
Once you have applied for British citizenship, you can use your original valid passport to travel overseas while your application is being considered. You should be able to re-enter the UK at the UK border with evidence of your ILR, or other valid immigration status.
You should make sure you can get emails and letters about your application while you are away. You should expect to receive a decision on your British citizenship application within 6 months.
If your British citizenship application is approved, you will have 90 days to arrange attendance at a citizenship ceremony in the UK. These are usually held at your local council. You will then be able to apply for a British passport.
Travelling outside the UK after you get British citizenship
Once you have been granted British citizenship, you will need to apply for a British passport. You should not leave the UK until you get your first British passport, because your previous immigration status will no longer be valid and you may have difficulties re-entering the country.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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