British citizenship & naturalization

After living in the UK as a permanent resident, an applicant may become eligible to apply for British Citizenship. The advantages of having a British passport are limitless. It is the last step for every immigrant in the UK.

British Citizenship for foreign nationals can be achieved in two ways. Whichever way you qualify, your original passport and Biometric card would not be required to be submitted to the Home Office as we will certify them, thereby allowing you to travel when the application is being considered.

• Naturalisation: The standard requirement includes 5 years of residency in the UK and 12 months wait after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). For spouses and civil partners of UK citizens they only need to have spent 3 years in the UK (not 5 years) and be in possession of ILR; there is no need to wait for 12 months after ILR. Residency and Knowledge of Life in the UK are also requirements that must be met by an applicant. There are other rules on absences and criminal offenses, etc.

For European Nationals granted UK Pre-Settled or Settled Status, the general rules apply (5 years of continuous residency in the UK and 12 months wait after achieving ILR, Knowledge of Life in the UK, criminal record checks, absences etc). European Nationals with Pre-Settled Status will first need to be granted Settled Status (after 5 years’ continuous residence in the UK with Pre-Settled Status or in combination with another eligible visa). Once granted Settled Status, you can stay in the UK as long as you like – ILR. You’ll usually be able to apply for citizenship 12 months after you’ve got Settled Status (ILR).

• Registration: An applicant could be eligible for British Citizenship on other grounds apart from residency or work in the UK. For instance, where an applicant’s parent(s) is a British Citizen but the applicant was born abroad, or where the applicant’s parent(s) lived in the UK in the past and the child was born in the UK and lived in the UK continuously until they were 10 years old.

Our team of immigration lawyers has vast experience in dealing with complex British Citizenship applications. For assistance, contact us on 07429429892, 02038563516 or info@dmlawpractice.com