British Citizenship by Naturalisation

British citizenship by Naturalisation is a legal process by which a person who is not born in the UK can acquire a British citizen if meet the requirements.

Once naturalised, you will have all the rights and privileges of a British citizen, including the right to vote, work, and live in the UK without any immigration restrictions.

If you need legal advice or help with your naturalisation application, our immigration and UK nationality solicitors can help you.

1. British Citizenship by Naturalisation
2. What are the requirements for UK citizenship by naturalisation?
3. English language requirement for citizenship
4. Life in the UK test for British citizenship
5. What documents are required for British citizenship?
6. Naturalisation processing time
7. Citizenship ceremonies
8. How can we help with your British citizenship application?

What are the requirements for UK citizenship by naturalisation?

To apply for British citizenship by Naturalisation, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Have held indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK for at least one
3. Have not spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the five-year qualifying period (or 270 days for those married to a British citizen)
4. Have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months before the application
5. Be of good character, with no criminal record or serious immigration violations
6. Pass the Life in the UK test to demonstrate knowledge of British culture, history, and government
7. Prove an ability to speak and understand English to a sufficient standard.

You must meet all other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Speak to our expert immigration solicitors for legal advice and eligibility assessment.

English language requirement for citizenship

To apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation, an applicant needs to show that they have sufficient knowledge of the English language. The specific English language requirements are as follows:

1. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English is at level B1 or above of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
2. Applicants can demonstrate their English language skills by providing one of the following:
• Passing an approved English language test
• Holding an academic qualification taught in English
• Holding a degree-level qualification that was taught or researched in English.
3. Applicants from majority English-speaking countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia, are exempt from the language requirement.

Life in the UK test for British citizenship

The Life in the UK test is one of the key requirements for individuals seeking British Citizenship by Naturalisation. It is a computer-based test that assesses the knowledge of the applicant on British history, society, and customs. The test consists of 24 questions, and a passing score of 75% is required to pass.

The test covers various topics such as British values and traditions, history and events that have shaped the UK, the economy, government, and law. Applicants must pass the test before they can submit their British Citizenship application.

It is important to note that the Life in the UK test should not be confused with the English language requirement, as applicants need to meet both sets of requirements before applying for British Citizenship by Naturalisation.

What documents are required for British citizenship?

To apply for British citizenship by Naturalisation, you will need to provide the following documents:

• You need to provide your passport or travel document to prove your identity.
• You will need to provide evidence that you have been living in the UK for at least five years. This could include utility bills, bank statements, or council tax bills.
• You will need to provide evidence to prove your knowledge of English.
• You will need to provide the Life in the UK test certificate.

Above is a general list of supporting documents. You might need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Naturalisation processing time

Home Office usually take 6 months to process a British citizenship application once you attend your biometrics appointment at the visa application centre. However, it may take longer depending on the complexity of the matter.

Citizenship ceremonies

Applicants will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony if their application is accepted and they are over 18. They are allowed to bring two guests and they must bring their invitation to the ceremony for verification purposes.

People who are residing outside of the UK can request to have their ceremony at the consulate or embassy of the country they are living in. If they are living in another country for only a few months, they can request to postpone the ceremony, until they return to the UK.