The requirements and procedure for naturalising as a British citizen can be complex. In this blog, we set out 3 top tips to keep in mind when submitting your application.
1. Have an accurate record of your absences from the UK
Additionally, for both categories you should have no more than 90 days of absences in the final 12 months of your relevant residency period.
Whether you are required to evidence a five-year period of residency with absences of no more than 450 days within that period, or you are married to a British national and are required to evidence a three-year period of residency with no more than 270 days of absences in that period, be sure that you have an accurate record of these dates before beginning the process.
If you have excessive absences, the Home Office may nevertheless exercise discretion and grant you naturalisation, however, this will depend on the circumstances of the case and the application of the Home Office’s published policy. Where seeking the exercise of discretion in an application, it is always advisable to seek professional immigration advice.
2. Check if your referees meet the relevant criteria
Two referees must provide declarations in support of your naturalisation application. It is important that your referees meet the relevant criteria to provide a valid reference in support of your naturalisation application.
There are various criteria which the referee must meet to qualify as a referee. Your first referee must be a professional person, and your second must be the holder of a British passport and either a professional person or over the age of 25.
Your referees must also not be related to you or to one another, and they cannot be the Solicitor representing your application, or employed by the Home Office.
3. Check if the country of your existing nationality permits dual citizenship
Before beginning the process, be sure that you have checked with the relevant authorities from the country of your current nationality that dual citizenship is permitted.
The UK does permit dual citizenship and will not require you to give up your existing nationality upon naturalising, however, not all countries allow dual citizenship, and some countries may require you to obtain official permission before applying for a second or third nationality.
It is therefore important to understand the potential legal implications of applying for British citizenship.
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, Instagram, 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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