British settled citizen once you receive this status, and you will be able to reside indefinitely in the UK, with privileges such as access public funds, be accompanied by your family, and leave and re-enter the country without needing to apply for a visa.
Before you can become a citizen of the UK, you must first obtain ILR. It is important to remember, however, that if you remain outside the UK for more than two years, your ILR status will be revoked.
British Citizenship
You will have full rights and responsibilities as a British citizen, including the freedom to vote in parliamentary and local elections and receive a British passport. Most notably, you won’t have to worry about losing your status if you leave the UK for an extended period of time.
I was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. When can I apply for British Citizenship ?
After you’ve had Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK for at least 12 months, you can apply to become a British citizen, as a general rule. Those with Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK, as well as EU and EEA residents who have had EU settled status for a fixed period of time, are subject to the same requirements.
If you are married to a British resident, on the other hand, you will apply for Naturalisation as soon as you receive Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
You cannot spend more than 90 days outside the UK during the 12-month qualifying period. You may be asked to include information about any absences you took prior to submitting your request.
If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain but you left the UK for more than two years, your status will be revoked, and you will not be eligible for British nationality until you have spent more eligible time in the UK.
After spending more than five years abroad as an EU citizen with settled status, you will forfeit your right to settle in the UK.
You should fill in a new application, if you wish to reclaim your status.
British Citizenship Application Advice
It can be stressful and time-consuming to apply for British citizenship. We are dedicated to providing technical assistance to all of our clients, at Rubens Immigration. A skilled solicitor will be assigned to handle your case, who will evaluate the situation and advise you on the best course of action. Hire one of our experts to ensure that all of the forms are filled out correctly.
To learn more about how you could qualify for the British nationality and make any other enquiries, you could contact our team.
British Citizenship Application Assistance
Our immigration lawyers at Rubens Immigration will assist you at any stage of your British nationality application. Your dedicated lawyer will complete your application form to the highest standard after reviewing your eligibility. This involves conducting a thorough document review to ensure that your proof portfolio is complete. In addition, we will prepare a Letter of Representation to help you with your case.
To learn more about how you could qualify for the British nationality and make any other enquiries, you could contact our team or even book an appointment.
How do I apply for British Citizenship ?
To submit your application, fill out the application form issued by the UKVI and attach your supporting documentation to it.
Your biometric information (photograph and fingerprint scans) must be collected at a UKVCAS center near you.
You could be contacted by the Home Office to see whether you can supply your details at a local post office.
You can apply your forms and documents from anywhere in the world, including the UK.
What is the British Citizenship application form ?
You must fill out and submit Form AN, Application for Naturalisation as a British Citizen, to submit your request. To prove your eligibility, each part of the form allows you to provide specific details about your case. This includes your biographical information, proof of residence, job information, and any dependents who are applying with you.
You must also have proof of your relationship if you are registering as the spouse of a British national.
To provide the names and contact information of your two referees is important. These referees will be required to sign your form to confirm that the information you gave is accurate.
Who can be a referee for my British Citizenship application ?
Two referees of your preference must certify your submission. Their job is to double-check that the information you entered on the form is right. Your appeal will be denied if it does not include the signatures of your referees.
For at least three years, your referees must have known you and the two cannot be linked to one another. Furthermore, they must not have been convicted of a crime in the ten years previous to your submission.
A competent referee, such as a doctor, a minister of religion, or a member of a professional body, must be one of the referees. He or she cannot, however, be a UKVI employee or a solicitor or agent representing you in this situation. It is not required that this individual be a British citizen. Your other referee, however, must be a British citizen with a British passport. This individual must be at least 25 years old or a qualified professional.
How long does the British Citizenship application process take ?
Only after you have paid the required fee can the Home Office begin handling your case.
In certain cases, the UKVI makes a decision on British nationality applications within six months.
While the Premium Same Day Service is not available to speed up these types of applications, you may receive a response from the Home Office sooner than the planned waiting period.Although complex cases are likely to take longer than the average six months, the Home Office may be able to assess your case more quickly if you have detailed and adequate documentation about your circumstances. Your request will most likely be postponed if you do not send all of the relevant documentation and proofs.
You must wait until you are summoned for your Citizenship Ceremony to obtain your Naturalisation certificate and apply for a British passport after your application is accepted.
What is the Life in the UK Test ?
This exam, also known as the British Citizenship Test, consists of 24 questions on British culture, history, and customs that all British people must be familiar with. All of the questions are based on the details contained in the Home Office’s Life in the UK Handbook. The passing score for this test is 75%, and it is a compulsion for all those who wish to reside in the United Kingdom.
You would be excluded from the British residency criteria if you have previously resided in the UK and received a pass certificate as part of your Indefinite Leave to Remain eligibility requirements. For those between the ages of 18 and 65, as well as those who have a long-term illness or disability, the same applies.
Your test can be scheduled online. At least three days ahead of time, this must be done, and you can only choose from one of the five nearest centers to your home.
You must carry the same ID you used to book the exam, as well as some evidence of your address, on the day of your exam. You will not be eligible to take the exam if you do not have the necessary paperwork, neither a refund will be given.
You will receive a notification note, if you pass the exam, which must be submitted along with your permanent residence application to the UKVI. If you fail the exam, you will be given the opportunity to retake it as many times as you need.
Do I need to pass an accredited English Test ?
You must demonstrate your command of the English language before becoming a British citizen
You must have a recognised English test certification from an accredited test center, at least at the B1 level, to be qualified. The UKVI only accepts qualifications that have been accredited by ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). This means that GCSEs and NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are insufficient to satisfy this criteria.
It is important to note that certain test certificates are only valid for two years. An expired certificate would only be approved by the Home Office if it was previously accepted for another UK immigration application or when you were granted ILR, permanent resident status, or EU Settled Status.
English Language requirement exemptions
If you meet the following criteria, you will not be required to take an English test:
- 65 years old or above
- Suffer from a chronic physical or mental illness
- Have an English-taught or English-researched degree
If you studied outside of the UK, you will need to have an Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) to prove that your degree is equivalent to a UK qualification and was taught in English.
Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to learn more on UK Settlement.
What is the British Citizenship Ceremony ?
All applicants above 18 years of age who are admitted as naturalised British citizens in the UK are expected to attend a Citizenship ceremony under the British Nationality Act. The British Citizenship Ceremony aims to make each new British citizen feel completely at home in the country.
Within three months of receiving a Home Office invitation, the ceremonies must be scheduled. While you are allowed to bring one guest to your service, these events are not open to the public and are usually attended by your council’s Mayor or Deputy Mayor.
You must carry both your Home Office letter of invitation and written approval from the Register Office to your ceremony. You will be required to swear an oath of allegiance to the UK and pledge your allegiance to the nation. You will receive your British nationality certificate as well as an information pack detailing your new rights and obligations as a British citizen following this rite.
If you live outside the UK, you may request that your ceremony be held at the embassy or consulate in your home country. Otherwise, you can postpone your function if you intend to return to the UK within three months of receiving your invitation.
After three years of lawful and continuous residency as a settled person in the UK, if you are married to a British citizen, you may apply for naturalisation.
You must meet the following conditions before submitting Form AN, Application for Naturalisation as a British Citizen:
- Being married to a British citizen. You may need to take a different immigration path to obtain permanent residency, if your spouse is a UK resident but does not have a British passport.
- For at least three years prior to your submission, you must have possessed ILR, an EEA permanent residency card, or EU Settled Status.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- The good character requirement must be met and no substantial criminal record, both abroad and in the UK.
- Demonstrate your ability to communicate in written and spoken English. An ESOL exam must be taken or you should provide evidence of being a native English speaker.
- Pass the Test of Life in the UK. This is a prerequisite for someone who wants to become a British citizen.
You would also be required to provide evidence of three years of residency in the UK.
What are the requirements for British Citizenship by birth ?
Not every child born in the UK is automatically granted British citizenship. At least one of the parents must be a British citizen or have settled status in the UK to be eligible.
Children born in the UK to non-British nationals would be automatically classified as dependants, subjected to the same visa restrictions as their parents. You will be required to apply for British citizenship at a later date in such cases.
What are the mandatory British Citizenship by descent requirements ?
British citizenship by descent is granted to those who were born outside the UK to at least one British citizen parent. To put it another way, British nationality cannot be automatically passed on to any child born outside of the UK.
If you have a British-born grandfather who served in the Crown, or if one of your parents was born in a former British colony, and you were born after January 1, 1983, you might be eligible to register for UK nationality by descent.
Can a refugee acquire for British Citizenship ?
The road to nationality and permanent residency in the UK for refugees is divided into three stages, according to the 2009 Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act:
- As a result of their refugee status, they were granted temporary resident status for a period of five years.
- Probationary Citizenship is granted for a period of one to three years after passing an Active Review. Applicants must have a continuing need for security, pass the Life in the UK Test, and have no criminal history.
- Permanent Residency or Full Citizenship.
How can I track my British Citizenship application status ?
Within three to six months, British nationality applications are usually processed. Although, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of requests the Home Office must manage, this timeline may vary.
Since your original passport is not required to be sent with your Naturalisation application, you are free to travel abroad while your case is being processed.
The status of your application cannot be checked online. Nonetheless, you can contact the UKVI at any time to inquire about the status of your submission, either by email or by phone.
Can you renounce British Citizenship or nationality ?
You may apply to get your British citizenship or status revoked. You may choose to do this, for example, to become a citizen of a country that does not accept dual citizenship. On the other hand, you do not have to renounce your status in the UK if you wish to register as a national of a country that requires dual citizenship.
You will obtain a “declaration of renunciation” once your request has been approved. This can be used to show that you are no longer a British citizen. However, this would just have an effect on you. Any other member of your family who is a UK national will be able to stay in the country as they are unaffected by this.
You must be at least 18 years old to renounce your British citizenship. Furthermore, you must fulfill the “sound mind” criterion, which implies you must be legally deemed capable of making your own decisions.
Resumption of British Citizenship
You may apply for resumption if you have given up your status but changed your mind. However, according to the British Nationality Act 1981, this is only possible if “renunciation was needed to allow the applicant to maintain or obtain another nationality.” When applying to have your status restored, you must demonstrate that you still have strong and reasonable links to the UK. While you may have previously been a British national, the Home Office would need to assess your good character before authorising you to regain your citizenship.
Is Dual Citizenship allowed in the UK ?
Dual citizenship is still permitted in the UK and there is no need to renounce previous nationalities. Dual nationality allows you to be a British citizen as well as a citizen of another country of your choosing. Furthermore, UK law provides for multiple citizenships. As a result, even though you have more than one nationality, you may apply for UK Naturalisation.
Dual citizenship does not necessitate registration. You can apply for foreign citizenship in any country that requires dual nationality if you are already a British citizen.
Each county, on the other hand, has its own set of rules about dual nationality. As a result, you should consult with your country’s consulate or embassy to see whether you can keep your status in the UK.
When submitting your application, you should consider a number of factors. As a dual citizen, you cannot, for instance, seek diplomatic assistance from the British government when in any other country where you have a permanent residence.
If you are a British citizen and wish to become a citizen of a country that does not allow dual citizenship, you will have to give up your British citizenship. In certain cases, becoming a British citizen may result in the automatic loss of any previous nationality. Before submitting your application, you should ensure if you need to inform your country of origin of your intention to naturalise in the UK.
