Joint Applications for British Citizenship

by Whytecroft Ford | Mar 14, 2023 | British Citizenship, Naturalisation

In this post, we explore the topic of joint applications for British citizenship. Becoming a British citizen can be a complicated process, requiring applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria and provide extensive documentation. However, for family members who wish to acquire British nationality, there is an option to apply together as a unit (adults and children), which can offer some unique benefits.

Benefits of applying for joint British citizenship

A joint British citizenship application allows couples and families to apply for citizenship together, making the process more streamlined and efficient. Instead of submitting separate applications and documentation, a joint application can be submitted with all the required documentation for everyone included in the application. This can save time and reduce the administrative burden.

However, it’s important to understand that each applicant in a joint application must meet the citizenship criteria individually. For example, in a family of four adults (over 18), the father, mother and two children must meet the criteria for Naturalisation under Section 6 (1) of the British Nationality Act 1981.

A benefit of a joint application is that you may become British citizens simultaneously. However many of the costs associated with the application process, such as application fees, and language tests, are the same regardless of whether you apply individually or as a group.

There may be situations where it is beneficial to apply separately, particularly if one applicant’s eligibility is uncertain or risky. Applying separately can sometimes be a strategic choice to avoid delays or refusals.

What are the Requirements of British Citizenship by Naturalisation

To be eligible for British Citizenship by Naturalisation under the British Nationality Act 1981, each applicant must:

Be over 18 at the date of application.
Have been a resident in the UK for 5 years, or 3 years if married to a British Citizen
Have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the 5 years before applying, or 270 days during the 3 years before applying if married to a British Citizen.
Have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days during the 12 months leading up to the application.
Prove your knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic.
Have sufficient knowledge of Life in the UK by passing the Life in the UK test.
Illustrate good character, meaning that you have not broken any UK laws.
Be of sound mind.
Be free from Immigration time restrictions for at least 12 months, meaning you have held Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status for 12 months before applying unless married to a British Citizen, in which case the 12-month period does not apply.
Intend to make the UK your permanent home for the foreseeable future.

Documents Required for a Joint British Citizenship Application

A joint application can simplify the application process, as all required documents for each applicant are submitted together. However, it is important to ensure that each person included in the application meets the necessary criteria and submits the correct supporting documents. Below is a general list of the key documents required:

Completed Application Form Each individual applying, including both adults and children, must have their details filled in on the appropriate sections of the application form.
Valid Passport or Travel Document Proof of identity and nationality, such as a valid passport or other official travel document, must be submitted for every applicant.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) If you hold a BRP, it should be included as part of your application. Applicants with Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme may not have a BRP Card rather they can prove their immigration status by generating a share code.
Proof of Residency Documents demonstrating that each applicant has been resident in the UK for the qualifying period (e.g., 5 years or 3 years if married to a British citizen). This may include P60s, letters from employers, utility bills, or tenancy agreements.
Evidence of English Language Proficiency Proof of meeting the English language requirement, such as a language test certificate (IELTS or equivalent) or a degree taught in English. Certain nationalities are exempt from this requirement.
Life in the UK Test Certificate A certificate confirming that each applicant (aged 18 or over) has passed the Life in the UK test, which is a mandatory requirement for naturalisation.
Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate If applying based on marriage or civil partnership to a British citizen, an official marriage or civil partnership certificate must be included.
Proof of Good Character Documentation that supports the “good character” requirement, such as a disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or evidence showing that no laws have been broken, if required.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status Proof For applicants who are not married to a British citizen, proof that you have held ILR or Settled Status for at least 12 months before applying.
Two Referees You will need to provide details of two referees for each applicant. One referee must be a British citizen who is a professional, and the other must be someone who has known the applicant personally for at least three years.
Children’s Birth Certificates (if applicable) For families applying jointly with children, birth certificates for each child included in the application are necessary to verify parentage.
Photographs Recent passport-sized photographs of each applicant, including children, must be submitted.

The documentation required in your application will depend on your circumstances, and it is advisable to seek professional guidance if you are unsure about any aspect of your application.