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British Citizenship

British citizenship grants you the opportunity to reside permanently in the UK, with the freedom to apply for a British passport, pursue employment and educational opportunities, as well as access social benefits. Familiarize yourself with the associated fees, processing durations, and eligibility criteria for obtaining UK citizenship.

Our qualified immigration solicitors can help if you intend to obtain British citizenship and stay permanently in the UK. To get immediate assistance call us now at 02033844389. We’re always available to help you.

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Overview of British Citizenship

If you are not already a citizen of the UK, you can apply for British citizenship at any time after turning eighteen. In order to obtain British nationality, you have to prove that you have settled in the country for at least three years, either on EU-settled status or Indefinite Leave to Remain. Moreover, you must prove that you did not violate any UK laws, particularly those related to immigration.

After the approval of your British citizenship application, you will be able to reside, study, and do a job in the UK indefinitely, with no immigration limitations. Also, you won’t be concerned about losing your status when you travel and spend time elsewhere.

Contact our team of qualified immigration solicitors to know more about obtaining settled status in the United Kingdom. Call now at 02033844389.

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What are the requirements for British Citizenship?

The British Nationality Act states that to file an application for Naturalisation, a person must fulfil the following criteria related to UK citizenship:

  • over 18.
  • Possess at least five years’ worth of ongoing residence in the UK, with no more than 450 days spent abroad.
  • You must have been in the UK with ILR for at least one year.
  • Fulfil the English language requirements for the B1 CEFR level (unless otherwise accepted).
  • To prove that you understand the fundamentals of British customs, traditions, and culture, qualify for the Life in the UK Test.
  • Show that they fulfil the prerequisite of good character.
  • You must not break any immigration rules in the United Kingdom.

Requirements of Good Character

In order to get British citizenship, one must prove their “good character.” This implies that you don’t have a severe or recent history of criminal activity. In addition, the Home Office will investigate immigration-related issues and any criminal activity committed overseas. However, the UKVI will take into account any community contributions you’ve made.

To know more about the requirements you can call us now at 02033844389.

Guide to British Citizenship Test
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How may I become a British citizen through Naturalization?

Even if you were not born in the UK, you can still apply for British citizenship via the process of naturalisation.

  • You must meet certain needs and be at least 18 years old in order to be eligible. Moreover, you did not commit any serious crime or break any British nationality laws while residing in the UK.
  • Above all, you have to be a settled person who has spent at least a year in the UK (while in possession of ILR).
  • Married British nationals living continuously in the country for three years can apply for naturalisation.

Before sending your application to become a British citizen through naturalisation, make sure you meet any additional requirements.

  • In the final year of your qualifying period, you cannot leave the UK for longer than ninety days.
  • Nor can you exceed a specific total amount of absences from the UK beyond a certain period.
  • Unless you are exempt, you also need to be proficient in English.

You are eligible to qualify for British citizenship by filling out the appropriate naturalisation form from the Home Office. The application procedure normally takes a period of 3 to 6 months. If your request receives approval, you will also receive an invitation to a citizenship ceremony. At the ceremony, you can pick up your Certificate of Naturalization.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Available Immigration Routes for British Citizenship Registration

There are multiple paths to becoming a citizen of the United Kingdom, depending on your situation.

  • Have British nationality by birth or descent: If you were born in the United Kingdom after January 1, 1983, you may be considered a naturalised British citizen by default. Nonetheless, if at least one of your parents is a UK citizen or permanent resident and you were born abroad, you may qualify.
  • British Nationality through Marriage: As a UK citizen’s spouse or civil partner, you must first have resided in the country for at least three years as a settled individual (either with EU-settled status or Indefinite Leave to Remain). Only then you can submit an application for British nationality.
  • Five-year plan: You can request for ILR in the UK after five years of residence. Once you have been a settled citizen for an additional year, you are eligible to become a British national. The same is true for EU as well as EEA citizens on the EU Settled Scheme.
  • Citizenship for those who are “stateless”: You might be able to obtain British citizenship if you are “stateless,” meaning that no nation will recognize you as its citizen. Your country of birth determines both your suitability and the application procedure you have to follow.
  • People who have renounced their nationality: You may be qualified to get your British citizenship back in the future if you reject it.


If you need assistance, the British Citizenship Service is here to help. We’ll guide you on what documents and details to include in your proof. Moreover, we’ll help you find, collect, and assemble all your paperwork. Ensuring it meets all necessary legal standards is our priority.

Get in touch with us right away at 02033844389 to learn more about how we can assist you.

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Which papers do I require to apply for UK Citizenship?

It is crucial to compile a portfolio of documentation proving you have met all the requirements for residency. Do this before applying for British citizenship. As a result, the Home Office will investigate your case quickly.

To obtain British citizenship, you need to submit the following documents to the Home Office:

  • Proof of your identity and status as a permanent resident, such as a valid travel document, passport, or birth certificate.
  • Your residence card, biometric residence permit (BRP), or any other evidence proving your EU-settled status or indefinite leave to remain.
  • Proof of your prior immigration status and your entitlement to stay in the UK, such as any visas you may have had prior to arriving in the country.
  • Evidence of proficiency in English Language and familiarity with UK culture. After passing the ESOL language exam and the Life in the UK Test, you will get a valid pass certificate. You don’t have to retake the Life in the UK Test if you completed it when you got ILR.
  • Proof of legal residence in the UK for the duration of the qualifying period. You must have always obeyed all immigration laws as a UK resident.
  • Travel information for any time you have been away from the UK. To qualify for British citizenship, ensure you’ve spent fewer than 450 days abroad during your five-year residence period.
  • Evidence demonstrates that there are no constraints on your UK immigration time and your entitlement to stay in the country.
  • You are in compliance with the requirement of good character and have never violated any immigration laws in the UK.
  • Provide evidence of recent use of treaty rights based on your immigration status within the last three to five years.
Woman holding a stack of documents for spouse visa application
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How is ILR different from British Citizenship?

Both provide you the freedom to live, work, as well as study in the UK. But there are two unique statuses:

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After five years of ongoing residency in the UK, you can apply for ILR. Once you obtain this status, you will be legally considered a British-settled person. Moreover, you will then be eligible to access public funds, live permanently in the UK, bring your family with you, and enter and exit the nation without applying for a visa.

Before becoming a naturalised citizen of the UK, you must hold ILR. However, it is important to note that if you reside outside the UK for more than 2 years, you could lose your ILR status.

British Citizenship

British Citizenship will give you complete rights and responsibilities such as you have the right to cast a vote in parliamentary and local elections and to get a British passport. The most significant benefit is that you won’t have to worry about losing your status when you travel abroad for a longer period. Call now at 02033844389.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

After receiving ILR, when can I apply for British citizenship?

In general, you can become a British national if you have been in the UK for at least 12 months and have Indefinite Leave to Remain. The same prerequisites apply to citizens of the EU and EEA who have held EU-settled status for a predetermined period of time, as well as those who possess Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK.

In contrast, you can apply for Naturalization as soon as you receive ILR in the UK if you are married to a British citizen.
You cannot stay out of the UK for longer than ninety days in the twelve-month qualifying period. You may be asked about any absences you had prior to submitting your request.

If you have ILR and leave the UK for more than two years, you will lose your status and will not be eligible for British nationality until you have spent extra time in the UK.

After more than five years overseas, EU citizens with settled status will no longer be able to settle in the UK. You have to file a new application if you want your status back.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Advice for British Citizenship Application

Applying for UK Citizenship is a tiresome and time-consuming task. At UK Immigration Solicitors. We dedicate ourselves to assisting all our clients. A professional lawyer will handle your case. He will assess your situation and guide your British Citizenship application. Hand over your stress to our solicitors. Sit back and relax. We’ll handle the rest.

Find out if you are eligible to become a British national by calling us at 02033844389 or submitting an online enquiry.

Our immigration attorneys at UK Immigration Solicitors can support you at every stage of your British nationality case. Your committed lawyer will complete your application form to the highest quality after assessing your eligibility. This involves checking all of your documents to make sure your evidence portfolio is sufficient. To strengthen your case, we can also draft a Letter of Representation.

To start working on your application, give us a call at 02033844389 or schedule an appointment at one of our offices, which are located throughout London, Birmingham, Manchester, and other parts of the UK.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

I want to become a British citizen. How do I apply?

To apply for British Citizenship, you need to submit the application form given by UKVI. Fill out the form completely and submit it along with the required documents.

You must have your fingerprint and photo taken at the closest UKVCAS centre in order to provide your biometric information.
The Home Office may contact you to see if your information can be provided at a local post office. Moreover, you are welcome to contact the Home Office directly if you would like to.

You can send in your documents and forms from within the United Kingdom or from outside the UK. Call us at 02033844389.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Application Form For British Citizenship

You must fill out Form AN, Application for Naturalization as a British Citizen, and submit it along with your request. In order to prove your eligibility, you must fill out every section of the form with specific details about your situation. This includes your resume, proof of address, job status information, and any dependents applying with you.

You also need to provide proof of your relationship if you are registering as a British national’s spouse.

Remember to include the contact information for your two referees, who must sign your form to attest that the data you entered is accurate.

To learn more about the British citizenship application process, call now to your dedicated immigration lawyer at 02033844389. Our experienced UK immigration solicitor will provide you with detailed information.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Who can act as a referee for my application for British citizenship?

Your visa application must be attested by two referees of your choice. They will confirm that the information you have provided in the form is correct. Without the signature of referees your application is not valid and it will not be accepted.

The referees for your British citizenship must not be related to you or one another, and they must have known you for a minimum of three years. They must also not have been convicted of a crime within the ten years prior to the submission of your application.

A professional individual, such as a medical professional, a religious minister, or a member of an association for professionals, must be one of your referees. He or she, however, is not permitted to work for the UKVI or act as your attorney or agent in this case. This individual does not have to be a citizen of the United Kingdom. However, the other referee needs to be a British national with a valid passport. This individual needs to be a licensed professional or at least 25 years old. Call at 02033844389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What is the processing time for a British Citizenship application?

Once you paid the application fees, the Home Office will start processing your case. The UKVI typically decides on applications for British nationality within six months.

You may hear back from the Home Office before the set waiting time, even though you cannot use the Premium Same Day Service to expedite these kinds of applications. While complicated cases usually require longer than the standard six months, the Home Office will review your case more quickly if you provide thorough and sufficient documentation about your situation. Failure to provide all the necessary documentation and supporting evidence is likely to cause delays to your request.

After your application gets approved, you won’t be able to apply for a British passport or obtain your Naturalisation certificate until you are called for your Citizenship Ceremony. Call now at 02033844389.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Overview of Life in the UK Test

This exam, which is also referred to as the British Citizenship Test, consists of 24 questions about British history, customs, and culture that must be known by all British citizens. The Home Office’s Life in the UK Handbook serves as the primary source of information for all of the questions. Those who want to live in the UK must pass this exam, which has a minimum passing score of 75%.

You will be released from the British nationality requirements if you have already resided in the UK and have acquired a pass certificate as part of your eligibility requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The same holds true for people with long-term illnesses or disabilities, as well as those who are between the ages of 18 and 65.

You can schedule your test online. Also, you may only select one of the five centers closest to your home, and you must do this at least three days in advance.

You need to bring any documents that prove your address. Bring the same ID you used to schedule the exam on the exam day. You won’t receive a refund.

Moreover, authorities won’t allow you to take the test without the required documents.

You will receive a notification letter if you pass the exam. Moreover, you must submit it to the UKVI along with your application for permanent residence. On the other hand, if you don’t pass the test, you can retake it as often as necessary.

To know more about British citizenship, call your dedicated immigration advisor at 02033844389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Do I have to qualify for an accredited English test?

You have to show your proficiency in English before you can become a citizen of the United Kingdom.

You must have passed an authorised test center’s recognized English proficiency exam with a minimum of a B1 score in order to be eligible. Only certificates certified by ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) are recognized by the UKVI. Put differently, NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) and GCSEs are ineligible to satisfy this requirement.

It is important to note that some test qualifications are only valid for two years. Only if your certificate was approved for another UK immigration application when you obtained ILR (indefinite leave to remain) EU settled status, or both, will the Home Office accept an expired certificate.

Special Circumstances for English Language Requirements

An English proficiency exam is not necessary if you:

  • Are 65 years of age or older
  • Have an ongoing physical or mental illness
  • possess a degree from an English-language program or study

If you completed your studies abroad, you will need to attest that your degree is equivalent to a UK qualification and that it was taught in English by submitting an Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS).

How to Prepare for the English Language Requirement for UK Visas in 2024
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What is the Ceremony for British Citizenship?

Every applicant over the age of eighteen who is granted naturalisation as a British citizen in the UK must participate in a citizenship ceremony as mandated by the British Nationality Act. The goal is to ensure that British society wholeheartedly welcomes every new British citizen.

You must schedule ceremonies within three months of receiving an invitation from the Home Office. These are private events attended primarily by your council’s mayor or deputy mayor, though you are welcome to invite one guest to your service.

You need to bring both your written confirmation from the Register Office and your invitation letter from the Home Office when you participate in your ceremony. You will need to take an Oath of Allegiance and pledge allegiance to the United Kingdom. After this ceremony, you will get your British nationality certificate along with an information packet describing your new rights and obligations as a citizen of the United Kingdom.

If you don’t live in the UK, you can request that your ceremony be held at the embassy or consulate of your home nation. If not, you may postpone your event if you intend to return to the UK within three months of receiving your invitation. Call at 02033844389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What is the process to get British citizenship through marriage?

If you are married to a British national, you can apply for naturalisation after three years of legal and ongoing residency in the UK as a settled person.

Make sure you fulfil the following conditions before submitting your Form AN, Application for Naturalization as a British Citizen:

  • Having a British citizen as a spouse. In order to obtain permanent residence status, you will need to take an alternative immigration route if your partner is settled in the UK but doesn’t possess a British passport.
  • Possess ILR, an EU-settled status card, or an EEA permanent residence card for a minimum of three years before submitting your application.
  • Have at least eighteen years old.
  • Have a clean record, both domestically and internationally, and are of good character.
  • Show off your proficiency in both written as well as spoken English. Either take an ESOL exam or provide documentation attesting to your nationality in an English-speaking nation.
  • Pass the test for Life in the UK. All applicants who want to become citizens of the United Kingdom must fulfil this requirement.
  • You will need to show that you have lived in the UK for at least three years.
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What are the requirements for obtaining British citizenship by birth?

Not all children born in the UK are granted British citizenship at birth. Actually, at least one parent must be a British citizen or have settled status in order to qualify.

Children born in the United Kingdom to non-British nationals will be automatically recognized as dependents, subject to the same visa regulations as their parents. If so, you might be eligible to apply for British citizenship in the future. Call now at 02033844389

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What are the requirements for becoming a British citizen by descent?

Those who were not born in the United Kingdom and have at least 1 parent who was or is a British citizen are granted British citizenship by descent. In other words, any kid born abroad does not immediately inherit British nationality.

If any parent of yours was born in a former colony of the United Kingdom or if your grandparent was British and served in the Crown, you might qualify for the nationality of UK by descent. This eligibility applies if you were born after January 1, 1983.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Can a refugee apply to become a British citizen?

The 2009 Borders, Citizenship, and Immigration Act states that refugees must pass through three distinct steps in order to get nationality as well as permanent residency in the UK:

  • Because of their asylum status, authorities granted them temporary residence status for five years.
  • After clearing an Active Review, one can obtain probationary citizenship, which lasts one to three years. This implies that candidates have to qualify for the Life in the UK Test, have a continuous need for protection, and have a clean criminal record.
  • Permanent Residency or Full Citizenship.

How can I track the progress of my British Citizenship application?

Authorities typically process applications for British nationality within three to six months. This timeline, however, may vary based on how complicated your case is and how many requests the Home Office has to process.

You can go abroad without restriction while your case is being processed because your original passport is not required to be sent with your Naturalisation form.

There is no online way to check the status of your application. However, you can contact the UKVI at any time to find out the progress of your request by calling or sending an email.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Are you able to give up your nationality or British citizenship?

You have the option to apply to renounce your British citizenship. For example, you may desire to do this to become a citizen of another country that does not permit dual citizenship.

However, it’s important to mention that you don’t have to renounce your UK status if you wish to register as a national of a country that allows dual citizenship.

You will get a “declaration of renunciation” if your request is granted. You can use this to prove that you are not British anymore. But this is just going to affect you. Every other family member will continue to be recognized as a national of the United Kingdom.

You must be at least eighteen years old to renounce your identity as a British national. Furthermore, you must meet the “sound mind” condition, which means that you must be legally regarded as capable of making your own judgments.

Regaining British Nationality

If you gave up your status but then changed your mind, you can ask for a resumption. However, according to the British Nationality Act 1981, this is only permitted if “renunciation was required to enable the applicant to retain or acquire some other nationality.” You must show that you still have reasonable and solid connections to the UK when you apply to restore your status. Although you may have previously been a British national, the Home Office will need to evaluate your good character before reclaiming your status.

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Dual citizenship is always permitted in the United Kingdom because there is no need to renounce former nationalities. If you possess dual nationality, you have the ability to be a citizen of both your chosen country and the United Kingdom.

Additionally, UK law allows individuals to hold multiple citizenships. As a result, even if you currently possess several nationalities, you are still eligible to apply for UK Naturalisation.

For dual citizenship, you do not need to register. If you already have British citizenship, you may apply for foreign citizenship in any country that accepts dual citizenship.

However, every country has its own laws about dual nationality.

As a result, it is critical to verify with your country’s consulate or embassy. This will help you determine if you may keep your status in the UK.

There are a few things you should consider before sending your request. For instance, if you are a dual citizen and are in any other nation where you have another permanent home, you are not eligible to get diplomatic assistance from the British government.

If you are a British citizen and wish to gain citizenship in a country that does not allow dual nationality, you must give up your status. In some cases, becoming a British citizen may result in the loss of any prior nationality. It is wise to confirm whether you must notify your country of origin of your desire to naturalise in the UK before submitting your application.

For personalised assistance call 02033844389

Team of solicitors discussing spouse visa applications.
Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Is it possible to appeal your British citizenship?

Your application for British citizenship may get rejected. You may be able to challenge the decision. You will receive further details regarding your future steps in your letter of refusal. The steps below explain why your citizenship application may be denied:

  • You cannot apply due to your immigration status, nationality, history, or other circumstances.
  • You don’t fit the description of “good character,” therefore you may have a criminal record that disqualifies you, a history of financial difficulties, or other reasons for disrepute.
  • Moreover, you did not meet the residency criteria, which means that you were absent for an excessive amount of time, did not provide enough proof, or broke immigration laws.
  • Not meeting the necessary proficiency requirements in English or failing the Life in the UK Test
  • Failed to provide prompt responses to Home Office inquiries
  • Other disqualifying factors
Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How to appeal a decision about British citizenship?

It is crucial to understand that you do not always have the option to challenge a citizenship decision. This suggests the need for legal counsel to advise you based on your circumstances.

If you believe the Home Office made a mistake based on a law, policy, or process, you may be able to ask them to reconsider their decision by submitting a Request for Reconsideration.

The Home Office is more likely to entertain the request in the following scenarios:

  • The Home Office made a mistake in evaluating your application.
  • Your application was denied without providing you with an opportunity to respond or settle a question.
  • The Home Office claimed that you did not reply to an information request. Even though you did so within the allotted time frame.
  • Additionally, the authorities will reject the application due to a prior criminal conviction, which was later overturned on appeal or withdrawn.
  • The Home Office failed to look at key documents or circumstances in your case.
  • Additional relevant factors

Our experienced UK immigration Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.