When applying for British Citizenship by Naturalisation, one of the most common concerns we hear from applicants is: “How long does the process take?” This guide outlines the standard timeline for a British Citizenship application under Form AN, based on official Home Office guidance and our professional experience advising on UK Citizenship matters. Understanding how each stage works — from submission to ceremony — will help you avoid delays, remain compliant, and successfully prepare for the final step in your journey to becoming a British citizen.
Legal Framework: Section 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981
The statutory requirements for naturalisation as a British citizen are set out in law under Section 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981. Applicants must meet the following criteria at the date of application:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have lived in the UK for at least five years and meet the residence requirements
- Be free from immigration time restrictions (e.g. hold Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status) for at least 12 months
- Demonstrate knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic at B1 CEFR level or above
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Be of good character, with no serious criminal or immigration violations
- Be of sound mind
- Intend to make the UK your permanent home
To read more on the residence requirements, visit British Citizenship Residency Requirements.
Different requirements apply if you are married to a British citizen under Section 6(2), including a shorter qualifying period of three years, no requirement to hold ILR for 12 months, and no need to prove intention to remain permanently.
To read more about applying based on your marriage to a British Citizen, visit British Citizenship by Marriage – Eligibility & Process.
Key Stages in the British Citizenship Application Timeline
1. Submission of Form AN
The naturalisation process begins when you submit your Form AN application online and pay the required fees.
- Naturalisation application fee: £1,605
- Citizenship ceremony fee: £130
- Total: £1,735
If applying by post (e.g. from the Channel Islands or an overseas territory), your application is considered received when it is logged by the Home Office.
You must have been physically present in the UK exactly five years before the application date — or three years if applying as a spouse or civil partner of a British citizen. Being even one day out could result in a refusal.
2. Acknowledgement of Citizenship Application
Following successful online submission and payment, you will receive an acknowledgement email confirming receipt of your application. This usually arrives within a few hours. Your unique reference number (UAN) is essential for booking biometrics and making enquiries with the Home Office UKVI.
Ensure you check your spam/junk folder and save this email, as it is your formal confirmation that the application has entered processing.
3. Biometric Enrolment Appointment
Shortly after submission, you will be invited to attend a biometric enrolment appointment to provide your fingerprints, facial photograph, and signature. The appointment process may take 10-20 minutes. This appointment is typically booked at a UKVCAS centre managed by TLScontact.
There is no additional fee for biometrics within the UK, although premium appointment slots may incur additional charges.
The six-month service standard begins from the date your biometrics are enrolled, not the date the application was submitted. For instance, if you apply on 5 April but attend your appointment on 25 April, your processing time starts from 25 April.
4. Home Office UKVI Processing Time
The Home Office UKVI aims to process Form AN applications within six months of biometric enrolment. During this period, caseworkers will verify your:
- Application in line with the statutory requirements
- Immigration history (including lawful residence and visa compliance)
- Criminal record, both in the UK and overseas
- Absences from the UK over the qualifying period
- Compliance with the good character requirement
- Accuracy and completeness of supporting documents and referee information
While many applications are processed within 2–4 months, some can take longer, especially if further enquiries or clarifications are needed. The Home Office UKVI may exceed their six-month service standard.
Common Reasons for Delays in British Citizenship Application Timeline:
- Inaccurate information on the application form (e.g. errors in name, place of birth, or dates)
- Failure to disclose previous convictions or cautions
- Referees who do not meet Home Office criteria. See: British Citizenship Referees – FAQs
- Missing or poorly scanned documents
- Complex immigration or nationality history
- Administrative backlog or high application volumes
See: Why is My Citizenship Application Delayed?
5. Decision Notification
You will receive a decision letter or email from the Home Office confirming whether your application has been:
- Approved – with instructions to attend a citizenship ceremony, or
- Refused – including reasons and next steps
There is no right of appeal in naturalisation refusals. However, you may request a reconsideration in limited circumstances, or reapply once any deficiencies are corrected.
See: Common Reasons for British Citizenship Refusals
6. Citizenship Ceremony Invitation
Once approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within three months of receiving your invitation.
The invitation will direct you to contact your local authority to book your place at a group ceremony (included in the fee) or a private ceremony (subject to additional cost).
You are not legally a British citizen until you attend the ceremony and receive your Certificate of Naturalisation.
7. Attending the Citizenship Ceremony
At the ceremony, you will:
- Take an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance
- Pledge loyalty to His Majesty the King and the United Kingdom
- Receive your Certificate of Naturalisation
This certificate is the definitive legal document proving your British citizenship. The ceremony is a formal but celebratory event, often held in a civic or historic venue, and attended by local officials.
8. Post-Ceremony – Final Steps
BRP Card: If you previously held a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), it becomes invalid once you are naturalised. The Home Office no longer requires BRPs to be returned. Instead, you may store it safely in your records. There are no penalties or fines associated with BRP disposal under current guidance.
Apply for Your First British Passport: You are now eligible to apply for a British passport. You will need to:
- Submit your Certificate of Naturalisation
- Provide photographic ID and proof of identity (e.g. previous passport or travel document)
- Use either the online service or Post Office Check & Send
- Processing times can vary from 3 to 6 weeks, although expedited services are available in urgent cases. You should not make firm travel plans until your passport is received.
British Citizenship Application Timeline Example
Sophie had lived in the UK since 2017 and was granted Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme in January 2023. By January 2024, she had held indefinite leave for the required 12 months and met the eligibility criteria to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation under Section 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981.
Her application was prepared carefully, ensuring her absences were within permitted limits, her referees met the Home Office requirements, and that she was physically present in the UK on the relevant date five years earlier.
Timeline Breakdown
| Stage | Date | Comments |
| Form AN submitted online | 15 January 2024 | Applied after confirming physical presence in the UK on 15 Jan 2019 |
| Acknowledgement email received | 15 January 2024 | UKVI Confirmation received the same day |
| Biometric appointment booked | 17 January 2024 | Appointment booked at the nearest UKVCAS centre |
| Biometrics enrolled | 19 January 2024 | Biometric enrolment was completed two working days later |
| Home Office UKVI processing begins | 19 January 2024 | Formal six-month processing clock started |
| Approval email received | 29 February 2024 | Approval granted 6 weeks after biometrics |
| Citizenship ceremony invitation | 29 February 2024 | Invitation to schedule ceremony with local authority |
| Citizenship ceremony attended | 5 March 2024 | Oath taken; Certificate of Naturalisation issued |
| BRP destroyed | 6 March 2024 | BRP securely destroyed as no longer valid |
| British passport application submitted | 7 March 2024 | Passport expected within 3 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but with caution. You must maintain valid immigration status during the entire process and be available to attend your ceremony within three months of approval.
While the majority of cases are decided within the six-month guideline, some take longer due to additional checks or case complexity. You may contact the Home Office UKVI if no decision has been received after this period.
You may apply immediately after the citizenship ceremony, once your Certificate of Naturalisation has been issued. Allow several weeks for passport processing and do not book travel until your passport is received.
Whytecroft Ford – Legal Support for British Citizenship Applications
The British naturalisation process under Form AN involves strict legal requirements, detailed documentation, and substantial financial commitment. At Whytecroft Ford, we offer:
- Eligibility assessments under Section 6(1) or 6(2) BNA 1981
- Strategic review of absences, criminal history, and good character issues
- Pre-submission audits to reduce risk of refusal
Contact our friendly professional team for support or assistance with your application for British Citizenship by Naturalisation, call us on 0208 757 5751 or use our contact form.
