For many migrants, applying for British citizenship or nationality is the final step in the immigration process. As a British citizen, you have full rights to live, work, and travel in the United Kingdom. You have complete freedom to enter and exit the country.
Anyone who has spent a significant amount of time in the United Kingdom, for 5 years or more, can apply for settlement in the United Kingdom if they match the qualification criteria. Then after a while, they can apply for British citizenship.
Citizenship is extremely unusual to be withdrawn, thus getting British citizenship will provide you and your family peace of mind and you can plan your permanent residence in the UK.
An individual can obtain British citizenship through several routes. However, naturalisation is the most well-known method of obtaining citizenship.
British citizenship application process
Applicants from other countries can apply for British Citizenship online. You’ll need to complete an online application form and answer all of the questions that pertain to your application. Before applying, you can make changes and download it.
The sort of British citizenship application form you use is determined by the type of citizenship application you are making. The majority of citizenship applications in the United Kingdom are processed online. As a candidate, you should first determine the type of citizenship application you need and then fill out the form online. Payment would be done online as well, and you’d be able to upload supporting documents and schedule a biometric appointment through a separate portal.
Some paper application forms are still available to fill out and mail in. For example, the correct form for naturalisation is Form AN, while the correct form for registering a minor kid is Form MN1. Applicants are advised not to use the postal application unless essential.
What is the best way to keep track of the status of my British citizenship application?
You will be given a unique reference number for your application once you have submitted it and paid the appropriate fee. When you upload your supporting documents and enrol biometric data, this reference will be used as well. However, you won’t be able to trace your application immediately in most cases. A caseworker from the Home Office will contact you in writing if any additional documents are necessary. You should receive a letter indicating that your application falls outside of the typical service standard. You will receive a letter confirming the decision after your application has been approved.
What documents are needed to apply for British citizenship?
Obtaining British Citizenship involves a lengthy documentation process. One must submit the following documents with their application:
- Your passport or travel document, as well as a valid ID card (if applicable)
- You must show proof that you have Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- Evidence of your ability to communicate in English
- Your certificate of completion of the Life in the United Kingdom test
- Your certificate of marriage or civil partnership (if applicable)
- Payslips for the previous six years, or five years if married to a British citizen. P60s for the previous six years, or five years if married to a British citizen (if P60s do not cover the whole period)
- Self-employed applicants must provide self-assessment statements for each of the six/five years.
How long does it take to apply for British citizenship?
The application process for British Citizenship can take up to 6 months, however, most applications are decided much sooner. You will receive an approval letter and a citizenship invitation letter shortly after your application has been approved. You’ll need to schedule a citizenship ceremony as soon as feasible at your local register. The availability of ceremonies is subject to change. Only after you’ve attended your naturalisation ceremony and obtained your certificate of naturalisation will you become a British citizen. Once you’ve completed the naturalisation process, you’ll be able to apply for your first British passport.
What is the procedure for obtaining British citizenship through naturalisation?
The application for British citizenship by naturalisation is the procedure by which foreign nationals apply to become full citizens of the United Kingdom and Great Britain. All naturalisation petitions are assessed on a discretionary basis, which means that although the requirements for naturalisation are spelt out in the law, no applicant is deemed to have the “right” to citizenship simply by meeting them. The conditions for naturalisation are well-defined, but each case will be evaluated on its own merits.
You can’t have been out of the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months leading up to your naturalisation application if you want to become a British citizen.
To become a British Citizen by naturalisation you’ll have to:
- Check that you meet all of the conditions, including residency and good character.
- Gather the evidence you’ll need to support your application;
- To act as referrals for your application, get recommendations from two people who match the standards.
- Fill out an online form;
- Fill out the form and pay the appropriate charge;
- Scanned versions of your supporting documents should be uploaded to the appropriate website.
- Make a “biometric appointment” and show up;
- If necessary, cooperate with the Home Office in the event of requests for further information during the decision-making process;
You will receive a Citizenship invitation letter once your application has been approved; you must schedule a Citizenship Ceremony as soon as feasible and within three months of receiving the letter.
Attend your naturalisation ceremony, when you will be asked to swear an oath/affirmation of allegiance and receive your certificate.
What are the benefits of becoming a citizen of the United Kingdom?
The benefits of becoming a British citizen are numerous. One of the most essential benefits is the emotional peace of mind that comes with knowing that, regardless of future government actions, you have the same right to remain in the UK as someone who was born here.
Other benefits include:
- You are free to travel in and out of the UK for as long as you like.
- You have the right to vote in all municipal and general elections and to fully participate in them.
- All state benefits including healthcare will be available to you.
We are here to help
For many people who have immigrated to the United Kingdom and established a life here, the moment they are eligible to apply for British citizenship is the conclusion of years of hard work and planning. It can be upsetting to be denied citizenship after putting so much effort into the process. So, it is important to submit a high-quality naturalisation application that increases the likelihood of a favourable outcome. We can assist you in putting together a solid application and gathering the essential documentation at A Y & J Solicitors. Our expert immigration lawyers have been actively helping numerous clients to settle down in the United Kingdom. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.
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