Naturalization as a British citizen is only available to adults aged 18 or over, in case of children it is known as registration. If an adult has permission to stay in the UK, such as indefinite leave to remain, settled or pre-settled status under EU Settlement Scheme. It should be noted that the permanent residence cards issued prior to EU nationals are no longer acceptable for Naturalisation applications. Generally, after one year of holding Indefinite Leave to Remain an applicant can apply for Naturalisation, unless married to a British citizen where they do not need to wait for 1 year after ILR.

What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is not an entitlement and is privledge. The legal cotext of the Naturalisation is provided under the British Nationality Act 1981.

Naturalization is a legal process through which a non-British citizen can acquire British citizenship. Granting naturalization to an applicant often depends on the Home Secretary's discretion, who may exercise it to naturalize you provided you satisfy several statutory requirements. In some cases, despite you not meeting some the statutory requirements, Home Secretary may still grant you naturalization.

Steps to acquire naturalization as a British citizen

Eligibility requirements:  

Before you think of making an application for naturalization, you need to check if you meet the necessary eligibility requirements. Here are those eligibility requirements:

• You have indefinite leave to remain in the UK or EUSS ILR;
• You have lived in the UK lawfully for the required period i.e. you have not travelled outside the UK for more than 450 days in the last 5 years or 270 in the last 3 years if you are married to a British Citizen;
• You have not been out of the UK for 90 days or more in the last 12 months;
• You were present in the UK on the first day of the qualifying period, which means either three years or five years before the date on which you are making an application for naturalization, you were in the UK;
• You must usually have held ILR for 12 months before applying, unless married to British citizen;
• You intend to make the UK your home in the future;
• You meet the knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement; and
• You meet the good character requirement.

Applicaption process

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply online or by post. The fee for the Naturalisation application in 2022 is £1330. As a part of the process you need to enrol for your biometrics.

Waiting for decision

You should usually get a decision within six weeks, and you may have to provide additional evidence if requested. Until a decision is made on your application you will have valid permission to stay in the UK.

Attend a citizenship ceremony

Once your application is decided you will need to attend a citizenship ceremony. Once the ceremony is complete you will receive your naturalization certificate.

After receiving the Naturalisation certificate you can apply for a British Passport.

Should you need professional assistance in applying for Naturalisation, please contact Visa and Migration Ltd on 02034111261 or email info@visaandmigration.com