The Complete Guide to British Citizenship: How to Apply and Key Requirements

 Is your plan to settle in Britain permanently? If so, then you will most certainly be looking to get British Citizenship. However, getting British Citizenship isn’t a simple task. There are processes involved, along with stipulated fees and key requirements. So, we have come up with a guide to help you navigate these processes with ease. 

In this blog you will learn all about applying for British citizenship, starting from eligibility criteria, to the fees, and the steps involved. Let’s check them out. 

What does it mean to be a British Citizen?

Receiving British citizenship allows the person to become a legal citizen of Britain and enjoy every right and privilege as a British Citizen. This is also referred to as Naturalisation as per the British Nationality Act 1981. This includes the rights to live, work, and being protected as per the law of Britain. Receiving the British Passport allows you to be more involved within the British community. 

So, you will need to fulfil every criteria to be considered for Naturalisation. Only then, at the discretion of the Home Secretary, you will be naturalised. Let’s find out about the statutory requirements. 

Eligibility Criteria for British Citizenship

When you will be applying for British Citizenship, you must meet these criteria. Some of these requirements have changed under The Nationality and Borders Act 2022. So, read them carefully. 

• Prerequisite: 

Before you can apply for naturalisation, you need to be of at least 18 years of age and be of sound mind to apply. You must also check whether you will be able to hold dual citizenship status. In case your current country of citizenship does not allow dual citizenship, you will be required to renounce your current citizenship of becoming a British Citizen. 

• Residency Requirement:

You must have been living in Britain for at least five years before you can be considered for naturalisation. This means that five years before, on this same day when you are applying for Naturalisation to the Home Office, you must have been physically present in the UK (including the Isle of Man or Channel Islands). However, this requirement is reduced to three years in case you are already married to a British citizen. 

In either case, the number of days you were absent from British soil is taken into consideration. For general purpose, you cannot be absent for more than 450 days within the past five years. And in case of applying as a spouse of a British citizen, you cannot be absent for more than 270 days within this timeframe. 

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) allows the person to live in the UK without time restrictions. So, to be able to legally apply for naturalisation, you will need to hold the ILR status, which frees you from immigration time restrictions, for at least 12 months. If you are married to a British citizen, this wait time is removed. 

• Good Character Requirement:

When your naturalisation application is considered, it is absolutely necessary that you have not broken any law of the UK. You must not have any criminal record, or have not committed any immigration fraud. You must have been a law abiding person. 

However, this does not mean that you will be submitting false claims. If you have ever been involved in any unlawful activity, you will need to declare that. 

This also includes your financial status. If you have ever been bankrupt, or you have failed to pay council tax, or have committed fraud in relation to public funds, you will have to provide a declaration about the same. 

When in doubt about anything, it is best to declare it. No matter how old the matter is, investigation will reveal it all. And, if you fail to declare that yourself, it will be considered a false claim. 

• Knowledge of English and Life in the UK:

You will be giving two separate tests – Life in the UK test and the English test. 

The Life in the UK test will assess your knowledge of British history, culture and traditions. It is compulsory to pass this test. 

Besides this, you will need to get English qualification at B1 CEFR, which is listed in the Secure English Language Test list by the Home Office. You will need to have enough listening and speaking skill in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic. The qualification has a validity of 2 years. If you have not been approved for naturalisation within this time, you can take the test again to renew your qualification. 

Applicants must pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses knowledge of British culture, history, and traditions.

If you have applied for the ILR based on the B1 level qualification and have been successful, then you will not be required to take the English test again. 

• Application based on Crown or Designated Service:

If you are applying for naturalisation on the grounds of service to the Crown, rather than your stay in the UK, you will need to show that you have been in service overseas on the day of your application. Furthermore, you will need to show that you have provided exemplary service and have a close connection with the UK. 

The British Citizenship Application Process

The application process is quite extensive and you will need to have all the documents ready at the time of application. Here are the steps you will need to follow: 

• Confirm Eligibility

Make sure that you have checked and meet all the eligibility criteria as per the official requirements. 

• Complete the Online Application

The next step is to complete the application online. You will have to complete it at the UK Government’s website and provide all necessary details. 

• Upload Necessary Supporting Documents

• You will need to upload all the necessary documents. These are:
• Passport/National ID
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Proof of Residency (such as, council tax statement, utility bills, employment contracts)
• English Language Proficiency 
• Life in the UK test result
• Marriage Certificate (for application as spouse to British citizen)

• Pay the British Citizenship Fees

You will need to pay the application fee. The citizenship application fee, as of 2024, is £1,630 for adults and £1,214 for children. It will include the £130 for the naturalisation ceremony. There might be some additional British Citizenship fees involved for various tests, which will depend on the tests required. 

• Biometric Appointment

Your biometrics will be recorded at the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) centre. 

• Wait for a Decision

After submitting your application and attending your biometric appointment, you will typically receive a decision within 6 months. You can track your application status online.

• Attend a Citizenship Ceremony

If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony. This is a formal event where you will make an oath of allegiance to the UK and pledge loyalty to the monarch. After the ceremony, you will be presented with your certificate of British citizenship.

In Conclusion

Application to become a British citizen is a big step, and involves a lengthy process. It is also quite costly, with the majority of the fees being non-refundable. While there are many benefits involved, you will need to carefully consider all aspects before applying. 

A citizenship isn’t merely a legal status, it is becoming part of the community. So, consider carefully and then take the final decision. And, once you have decided to apply, make sure that you cover all grounds to ensure success of naturalisation.