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British Citizenship

Immigration lawyers supporting your application for British Citizenship

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If you need legal advice around family or immigration law, get in touch with our team of solicitors. 

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British Citizenship Guidance

UKVS Solicitors are your trusted experts in UK immigration and nationality law. If you are considering becoming a British citizen, we are here to guide you through the entire process with ease and confidence. Whether you’re applying for citizenship through naturalisation, descent, or other routes, our team of experienced solicitors will provide you with clear advice, expert support, and tailored solutions.

We understand that every journey is unique, and we are committed to helping you achieve your goal of becoming a British citizen. Let us help you take the next step towards securing your future in the UK.

Table of Contents

Check if you can become a British citizen

There are various routes available to apply for British citizenship (or ‘naturalisation’), depending on your individual situation.

If you qualify through multiple routes, you can choose the one that suits you best.

If you’ve already submitted your citizenship application, you will need permission to stay in the UK until your citizenship is granted. This permission should remain valid until after your citizenship ceremony.

If you hold indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, this will count as your permission to stay.

The deadline to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme for most individuals was 30 June 2021. If you missed this deadline, you may still be eligible to apply.

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Obtaining UK Citizenship

At UKVS Solicitors, we offer expert guidance to help you achieve British citizenship. Our experienced immigration lawyers will assist you every step of the way, from determining your eligibility to preparing your application and ensuring all required documents are complete. We make sure your application meets the Home Office’s stringent criteria for citizenship, maximising your chances of success.

If your citizenship application is unsuccessful, our team can help you understand the reasons for the refusal and provide advice on the next steps, including options for appeal or reapplication. We offer tailored support to resolve any issues, ensuring your case is handled with care.

Once granted British citizenship, UKVS Solicitors will continue to support you with advice and services to make your transition to full citizenship as smooth as possible. With UKVS Solicitors by your side, you can confidently navigate the complexities of the citizenship process.

Table of Contents

Routes to British Citizenship

If You Were Born in the UK

Being born in the UK does not automatically grant you British citizenship. Your eligibility depends on your birth date and your parents’ circumstances. You should check whether you are a British citizen.

If you were born in the UK and are not automatically a British citizen, you may still be eligible to apply for citizenship.

If You Are Married to or in a Civil Partnership with a British Citizen

To apply as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen, you must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years. Additionally, you must hold one of the following:

  • Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
  • Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you meet these criteria, you can apply for citizenship immediately.

If You Have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Typically, you can apply for ILR after living in the UK for 5 years. To apply for citizenship with ILR, you must usually have lived in the UK for 12 months after receiving it.

If You Have Settled Status Under the EU Settlement Scheme

To apply for citizenship with settled status, you must generally have lived in the UK for 12 months after obtaining it.

If You Haven’t Applied to the EU Settlement Scheme

You might still be able to apply for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, which you can then use to apply for citizenship.
While the deadline for most people to apply was 30 June 2021, you may still be able to apply if you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for missing the deadline.

Other Ways You May Be Eligible

You could be eligible for citizenship if:

  • You have a British parent
  • You hold another type of British nationality
  • Your parent has British overseas territories citizenship
  • You are stateless
  • You previously renounced your citizenship
  • Special circumstances apply to your case
  • You are a Chagossian descendant (a direct descendant of someone born in the British Indian Ocean Territory)

If You’re a Commonwealth Citizen

You may be eligible to apply for citizenship under the Windrush Scheme if both of the following are true:

  • You or one of your parents arrived in the UK before 1973
  • You’ve lived in the UK and have not been absent for more than 2 years

If your parent arrived before 1973, you must have either:

  • Been born in the UK, or
  • Arrived in the UK before the age of 18

The Process of Becoming a British Citizen

The process for becoming a British Citizen will vary depending on your visa and immigration status. 

1. Eligibility Assessment

The first step in obtaining British citizenship is to determine your eligibility. There are various routes to British citizenship, and your eligibility depends on your immigration status, residence history, and specific circumstances. Some common pathways include:

  • Naturalisation: This route is typically available to individuals who have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for a certain period.
  • Registration: Certain individuals, such as those born to British parents or those who have lived in the UK for a specific period, may be eligible for registration as a British citizen.
  • Ancestry: If you have British ancestry, you might qualify for citizenship through this route.
  • Spouse or Partner: Spouses and partners of British citizens may be eligible for citizenship after meeting specific criteria.

If you are in the early stages of your immigration process and need help with any of the applications we have listed above, our experts will be able to support you. 

2. Meeting the Requirements

There are specific requirements that are required to obtain British citizenship, but these can vary depending on your pathway. 

Some of the most common requirements needed for British Citizenship include:

  • Residency: You must demonstrate that you have lived in the UK for a specified period, often with no more than a certain number of days spent outside the country.
  • Good Character: Applicants must have a clean legal record and be of good character.
  • Language Proficiency: Depending on your pathway, you may need to demonstrate your proficiency in English and/or knowledge of life in the UK.
  • Financial Criteria: Some routes to citizenship may require you to meet certain financial requirements.
3. Your Application

You will need to complete the relevant application form and provide supporting documents to prove your eligibility and meet the requirements. If you need help with your supporting documents, UK Visa Specialists can help you with making sure you submit everything correctly.

4. The Citizenship Test and Interview

Part of the application process may include you having to take an test, often referred to as the “Life in the UK” test, which assesses their knowledge of British culture, history, and values. Some Immigrants may also be invited for an interview as part of the assessment process.

5. Attending the Citizenship Ceremony

Upon the successful completion of your application, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your certificate of British citizenship.

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FAQs

How long does it take?​

It will take UKVS experts no longer than 2 or 3 weeks to complete the processing of your application. In this time, we will discuss the contents of your application and the supporting documents with you.

You should try and apply up to 3 months prior to the date you are expected to start the job in the UK. Once applied, you’ll get a decision within 3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK) and 8 weeks (if applying to switch from another route from inside the UK).

You can apply for a quicker decision from inside the UK. If you are outside the UK however, the option to request a faster decision depends on which country you are applying from.

How long can you stay?​

Your visa can be valid for any term ranging from three years to five years. Your employer will set the terms and length of your visa based on how long they require you to work for them.

It is common for someone to be sponsored initially for three years and later apply to extend (if you remain with the same employer) or update their visa (if you change jobs or employers).

If your partner or children are applying with you as dependents, they will also be granted the same length of visa as you. If your partner or children apply at a later date their visa will be valid upto the same date as your visa, after which you will apply to extend together.

How much does it cost?

You usually pay £1,330 to apply for adult citizenship or £1,012 for children. If you’re applying for citizenship as an adult you’ll also have to pay:

  • £50 to do the Life in the UK Test

  • around £150 if you have to do an English test

You will not get most of your money back if your application is refused – for example, if you’re not eligible or you sent the wrong documents.

What about family members?

Your partner and children can also apply to come with you or join you in the UK as your ‘dependants’. They will be eligible if they are any of the following:

  • your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
  • your child under 18 – including if they were born in the UK during your stay
  • your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You must provide proof of your relationship to your partner or child for their application to be successful. You must also pay a separate fee for each dependent and show additional funds for their maintenance for the first 28 days when they arrive in the UK.

Get Legal Support

If you would like more advice or to discuss your legal matter with one of our solicitors, you can contact our team on 0161 843 9000 or complete our enquiry form at the top of the page.

Contact Us

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106 Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JY

Manchester Office

First Floor Offices, 94 Withington Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 8FA

Contact

  • Email:
    info@myukvs.co.uk
  • Manchester Office:
    +44 161 843 9000
  • Rochdale Office:
    +44 1706 276803
UKVS
Specialised in personal and business immigration.

UKVS Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 

Registered office address is 106 Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JY.

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