British citizenship can be acquired automatically, by registration or through the process of naturalisation.
If you have lived in the UK for more than five years with settled status, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by making a naturalisation application.
Naturalisation is a costly process and you will lose your fee if your application is refused. There is also no right of appeal. With so much at stake, it will be important to get your application right first time.
If you have lived in the UK for more than five years with settled status, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship by making a naturalisation application.
Naturalisation is a costly process and you will lose your fee if your application is refused. There is also no right of appeal. With so much at stake, it will be important to get your application right first time.
Life in the UK Test & English language
To qualify for UK nationality, you will need to demonstrate your knowledge of the English language and ‘life in the UK’ are to the required standard.
The language requirement can only be met with a degree taught or researched in English or by passing a Home Office approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT).
Certain exemptions to the language requirement apply, including nationals from Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, Ireland (for citizenship only), St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA.
You must also pass the Life in the UK test, a computer-based, multiple choice test with questions on British life, traditions, politics and customs.
Only once you have passed can you proceed with your application for British citizenship.
If you have already passed the Life in the UK test as part of your application for indefinite leave to remain, you will not need to take the test again for your citizenship application.
The language requirement can only be met with a degree taught or researched in English or by passing a Home Office approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT).
Certain exemptions to the language requirement apply, including nationals from Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, Ireland (for citizenship only), St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA.
You must also pass the Life in the UK test, a computer-based, multiple choice test with questions on British life, traditions, politics and customs.
Only once you have passed can you proceed with your application for British citizenship.
If you have already passed the Life in the UK test as part of your application for indefinite leave to remain, you will not need to take the test again for your citizenship application.
Supporting documents for a UK citizenship application
The Home Office is clear that it will not process UK nationality applications that are without the required supporting documents. In many cases, it may also be advisable to supply additional documents to ensure comprehensive evidence is provided for consideration.
As a minimum, supporting documents will need to include identification, evidence that you meet the standards for knowledge of Life in the UK and English language, proof of your UK residence, evidence that you currently hold valid settled status in the UK, and documents confirming your nationality, marriage and earnings if you are not paid through PAYE.
As a minimum, supporting documents will need to include identification, evidence that you meet the standards for knowledge of Life in the UK and English language, proof of your UK residence, evidence that you currently hold valid settled status in the UK, and documents confirming your nationality, marriage and earnings if you are not paid through PAYE.
Need assistance?
J & S Law Firm are experienced UK immigration specialists offering guidance and support to individuals in relation to their UK immigration status and making Home Office applications. We can advise on the eligibility criteria you will need to evidence and the process you will need to follow for your application. With over decades of experience, we always provide rock-solid support to our clients and help them achieve their goal efficiently and smoothly.
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