British Citizenship

Although there are many forms of British Nationality, British Citizenship is the only one that allows you to live and work in the UK without a visa. Other forms of British nationality are: British overseas citizenship; British overseas territories citizenship; British national (overseas); British protected person; and British subject. If you are eligible for a British nationality other than citizenship, you may become a naturalised British citizen.

British Naturalisation

To become a naturalised citizen of the UK, you must meet the set of standard eligibility requirements and residential requirements.

Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland automatically receive UK permanent resident status if you live in the UK for a continuous 5-year period through the EEA free-movement rights. After this five year period you will receive a leave to remain and then may apply for citizenship as long as you meet the below requirements.

If you are married to or are the civil partner of a British citizen, see the section below for a different set of requirements.

Standard Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be over 18 years of age;
  • Be of sound mind;
  • Intend to continue living in the UK, or to continue in Crown service, the service of an international organisation of which the UK is a member, or the service of a company or association established in the UK;
  • Have sufficient proficiency in the English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic language;
  • Have sufficient knowledge of life in the UK;
  • Be of good character; and
  • Meet the residential requirements.

 

Residency Requirements:

  • 5 year continuous residence in the UK before the date of your application;
  • Not spent more than 450 days outside of the UK during this 5 year period;
  • Not spent more than 90 days outside of the UK in the year before applying; and
  • Have been living within the laws of the UK Immigration Rules during the entirety of this 5 year period.

Married to a British citizen

Civil partners and spouses of British citizens have a slightly different set of eligibility requirements to naturalize.

Standard Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be over 18 years of age;
  • Be of sound mind;
  • Have sufficient proficiency in the English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic language;
  • Have sufficient knowledge of life in the UK;
  • Be of good character; and
  • Meet the residential requirements; or
  • Your husband, wife or civil partner is a in the Crown or designated service outside of the UK.

Residency Requirements:

  • 3 year continuous residence before the date of applying;
  • Not spent more than 270 days outside of the UK during the 3 year residency requirement;
  • Not spent more than 90 days outside of the UK in the year before applying; and
  • Have been living within the laws of the UK Immigration Rules during the entirety of this 3 year period.

Form AN

Form AN is the Application for naturalisation as a British Citizen. You will fill out the application according to your specific eligibility. You will be required to provide such information as: biographical data; proof of residency requirement; and employment information. If you are an EEA national, Swiss national, or the child, spouse, or civil partner of a UK citizen, you will need to provide evidence of this relationship.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a letter confirming your application. It can take up to 4 weeks for you to get the confirmation. A decision about your application will usually be made within 6 months, although some applications can take longer.

Citizenship ceremonies

You’ll be invited to book a place at a citizenship ceremony if your application is successful and you’re over 18. Your ceremony will usually take place close to where you live. Citizenship ceremonies are organised by local council and are usually done in groups.

How we can help?

British Nationality Act is a very complex area of law, although the form to apply for the nationality looks simple but a small mistake in the application form can result in application being refused and also an ban on future application if you fail to provide correct information on the form.

Visa Professionals has a specialist nationality team and is proud of its reputation in this specialist area of law. We will assess your case and let you know if there is any chance for your application to be rejected.

Call us today on 0203 13708699 or e-mail us details of your query on info@visaprofessionals.com