There are different ways to apply for British citizenship (or ‘naturalisation’) based on your circumstances. An application for “naturalisation” is an application by an adult who is not a British citizen to become a British citizen. The application is normally made and paid for online, although a paper application form, Form AN, can still be used.
We understand that naturalisation applications can be complex and using the services of an immigration expert are highly recommended. We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. You will need to ensure that you meet all of the mandatory requirements before you apply. You will need to complete the relevant forms and collate your evidence for submission.
What are the main requirements for naturalisation as a British citizen:
You can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation if:
- you are 18 or over
- you are of sound mind
- you are of good character
- you intend to have your main home in the UK, or to start or continue working in Crown service, or in the service of an international organisation that the UK or UK government is a member of, or as an employee of a company or association established in the UK
- you have met the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement
What are the residence requirements of naturalisation for a spouse or civil partner of British citizen:
In addition to above requirements, you must also be able to meet the following:
- been granted indefinite leave to stay in the UK or hold permanent residence status
- lived in the UK for at least the three years before your application is received
- spent no more than 270 days outside the UK in those three years
- spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12 months before you apply
- not broken any immigration laws while in the UK
When can you apply for British Citizenship after ILR:
All applicants for naturalisation should normally be free of immigration time restrictions on the date that they apply for naturalisation. This generally means having Indefinite Leave to Remain, or permanent residence under EU law.
Different rules apply for those married to a British citizen to those who are not:
- For British Citizen spouses the requirement is that the person be free of restrictions at the date of application. This means that an application for naturalisation can be made as soon as the person is granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (or has been issued with a permanent residence document in the case of those to whom EU law applies),
- For non-spouses the requirement is that the person be free of restrictions for 12 months prior to the date of application. This means a person must wait for at least 12 months from being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain or gaining permanent residence, assuming all the other requirements are met.
What documents do you need to provide for British Citizenship:
- Evidence of identity such as passport
- Life in the UK Test Certificate or test reference number
- English Language Test Certificate from a Home Office approved provide in English at B1 CEFR or higher
- Your spouse’s or civil partner’s current passport or naturalisation/registration certificate showing that he/she is a British citizen
- The marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
- HM Revenue & Customs Self-Assessment Statement of Account
- P60s
What is the Life in the UK Test:
You need to take the test as part of your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK. You must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance. It costs £50.
There are over 30 test centres in the UK. You can choose where to take your test when you book. You will have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions based on the Life in the UK handbook. You must take the same ID that you used to book the test. Your photo will also be taken on the day to confirm your ID.
You must score 75% or more to pass the test. You will get a ‘unique reference number’. You will need this number to complete your citizenship or settlement application. The Home Office will use it to check that you have passed.
If you fail the test you must wait 7 days before taking the test again, but you can take the test as many times as you need to. You will need to book and pay again each time.
Citizenship ceremony for British Citizenship
You must attend your citizenship ceremony within three months of the date of the letter confirming approval of your naturalisation application.
At the ceremony you will say an oath of allegiance (or affirmation if you prefer not to say a religious oath) and a pledge of loyalty to the UK. You should tell the local authority whether you intend to make an oath or an affirmation.
What are the benefits of becoming a British citizen
The main benefits are:
- any further child born to you in the UK will be a British citizen by birth
- you will have access to consular assistance abroad from British consulates and high commissions
- you will get through UK passport control much more quickly
Naturalisation Application Assistance/Advice
At Aaryan Solicitors, team of our immigration law specialists’ can advise you and assist with the application process which involves evaluating the merits of making an application, advice you on the supporting documents, submitting your application form and making submissions/cover letter to the Home Office on your behalf.
What can you do if your British Citizenship application is refused:
A refused application can be very distressing and have far reaching consequences. There is no statutory right of appeal against a decision to refuse an application. However, if an applicant believes that their application has been incorrectly refused, they can apply for it to be reconsidered by completing Form NR.
At Aaryan Solicitors, we can advise you on the merits of submitting a reconsideration request or making a fresh application by explaining reasoning for the refusal and see if further evidence can be provided to rectify the issues. If the decision is wrong or not in accordance with law, then that may be challenged by way of Judicial Review.
Why Choose Aaryan Solicitors?
Expert Immigration team: Aaryan Solicitors has a team of expert UK immigration and family visa solicitors who can provide you legal advice and assistance with your British Citizenship application. Headed by partner Vikramjit Singh, an acknowledged immigration law specialist and champion of those whose status here is challenged., we have a track record of successfully pushing through applications efficiently and cost-effectively. Contact us for case assessment, eligibility requirements and supporting documents.
Competitive Prices: We offer a competitive price service without compromising on our service. Our reputation outshines other, larger immigration law firms in London and across the country.
Flexible payment options: We understand that immigration complications often arise without notice which could become difficult in present economic climate therefore we provide flexible payment options. You may pay the agreed fees in instalments each month benefiting your needs, which will be agreed in advance.
Excellent Success Rate: Every application we prepare is tailor-made and thoroughly researched. As a result, our success rate is high. We pride in our highest standard of service as a result of which most of our clients return to us for their other legal matters.
Out of office hour unique service: We provide clients focused service keeping in consideration busy working lifestyle therefore out of office telephone and/or in person appointments are available, subject to prior bookings, from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm weekdays, and on weekends and bank holidays.
To apply for British Citizenship, get in touch with Aaryan Solicitors for professional, no-obligation advice.