Naturalisation as a British Citizen

How can I show I am a person of Good Character?

You must show that you meet the “good character” requirement under UK nationality law in order to become a British citizen. The Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will look closely at your criminal record, both in the UK and abroad, as well as your immigration history, including any times you broke UK immigration rules.

British nationality law is still strict, and every application for naturalization must include more thorough background checks. According to current Home Office policy, applications are usually denied if the applicant has been sentenced to four years or more in prison. If the applicant refuses to disclose or conceals their criminal history, their application may be automatically denied. The Home Office will also look at civil penalties, fines, and patterns of not following the rules.

But decision-makers may think about how long someone has lived in the UK, worked there, been involved in the community, or gone through rehabilitation as positive contributions to society. Adam Bernard Solicitors are expert British citizenship and naturalization lawyers in London. They give specialized advice to clients all over London, the UK, and the world, helping applicants show strong good-character evidence that follows the most recent Home Office nationality guidance.

What are the eligibility requirements to become a British Citizenship?

The eligibility requirements to become a British citizen are set out in the British Nationality Act 1981. You need to meet the following requirements to be eligible to become a British citizen:

• Be over the age of 18.
• Have spent at least 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, with no longer than 450 days outside the UK.
• Have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK for at least 12 months.
• Meet the B1 CEFR level English language requirements (unless exempt).
• Pass the Life in the UK Test, to show that you are aware of the basics of the British customs, traditions, and culture.
• Not have been in breach of any UK immigration rules.
• Demonstrate that they meet the Good Character requirement.

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Exemptions for the English Language Naturalisation Requirements

Situations where evidence of proficiency in the British language would not be required for a Naturalisation application, are:

• Evidence of having completed a degree which was either taught or researched in English.
• Are either under 18 or aged 65 or over
• Suffer from a severe physical or mental condition that has affected you on a long term basis. British Citizenship Solicitors in London

What is the application process to become a British citizenship?

To become a British citizen, most applicants apply through naturalisation using Form AN, issued by the UK Home Office.

1. Application Form (Form AN)

Fill out Form AN, which is an application for British citizenship.

You can only submit the form online (there are very few paper applications now).

You can apply from the UK or from outside the UK, depending on your eligibility.

2. Documents that back it up

You need to upload documents to show that:

Identity and citizenship

Status of immigration (for example, ILR or settled status)

Legal residence and continuous residence

Requirement to speak English

Pass the Life in the UK Test

Good character (criminal and immigration history)

3. Make an appointment for biometrics

You need to go to a UKVCAS center to give:

Photograph

Prints of your fingers

The Home Office may let people sign up for biometrics at a participating post office in some cases.

After you send in your application, you can make an appointment.

4. Referees needed

You need to give two references.

Referees have to:

Meet the requirements for nationality and profession

Have known you personally for a certain amount of time

They need to sign a Referee Declaration that says they know who you are and what you say.

5. Time it takes to process an application

Most applications are decided on in three to six months.

Processing times can change based on:

Case complexity

Checks for verification

Number of applications

6. Ceremony of Decision and Citizenship

If your application is accepted, you will get an invitation to a Citizenship Ceremony.

During the ceremony, you will:

Take an oath or promise

Get your Naturalization Certificate

You can only become a British citizen after going to the ceremony.

7. After Getting Citizenship

You can apply for the following once you become a citizen:

A passport from the UK

Full citizenship rights, such as the right to vote and live in the UK without restrictions

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What documents do I need to apply for British Citizenship?

When you apply for British citizenship by naturalization, you must show that you meet the Home Office’s requirements for eligibility, residence, language, and good character. Depending on your immigration history, the exact documents you need may be different, but they usually include the following:

1. Proof of Immigration Status and Identity

Your current and past passports, which cover the whole qualifying period

Any travel papers you used while you were in the UK

Digital immigration status (eVisa) that proves you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status

BRPs are no longer used, and immigration status is now kept digitally.

2. Proof that you live legally in the UK

Proof that you had valid immigration permission for the whole 3- or 5-year qualifying period

Home Office status records or visa grant letters, if they apply

Proof that you were not subject to immigration time limits at the time of application

3. History of Absences and Travel

A complete list of all trips made outside the UK during the qualifying period

You usually have to show that you haven’t been absent for more than 450 days in five years (or 270 days in three years).

You can’t be outside the UK for more than 90 days in the last 12 months, unless you have a good reason.

4. The English Language and Living in the UK

Life in the UK Test pass certificate (you only need to pass it once)

Show proof of English language skills at CEFR Level B1, unless you are exempt, by:

A test of English that is accepted

A degree from the UK or another country that is recognized and taught in English

The nationality of a country where most people speak English

5. Proof of Good Character

Declaration of any criminal convictions, cautions, fines, or civil penalties (UK or overseas)

Revealing immigration problems, such as past overstays or refusals

Proof of rehabilitation or good contributions, if applicable

Not sharing information can lead to automatic refusal.

6. Referees

Information about two referees who are qualified, such as:

One professional referee

A British citizen who is 25 years old or older

Referees must not be related to you and must have known you for at least three years.

7. Extra documents that support your case, if you have any

Certificate of marriage or civil partnership

Proof of children included in the application

Documents for changing your name

Forms of consent for Home Office checks (required)

8. Biometrics and Sending in Applications

Confirmation of UKVCAS biometric enrollment (fingerprints and photo)

All applications are now done online, and you can upload documents digitally.

How much does a UK Naturalisation application cost?

Our fees can be found on our website but please check the Home Office website for the latest application fees.

Which application from do I need for Naturalisation?

FORM AN
This application form is for those who seek to become a British citizen through the process of naturalisation. The requirements that need to be met when making this application will depend on whether you are applying on the bases of marriage/civil partnership with a British citizen or not.

• Married/civil partnership with British Citizen – The minimum residential requirement that an applicant needs to show under this route is that they have been resident in the UK for 3 years. The focus of this application will be on the relationship that one has with a British Citizen.
• NOT married/civil partnership with British citizen – The minimum residential requirement that an applicant needs to meet under this route is to show they have been resident in the UK for 5 years. They must also show that they have been free from immigration restrictions for at least the most recent 12-month period leading up to the application. Applications under this category will often hinge on the good character’ requirement

Form AN is a comprehensive form 30 pages long, which requires detailed information about yourself. It is necessary to provide as much detailed information as possible to give you the best chance of success. Some of the information which you will need to include as a part of FORM AN are:

• Personal Information
• Biometric Information
• Residence Requirements
• Evidence of Good Character
• Referees
• Declaration

FORM MN1
These applications are in reference to a child naturalising as a British citizen. There are many different possibilities for a child qualifying under this route. They are as follows:

• Children born in the UK to parents now settled in the UK or who have become British citizens
• Children born in the UK to parents who have joined the armed forces
• Children whose parents are in the process of applying for British citizenship
• Children born abroad to parents who are British by descent and have lived in the UK or an overseas territory
• Children adopted abroad by British citizen parents

How long does the British Naturalisation application process take?

Once the appropriate fee has been paid the Home Office will begin processing your application. Generally,British citizenship applications are decided within 6 months. Once your application is approved, you will need to wait until you are summoned for your Citizenship ceremony to receive your Naturalisation certificate and thereafter apply for your British Passport.
There are many factors which play a key role in how long it takes for an application to be processed, less complex cases may receive an answer sooner than the expected six month wait time, whereas complex cases can take more than the average sixth months. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that you provide thorough and sufficient documentation to support your claim. Having a member of our specialist immigration team review your case before submission will be extremely beneficial in aiding your claim, as our expert British Citizenship Solicitors will thoroughly go through the application process, ensuring all necessary processes are completed with all relevant documentation attached to give you the best chance of success.

What if my Naturalisation Application is refused?

There are numerous reasons why a British Naturalisation application may be refused, some of the most common reasons for refusal are:

• Naturalisation refused to an existing CCJ
• Naturalisation refused due to tax reasons
• Naturalisation refused due to employment history
• Refusal based on character
• Refusal as a result of a criminal history

Your Naturalisation may be refused on the basis of a previous conviction, but attention may be given to the type of sentence received (whether it was custodial or non-custodial), the length of time served, and whether the nature of the crime occurred once or reoccurred on multiple occasions.
Unfortunately, in the event of a refused naturalisation, there is currently no grounds for appeal. If however you believe your case is strong enough to have the original decision overturned, it is possible to submit a Request to Reconsider application which costs £372.
Alternatively, you can reapply for Naturalisation on a fresh basis, though you would be required to pay the application fee of £1,330 again.
If you are uncertain of anything, or you have any doubts that your application may be refused, contact one of our London offices, where our specialist Immigration advisors will give you, accurate advice gained from their years of experience.

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