Apply For British Citizenship
British Naturalisation allows foreign nationals that have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK to become British citizens. To qualify for Naturalisation you should have been free from immigration time restrictions during the last 12 months of the residential qualifying period, which means holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for 12 months.
Requirements for UK Naturalisation Application:
- You must hold ILR for 12 months
- You must be of sound mind
- You must intend to continue living in the UK
- You must be able to communicate in English
- You must be of good character
- Life in the UK test certificate
After approval of your application, you will be invited to a Citizenship ceremony to undertake an Oath and Pledge of loyalty.
You will then be awarded your Certificate of Naturalisation which is a certificate of proof of British Citizenship. Once British Citizenship has been granted, you will be eligible for a British passport.
How can we help you?
UK Immigration & Nationality laws keep changing and complicated. We can help you to secure your British Citizenship and guide you through the whole process with our experienced and competent OISC registered advisor.
We provide:
- Feedback on all of your documents’ eligibility
- Advice on the exact documentation needed for your application
- Complete the application form
- Cover letter with explaining and arguing why your case should be approved
- Represent your case to the Home Office and deal with all correspondence
In addition to this we also Guarantee
No Win No Fee
We are regulated by the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) and registered with the UK Border Agency Public Enquiry Office (PEO) Croydon. We are not part any UK Government Body or affiliated with it.
Please note that our fee will not cover any disbursements to be incurred by us on your behalf e.g. UKVCAS appointment charge, Home Office fee etc.
If you would like to apply for your visa through us and take advantage of No Win No Fee service please contact us via below web form.
Alternatively, you can apply directly to UKVI without using our service. While applying visa application directly to UK Boarder Agency yourself could save you money in the short term, the benefits of using our services could outweigh many risks and implications that you could face in the long run.
British Citizenship by Naturalisation – FAQ
What should I do If my British naturalisation application is refused?
If your British naturalisation application gets refused, it is essential to take the right steps to explore your options. Firstly, carefully review the decision letter from the Home Office to understand the reasons for the refusal. Seek assistance from an immigration advisor who specialises in citizenship application refusals. They can provide guidance based on your specific case and recommend the best course of action.
Here are some possible steps you may consider:
- Submit a fresh application: In some cases, submitting a completely new application with revised documentation and addressing the concerns raised in the refusal may be the best option.
- Seek an Administrative Review: If you believe there was an error made by the Home Office in processing your application, you may have the option to request an Administrative Review. This allows you to challenge the decision internally within the Home Office.
- Lodge an appeal: If the option is available, you might be able to appeal the refusal. An immigration solicitor can assess the viability of an appeal and provide guidance on the necessary steps and documentation.
- Request a Judicial Review: In certain circumstances, you may be able to seek a Judicial Review, where a court will review the legality of the decision made by the Home Office. This is typically a complex and time-sensitive process, so it is advisable to consult with an immigration advisor experienced in Judicial Reviews.
Remember, time is of the essence in such situations, as there are usually strict timelines for filing reviews or appeals. It is crucial to seek legal advice promptly after receiving the refusal. Speaking to an immigration advisor who understands the grounds for refusal can greatly assist in identifying the best approach to overcome the obstacles in your case.
If you have had your naturalisation application refused, we are here to help. Please call our dedicated team of immigration advisors at 02085726386 to discuss your situation and receive expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Can I hold dual Nationality in the UK?
Yes, it is permissible to hold dual nationality in the UK. Under UK nationality and immigration laws, individuals are allowed to become UK citizens and also maintain citizenship of another country simultaneously. It is crucial to note, however, that while the UK permits dual nationality, some countries have specific restrictions and do not recognize or allow dual nationality. Therefore, before applying for dual nationality in the UK, it is strongly advised to check the regulations of the other country in which you hold citizenship to ensure they allow for dual nationality.
What is the processing time for a British passport application?
The processing time for a British passport application typically takes around 5 weeks.
How can I apply for British passport after obtaining British Citizenship?
To apply for a British passport after obtaining British citizenship through naturalisation, you can follow these steps:
- Begin by completing the online application for a British passport.
- Ensure that you have a digital photo that meets the requirements set by the Home Office.
- Be prepared to submit any additional documents that may be requested during the application process.
- Pay the application fee, which is £75.50 for adults and £49 for children.
- If necessary, you may need to have someone confirm your identity.
- After completing these steps, your application will enter the standard processing time, which typically takes around 5 weeks.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive your British passport, allowing you to enjoy the privileges and benefits associated with British citizenship.
By following these steps, you will be able to successfully apply for a British passport after gaining citizenship through naturalisation.
What should I do if Home Office has any questions regarding my application?
If the Home Office has any questions regarding your application, it is crucial to take prompt action. In such a situation, they will reach out to you for further information or clarification. It is highly recommended that you respond to any queries as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of application rejection. We suggest aiming to reply within one week whenever feasible. By promptly addressing the Home Office’s questions, you can help ensure a smoother processing of your application.
To apply for naturalisation, you will be required to provide details of two referees who have known you personally for a minimum of three years. There are specific requirements for both personal and professional referees.
Who can be my personal naturalisation referee and what are their requirements?
Your personal naturalisation referee should be a British citizen or a professional individual who is at least 25 years old. This person should have a close personal relationship with you, such as a friend, neighbour, or colleague. They must be able to provide a suitable personal reference, which should showcase your character and suitability for naturalisation.
On the other hand, your professional naturalisation referee should be someone with professional standing. This could include individuals such as lawyers, police officers, accountants, or other professionals in recognized fields. They should be able to provide a reference that highlights your good moral character, integrity, and adherence to the law.
Both referees should have known you for a minimum of three years to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of your character and suitability for naturalisation. It’s important to note that the details of both referees, including their contact information, should be provided in your application.
By including references from these individuals, you can demonstrate to the relevant authorities that you have valuable personal and professional connections who can vouch for your eligibility to become a naturalized citizen.
What is the process for applying for naturalisation online?
Applying for naturalisation online involves the following process. To initiate the application, individuals are required to access the official Home Office website. Once on the website, they must complete an application form, which is specifically designed for naturalisation applications. This form encompasses various essential details that need to be provided, such as personal information, residency history, and contact details.
To ensure the accuracy of the application, it is crucial to provide a comprehensive and truthful account of one’s details. Therefore, applicants should take their time to carefully fill out the form and ensure all the required fields are completed. In addition to personal information, applicants may also need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of residency, proof of language proficiency, and any relevant identification documents. These documents will vary based on the individual’s circumstances, and it is important to review the specific requirements outlined by the Home Office.
Once the application form and supporting documentation are submitted online, they will be securely processed by the Home Office. The processing time for naturalisation applications can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case and the current workload of the Home Office. It is essential for applicants to be patient during this stage and refrain from making multiple inquiries regarding their application status, as this may delay the process further.
After the application has been processed and evaluated, applicants will receive a decision from the Home Office. This decision can come in the form of an approval or a rejection. In the case of approval, individuals will be given further instructions on the next steps, such as attending a citizenship ceremony and obtaining their naturalisation certificate. If the application is rejected, the Home Office will provide reasons for the decision, and individuals may have the option to file an appeal or reapply if eligible.
Overall, the online naturalisation application process involves completing the citizenship application form on the Home Office website, including providing necessary supporting documentation and patiently awaiting a decision from the Home Office. It is important for applicants to thoroughly read the instructions and guidelines provided by the Home Office to ensure a successful application.
What are the requirements for citizenship if you are married to or the civil partner of a British citizen?
If you are married to or the civil partner of a British citizen and are seeking citizenship, the requirements are as follows:
- Residence: You need to have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years before you apply for citizenship. For example, if you submit your application to the Home Office on 05/05/2022, you must have been residing in the UK on or before 06/05/2019.
- Absence requirement: During the 3-year period, you must not have been outside of the UK for more than a total of 270 days. This is the maximum allowable time you can spend outside the UK while applying for British citizenship.
- Recent absence: Furthermore, you must not have been outside the UK for more than 90 days within the 12 months leading up to your application for naturalisation.
These are the primary requirements that need to be fulfilled if you are married to or the civil partner of a British citizen and intend to apply for British citizenship.
What are the requirements for naturalisation if you have indefinite leave to remain or EU Settled Status?
To naturalize as a British national with indefinite leave to remain or EU Settled Status, you must meet certain requirements:
- Residency: You should have resided in the UK for a minimum of 5 years. Additionally, you must have held one of the following statuses for at least 1 year:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK
- Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK
- Marriage, Civil Partnership, or Relationship: If you are applying based on your marriage, civil partnership, or relationship to a British national, you are exempted from the one-year residence requirement.
- Other eligibility criteria for naturalization include:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Physical Presence: You need to provide evidence that you have been physically present in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands for the 5 years preceding the date your UK naturalization application is received by the Home Office. For example, if your application is received on 05/05/2022, you should have been physically present in the UK on or after 05/05/2017.
- Absences from the UK: You should not have been outside of the UK for more than 450 days during the 5-year period preceding your application. Additionally, you should not have been outside of the UK for more than 90 days during the 12-month period leading up to your application.
- Language Requirement: You must be able to prove your knowledge of the English language. However, if you have sufficient knowledge of Welsh or Scottish Gaelic, you may also apply.
- Mental Capacity: You should be of sound mind to understand the implications of becoming a UK citizen.
- Life in the UK Test: You must have successfully passed the life in the UK test.
- Intention to Reside: It is necessary to demonstrate your intention to continue living in the UK once you acquire UK citizenship.
- Good Character: You must possess good character and not have breached the immigration rules.
By meeting these requirements, you will be eligible to pursue naturalization as a British national with indefinite leave to remain or EU Settled Status.