There are several routes to obtaining British citizenship. Citizenship by naturalization is the standard route, but you may also be eligible for British citizenship by birth, British citizenship by descent, or British citizenship by double descent.
Also, British citizenship is allowed by marriage if you are married to/in a civil partnership with a British citizen. Obtaining British citizenship is the final step on the immigration journey of many foreign nationals who choose to make the United Kingdom their home!
As a British citizen, you will have rights similar to those of others in the country, including indefinite eligibility to work, study, and live in the U.K. Keep reading as we take you through every detail of the various pathways to apply for and get U.K. citizenship!
The Different Pathways to British Citizenship
1. British Citizenship by Naturalization
This is the most common route to British citizenship for many eligible applicants. In most cases, you will qualify for British citizenship if you have lived in the U.K. legally for at least six years (which includes one year of Indefinite Leave to Remain status).
Eligibility Criteria for British Citizenship by Naturalization
To qualify for British citizenship by naturalization, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be 18 years or above.
- Have had Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least twelve months.
- Have not spent over 450 days outside the United Kingdom during your qualifying residency period.
- Have passed the Life in the U.K. test.
- Be able to show that you meet the good character requirement.
- Have not breached any immigration conditions during your residence in the U.K.
What is the Life in the U.K. Test?
This is a sequence of 24 questions based on the U.K.’s culture, customs, and history, which all British citizens must know. It is also known as the British Citizenship Test.
All the questions are primarily based on the information included in the Life in the U.K. Handbook given by the Home Office. The minimum required mark for this test is 75%, and the exam is compulsory if you wish to settle in the U.K.
Suppose you have already lived in the U.K. and obtained a pass certificate as a part of your Indefinite Leave to Remain eligibility requirements. In that case, you will be exempt from this British nationality requirement.
How do I Satisfy the Good Character Requirement for U.K. Citizenship?
A vital requirement of a British citizenship application is good character. You must demonstrate that you are a law-abiding member of British society.
Your criminal history will be examined, including whether you have abided by the immigration conditions about your U.K. immigration authorization.
2. British Citizenship by Birth or by Descent
Automatically, you may be identified as a British citizen if born in the U.K. after January 1, 1983 (British citizenship by birth). You could also be eligible if one of your parents or grandparents were a British citizen when you were born (British citizenship by double descent).
Also, a British great-grandparent can lead to eligibility for British citizenship (British citizenship by triple descent).
Eligibility Criteria for British Citizenship by Birth
If you were born in the U.K. but both of your parents were of other nationalities at the time, you will not be eligible for British citizenship by birth. Meanwhile, you can still apply for British citizenship through the naturalization route.
Eligibility for British Citizenship by Descent
You could be eligible for British citizenship by descent if one of your parents was a British citizen at the time of your birth, even if you were born outside the U.K. However, specific rulings surrounding the ‘British citizenship for a child born abroad ‘route are complicated.
Suppose you were born outside of the U.K. on or after July 1, 2006, to a parent who was a British citizen at the time of your birth and also had the right to pass British citizenship onto you. In that case, you will automatically be a British citizen.
Whether your parent can pass their U.K. citizenship onto you depends on how they obtained it themselves. They must have been born or adopted in the U.K. and obtained citizenship after applying.
Alternatively, they were working as a Crown servant at the time of your birth. If one of your grandparents is British, you may be eligible for British Citizenship by descent.
It would be best to meet specific guidelines depending on when you and your grandparents were born.
3. British Citizenship by Marriage
You can apply for British citizenship by marriage as the spouse or civil partner of a U.K. citizen, provided you’ve spent at least three years living in the country. Thus, you can apply for citizenship once you have a permanent residence document, Indefinite Leave to Remain status, or indefinite leave to enter the U.K.
4. Nationality After Renouncing it
If you’ve renounced your British citizenship in the past, you could someday be allowed to reclaim citizenship. The most optimum pathway to take to British citizenship depends on your circumstances, such as your ancestry, place of birth, and your partner’s nationality.
What is the Difference Between Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (I.L.R.) is a form of permanent residence (P.R.) that offers you settled status in the U.K., allowing you to live and work without any restrictions. Generally, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after spending five years living legally in the U.K.
However, obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain does not mean you have rights similar to those of British citizens. For instance, if you spend over two years outside the U.K., your I.L.R. status could be withdrawn.
Also, you cannot apply for a British passport with I.L.R. status. As a British citizen, you can work, live, enter, and exit the U.K. without restrictions.
You can also apply for a British passport and enjoy the full benefits of being a citizen of the country, as well as participate in British elections and referenda. You could even stand for public office if you wish!
What Documents are Required to Apply for British Citizenship?
You must provide a significant portfolio of evidence, the most crucial part of your U.K. citizenship application. The Home Office will assess all your documentation and must adhere to all necessary administrative standards to be considered.
In addition, U.K. immigration officials will evaluate your supporting documents to establish whether you meet the requirements. Here are some of the documents you will need to provide include:
- Proof of your identity, which could inform of your passport, birth certificate, driving license, or other specific travel documents.
- Confirmation that you were legally living in the U.K. during your qualifying period.
- Evidence that you have Indefinite Leave to Remain status in the U.K..
- Proof of your previous immigration status.
- A confirmation letter that shows you have passed the Life in the U.K. test.
- Details of any time spent outside the U.K. during your qualifying period.
When Can I Apply for British Citizenship?
If you wish to apply for British citizenship by naturalization, you must first apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which is possible after you have spent five years in the U.K.
You must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain for 12 months before you are eligible to become a British citizen, and your circumstances must remain the same. The exception is if you have moved on with British citizenship by marriage route.
In this case, you can apply for British citizenship once you receive I.L.R. status. Additionally, meeting the eligibility criteria for your desired route would be best.
Preparing your portfolio of evidence before completing your British citizenship application form is diplomatic. Once your portfolio of evidence is ready for submission, you can start to complete the application form.
The form you must complete for British citizenship by naturalization is Form AN – Application for Naturalization as a British Citizen. It is a comprehensive form that includes information about your finances, U.K. residency, employment status, and the immigration permission you have been living under.
Ensure you complete the application form to all necessary standards to avoid an automatic rejection!
Will I Need to Provide Details of a Referee?
Yes, when you apply for British citizenship, you must provide details about two referees. This is a requirement because the Home Office needs verification from a trusted source that the information you provided is correct to their knowledge.
Remember that your referees must provide their signatures on your application form. Also, you must have known your referees for at least three years before you submit your application, and neither of them must have held any criminal convictions in the previous ten years.
At least one of your referees must hold a professional position, like a teacher, doctor, Minister of Religion, or member of a professional body. In addition, one must be a British national, hold a British passport, and be at least 25 years old.
It is important to note that your referees cannot be the immigration professional representing you in your case!
What is the Fee for a British Citizenship Application?
The current British citizenship application fees are £1,330 for British citizenship by naturalization.
Good luck!