A family of three — a couple and their adult son — submitted their joint British citizenship application after years of living, working, and studying in the UK. With permanent residence secured through the EU Settlement Scheme, they turned to Whytecroft Ford to guide them through naturalisation.
Their decision to apply together reflected not only their strong ties to the UK but also their shared commitment to making Britain their long-term home. The family, originally from Bulgaria, had lived in the UK since 2014, contributing to their communities and professional sectors, and actively integrating into British life.
Their applications were successfully approved in 3 months, marking the beginning of their lives as British citizens.
Why a Joint Application Was Beneficial
Submitting a joint British citizenship application offered several practical and emotional advantages for the family applying together:
- It demonstrated a shared intention to make the UK a permanent home.
- It allowed the families to move forward in unison, avoiding different timelines or outcomes.
- It provides a streamlined process when it comes to preparation, documentation, and representation.
However, it’s important to note that each applicant met the full legal requirements for Naturalisation. In this case, Whytecroft Ford ensured that every detail for each applicant was aligned with the Home Office’s standards under Section 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981. This included carefully reviewing continuous residence, documentation, and the relevant legal conditions for each family member.
Requirements Met Under Section 6(1)
Each family member successfully met the following criteria for British Citizenship by Naturalisation:
- Over the age of 18 at the time of application
- Of good character (no immigration or criminal issues)
- Met the English language requirement (CEFR B1 level)
- Passed the Life in the UK test
- Lived in the UK lawfully for at least 5 continuous years
- Held Settled Status under Appendix EU for more than 12 months
- Present in the UK exactly 5 years before the application date
- Had not been absent for more than 450 days in the 5 years before applying
- Had not been absent for more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying
- Demonstrated clear intention to make the UK their permanent home
Legal Clarity and Attention to Detail
While the documentation for each applicant varied, our approach remained consistent: ensure accuracy, clarity, and full legal compliance. We reviewed employment records, academic enrolments, tax history, residence documentation, and personal and referee declarations — ensuring every piece aligned with the Home Office’s expectations.
We also highlighted the family’s commitment to life in the UK, from employment in the healthcare and public sectors to higher education enrolment, joint property ownership, and community engagement. Their cohesive family story was central to demonstrating genuine integration.
A Seamless Process and a Shared Outcome
The family submitted their application on 15 March and received a positive decision on 10 June. They were deeply appreciative of the service they received from Whytecroft Ford. Their feedback reflected a strong sense of reassurance and satisfaction.
The clients expressed that the service was professional from start to finish, with exceptional attention to detail. They felt supported throughout each stage of the joint application process, describing our communication as helpful, approachable, and consistently courteous.
This sentiment reinforces our commitment to delivering a service that is not only legally precise but also human-centred.
Why Choose Whytecroft Ford for Citizenship Applications
Whether you’re applying as an individual or as a family, we understand the legal, personal, and practical layers of a British citizenship application. With a proven record of success across family-based and joint submissions, our team is here to make your process seamless. We take care of the complexities, so you can focus on your future in the UK.
Get in touch with us today to start your citizenship journey with confidence. Call our professional team on +44 208 757 5751 or use our contact form.
