British Citizenship
Solicitors Specialising in Naturalisation and Registration
Naturalisation refers to the process by which an adult (someone over the age of 18) acquires British Citizenship
and nationality for individuals who are not citizens or nationals of the UK. On the other hand, registration is largely designed for children (under the age of 18). You can count on Arlingsworth Solicitors to guide you through the complex legal process of obtaining UK citizenship.
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Naturalisation
Individuals aged 18 or older, residing in the UK with settled status, can apply for naturalisation as British citizens. To qualify, one must, amongst other things, intend to establish their primary residence in the UK and fulfill the requirements of good character, residency, and demonstrate knowledge of English language and life in the UK.
Residency criteria vary based on whether the applicant has a British citizen spouse or civil partner. For those without such a partner, a typical requirement includes residing in the UK for at least 5 years, possessing indefinite leave to remain/permanent residence, and not exceeding 450 days outside the UK over the course of the 5-year qualifying period, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying.
If the applicant’s spouse or civil partner is a British citizen, the usual conditions involve residing in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the date of application, having indefinite leave to remain/permanent residence, and spending no more than 270 days outside the UK in the 3-year qualifying period, and no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying.
Applicants must also demonstrate compliance with immigration conditions in the decade leading up to the application submission and must be endorsed by referees.
Many mistakenly believe that the citizenship process is a “rubber stamping” exercise. However, being born in the UK does not automatically confer British citizenship unless one of the parents was British or settled in the UK at the time of birth.
Registration as a Child
However, eligibility for registration as a British citizen exists. The registration process is intricate, nuanced and complex, with distinct legal and evidence requirements needing to be met for each category of registration. Seeking specialised legal advice before application submission is critical. Arlingsworth’s specialist British nationality lawyers can guide you on the relevant legal and evidential requirements that need to be satisfied in order to ensure your application has the best possible chance of success.
To apply for British citizenship, you must complete the British citizenship application online or by post. You need to meet the British citizenship requirements, including residency, language proficiency, and passing the British citizenship test.
The main British citizenship requirements include:
- Being 18 years or older
- Meeting residency criteria (usually 5 years with Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Passing the British citizenship test (Life in the UK Test)
- Demonstrating English language proficiency
- Having two referees for British citizenship who meet the Home Office criteria
- Being of good character
When applying for British citizenship, you must provide:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status
- Evidence of residence in the UK
- Results of the British citizenship test
- English language certificate (if applicable)
- Details of British citizenship application referees
The British citizenship fees vary. As of 2024, the cost for applying for British citizenship is £1,580 for adults. Additional fees may apply for biometrics and the British citizenship test book.
The processing time for a British citizenship application typically takes around 6 months, but it can vary depending on application volume and additional checks.
Contact Arlingsworth for advice on British citizenship.
Our Brighton and London-based immigration solicitors have helped dozens of non-UK citizens obtain their citizenship and are here to help if you need advice on the process and how to apply. We can even submit applications on your behalf.
Contact Arlingsworth‘s expert immigration solicitors today to get the legal aid that you need. We handle all our cases with care, passion and absolute service. Call us on 01273 696962 or message us via the button below.