British citizenship by naturalisation is a process by which individuals who are not British nationals can acquire British citizenship. This process is governed by the British Nationality Act 1981, which sets out the requirements and procedures for naturalisation. You may have many questions if you are considering applying for British citizenship by naturalisation. In this post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about British citizenship by naturalisation.
Who is eligible for British citizenship by naturalisation?
To be eligible for British citizenship by naturalisation, you must be at least 18 years old and have lived in the UK for a certain period. The standard requirement is five years of continuous residence in the UK. However, if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you may be eligible for naturalisation after three years of continuous residence.
How do I apply for British citizenship by naturalisation?
To apply for British citizenship by naturalisation, you must complete the AN application form and submit it to the Home Office. You must also pay the application fee, currently set at £1,330. You must also meet the requirements for naturalisation, such as the residency requirement, and provide supporting documents to prove your eligibility.
To discuss your application for British Citizenship by Naturalisation with an experienced immigration adviser, call our team on +442087575751 or use our contact form.
When can I apply for British citizenship by naturalisation?
When applying, you must be free from immigration time restrictions. Usually, this means that you have indefinite leave to remain status. Unless you are married to a British citizen, you must hold ILR status for 12 months before applying.
What documents must I provide to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation?
You will need to provide several documents to support your application, including proof of identity, proof of residence, proof of English language proficiency, and proof of knowledge of life in the UK. You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.
How long does it take to process an application for British citizenship by naturalisation?
The processing time for an application for British citizenship by naturalisation can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the application and the volume of applications being processed at the time. However, the current processing time is typically around six months.
Can I pay to speed up the processing time for my application?
Unfortunately, there is no option to speed up the application processing time.
Do I need to take the Life in the UK test to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation?
Yes, you will need to pass the Life in the UK test to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation. The test assesses your knowledge of British customs, history, and culture.
Do I need to have a certain level of English language proficiency to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation?
Yes, you will need to demonstrate a certain English language proficiency level to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation. There are several ways to demonstrate your proficiency, including passing an approved English language test or obtaining a degree taught in English.
How much does it cost to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation?
The current fee for an application for British citizenship by naturalisation is £1,330. This fee is subject to change, so check the most up-to-date fee schedule before submitting your application.
Can I apply for British citizenship by naturalisation if I have a criminal record?
When applying for naturalisation, you must demonstrate that you meet the Good Character Requirement. Having a criminal record may impact your eligibility for British citizenship by naturalisation. You may not be eligible for naturalisation if you have a serious criminal conviction. However, minor or non-violent criminal convictions may not necessarily disqualify you from naturalisation.
Can I apply for British citizenship by naturalisation if I have received public funds?
If you have received public funds, such as benefits or housing assistance, during your residency in the UK, this may impact your eligibility for British citizenship by naturalisation.
Can I apply for British citizenship by naturalisation if I have spent time outside of the UK during my residency period?
You can spend a certain amount of time outside the UK during your residency, but there are limits. If you have spent more than 450 days outside of the UK during the five-year residency period (or more than 270 days outside of the UK during the three-year residency period for spouses/civil partners of British citizens), your application may be denied.
Can I apply for British citizenship by naturalisation if I do not live in the UK?
One of the requirements for naturalisation is that the applicant intends to reside in the UK permanently for the foreseeable future. If you do not fulfil this requirement, your application may fail.
Can I apply for British citizenship by naturalisation if I am an EU citizen?
If you are an EU citizen, you may be eligible for British citizenship by naturalisation if you have lived in the UK for at least five years and have obtained settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Can I apply jointly with my family?
You may be able to make a joint naturalisation application depending on your circumstances.
Do I need comprehensive sickness insurance to apply for British citizenship?
EU and EEA nationals will no longer need to provide evidence of Comprehensive Sickness Insurance to prove their continuous and lawful residence in the UK for British citizenship.
Can I lose my British citizenship by naturalisation?
It is possible to lose your British citizenship by naturalisation if you obtained it through fraud, false representation, or concealment of material fact. Additionally, you may lose your citizenship if you commit a serious crime or engage in activities that are deemed to be against the interests of the UK.
How can we help
If you are considering applying for British citizenship by naturalisation, an experienced immigration adviser from our team can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the complex process. Here are some of the ways that we can help:
- Eligibility assessment: We can help you determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for British citizenship by naturalisation, including the residency requirement and other criteria.
- Document preparation: We can assist you in gathering and preparing all the necessary documents for your application, including proof of residency, identity, and character references.
- Application submission: We can help you submit your application to the Home Office, ensuring that all the required documents and information are included and submitted on time.
- Communication with the Home Office: We can communicate with the Home Office on your behalf, answering any questions they may have and providing additional information if necessary.
To discuss your application for British citizenship by naturalisation, contact our friendly professionals on +442087575751 or use our contact form.
