UK Citizenship-The Path to Naturalization

Table Of Contents

1. What is UK Citizenship by Naturalization
2. Dual Citizenship
3. Check if you qualify for UK citizenship by naturalization
4. Submit the Application
5. Submit Biometric Information
6. Wait for the Decision
7. Booking Citizenship Ceremony
8. Citizenship Ceremony
9. Take the oath during the ceremony
10. Final Thoughts

UK Citizenship by Naturalization is a process to acquire UK Citizenship for adults. The path to naturalization goes through indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settlement status. Usually, those who hold ILR for 1 year can apply for UK citizenship by naturalization. After you become a UK citizen, you can apply for a British passport and participate in the life of your local community in the UK. You also get the voting right in elections held at all levels in the UK.

What is UK Citizenship by Naturalization?

There are different legal ways to become a UK citizen. Naturalization is one of those legal paths. Adult immigrants in the UK aged 18 or over can apply for naturalization and obtain UK citizenship. Naturalization is not an entitlement. It is a legal matter set out in the British Nationality Act 1981. The UK’s Home Office may exercise its discretion when deciding on your application for naturalization only if you successfully meet several statutory requirements.

Dual Citizenship

The UK allows dual citizenship. This means you don’t need to give up your current country’s citizenship to apply for naturalization in the UK. However, before you apply for UK citizenship by naturalization, you should check if your country of nationality also allows dual citizenship. If your country does not allow dual citizenship, you will have to give up on your current nationality in case you choose to become a UK citizen.

We will discuss the path to UK citizenship by naturalization in this article.

1. Check if you qualify for UK citizenship by naturalization

You can only apply to naturalize as a British citizen if you are aged 18 or over, have settled status, and meet relevant criteria. The path to UK citizenship by naturalization starts with meeting the eligibility criteria. Below are the eligibility criteria for naturalization.

Age Requirement –

You must be an adult aged 18 or over when you apply.

Sound Mind Requirement –

You must be of sound mind so that you understand the steps and consequences of the decision you are taking.

Residency Requirement –

3-Year Route

If you are married to or the civil partner of a British citizen:

• You must have lived for at least 3 years continuously in the UK.
• You must have been physically present in the UK, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands on the day 3 years before the application is received by the Home Office.
• You must hold ILR or settled status under the EU settlement scheme when you apply for UK citizenship by naturalization. You can apply immediately after obtaining ILR.

5-Year Route

If you are not married to or a civil partner of a British citizen:

• You must have lived for at least 5 years continuously in the UK.
• You must have been physically present in the UK (including the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands) exactly on the day 5 years before the Home Office receives your application.
• You must not have spent more than 450 days in the 5-year period and 90 days in a 12- month period outside the UK before making the application.
• On most visas, you must have held ILR or settled status under the EU settlement scheme for at least 12 months.

Good Character Requirement –

You must be of ‘good character.’ This means you must observe UK laws and show respect for the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

English Language Requirement –

Unless exempt, you must have sufficient speaking and listening knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic.

Life in the UK Test Requirement –

You need to satisfy the Home Office that you have passed the ‘Life in the UK’ test.

2. Submit the Application

You can apply online or by post. The application form AN is for UK citizenship by naturalization. You need to submit the supporting documents along with the application.

If you live in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or a British Overseas Territory, you need to apply by post or in person. You also need to pay the application fee of £1630. This fee includes £130 for the naturalization ceremony.

You can apply yourself or through an approved agent or representative.

3. Submit Biometric Information

At the time of the UK citizenship by naturalization application, you need to book an appointment at the UKVCAS (UK Visa Citizenship and Service) center. On the appointment date, you need to visit the UKVCAS and submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).

If you applied from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or a British Overseas Territory, you will be told where to submit your biometric information.

You can also get your documents scanned here at the UKVCAS.

4. Wait for the Decision

You should get a decision within 6 months. But it may take longer as well. You will be informed by the Home Office if it is going to take more than 6 months. If the home office asks you for any information or evidence, you should reply as soon as possible.

5. Booking Citizenship Ceremony

You need to book your citizenship ceremony with your local authority. Usually, a citizenship ceremony happens in groups, but you can ask for a private ceremony. You will have to pay extra for a private ceremony.

You must take your invitation when attending your ceremony.  You can usually take 2 guests with you.

If you are abroad, you can ask the consulate or embassy in your country to arrange the ceremony there.

6. Citizenship Ceremony

You need to attend a UK citizenship ceremony if your application for UK citizenship by naturalization is successful. The home office will send you an invitation for it, and you must attend it within 3 months from the day you receive the invitation.

7. Take the oath during the ceremony

You’ll have to make an oath of allegiance or an affirmation and a pledge that you would respect the rights, freedoms, and laws of the UK.

At the end of the ceremony, you will receive your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a UK citizen is an important decision in your life. You should be absolutely clear about it before you move ahead. UK citizenship by naturalization is also a costly and extensive process. The path to UK citizenship goes through several stages. First, you live in the UK for a few years, after which you apply for settlement. Once you have settled in the UK, you can apply for UK citizenship.

The UK is a beautiful country and a great place to live and work in. With British citizenship, you get to live your entire life in the UK without any immigration restrictions. You can live outside the UK as long as you wish, and you will still not lose your UK citizenship.

Be prepared when you apply for UK citizenship by naturalization. If possible, you should take the service of an immigration lawyer to make your application strong and the process smooth.

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How to Apply for British Citizenship after ILR

What Are The Benefits Of British Citizenship?

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