If you are looking to become a British citizen, you will usually first need to naturalise. Naturalisation is a legal process by which a non-British adult can become a British citizen.
Once you are British, you can apply for a British passport, vote, and live and work in the UK free from immigration controls.
To naturalise, you will need to submit an online application to the Home Office. Before you apply, you have to ensure that you meet the criteria set out in the British Nationality Act 1981. In general applicants must be over the age of 18, of good character, intend to live in the UK, and meet the English language and residency requirements. This list is not exhaustive and further requirements may be dictated by your personal circumstances.
Before applying for British citizenship, you have to ensure that you are legally settled in the UK. This usually means having Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
The fees for filing the online application, as they currently stand, are £1,330. As part of your application, you will need to attend a biometrics appointment to submit your photograph and fingerprints to the Home Office, which may incur additional costs.
The estimated approval timeframe for naturalisation applications is 6 months from the date of submitting your biometrics. If your application is approved, you will need to attend a citizenship ceremony and obtain your Certificate of Naturalisation. This is the point when you become British and you Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status renders invalid. To travel, you will need to make a separate application for your first British passport and have received it before you leave the UK.
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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