British Naturalisation
If you are a settled person living in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for British Naturalisation. This process involves a commitment to respect the laws, values, and traditions of the UK. In return, you will be granted the same rights and advantages as any other British national, including the ability to live and work in the UK free from immigration control, apply for a British passport, and vote in local and general elections.
To be eligible for naturalisation, you must hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least a year before your application. This means that you need to qualify for ILR before starting the process of applying for citizenship. The transition from ILR to naturalisation involves meeting various requirements, such as a good character assessment, residence requirement, and passing the Life in the UK test.
If your settled status application under the EU settlement scheme is granted, you will need to wait an additional 12 months before applying for naturalisation, regardless of how long you have lived in the UK beyond the 5-year minimum naturalisation residence requirement.
What are the requirements for Naturalisation?
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
- Applicants must have lived in the UK for at least five years (or three years if married to a British citizen or settled person).
- They must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least 12 months before the naturalisation application.
- The applicant must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the five years of lawful residence, and no more than 90 days in the last 12-month period.
- Applicants must be of good character and not have breached any UK immigration rule.
- They must not have a serious or recent criminal record, and no immigration offences.
- Applicants must pass the Life in the UK test.
- They must also meet the English language requirements, unless exempt.
- Applicants must plan to continue living in the UK once they are a citizen.
- The application fee for naturalisation is £1,330.
- Applicants can apply using an online form or by post using Form AN entitled “Become a British citizen by naturalisation.”
- The residency requirements for naturalisation vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances, such as applying via a Spouse Visa or being an EEA national.
- There are specific requirements for children born in the UK or abroad, including good character assessment and parental nationality.
How we can help?
Our expert Immigration Solicitors have extensive experience in settlement applications and can provide guidance on applying for British citizenship after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). We will ensure that you meet the requirements for ILR and subsequently advise you on meeting the criteria for British Citizenship once you have held ILR for at least one year.
Our team has successfully handled numerous immigration cases and can offer assistance at any stage of the process. Whether you prefer an online consultation or an in-person meeting we are here to help.
Speak to our immigration solicitors today.
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