To obtain British citizenship, you must have spent a certain period of time in the UK. The specific time requirement is based on your current immigration status. You must also meet certain KoLL requirements which includes proving your knowledge of the English language, and achieving a pass in the Life in the UK test.
If you’ve applied for citizenship, you’ll need permission to stay in the UK until you’re granted citizenship. Your permission needs to last until you have had your citizenship ceremony. If you have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, this counts as permission to stay.
If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, or apply as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen you must have lived in the UK for the last 3 years.
You’ll also need to have either:
- indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
- settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. If you do, you’ll be eligible to apply for citizenship immediately.
- If you have ‘settled status’ under the EU Settlement Scheme, you must usually have lived in the UK for 12 months after getting it.
- If you had permanent residence status before you got settled status, you can no longer apply for citizenship based on your permanent residence status.
If you had permanent residence status, you can count the time that you had it towards the 12 months you need to wait before applying for citizenship with your settled status.
Other ways you can be eligible to become a British citizen
You may be eligible to apply for citizenship if:
- you have a British parent
- you have another type of British nationality
- you’re stateless
- you previously gave up (renounced) your citizenship
If you’re a Commonwealth citizen, You may be eligible to apply for citizenship under the Windrush Scheme if both:
- you or one of your parents arrived in the UK before 1973
- you’ve lived in the UK and not been away from it for more than 2 years
If your parent arrived in the UK before 1973, you must have either:
- been born in the UK
- arrived in the UK before you were 18
Some Commonwealth citizens have ‘right of abode’ in the UK. This means you can live or work in the UK without immigration restrictions. Check if you can apply to prove you have right of abode in the UK.
How to apply for British citizenship?
Before you apply for British citizenship, it’s worth preparing what you’ll need.
Check if you have:
- a document which prove how long you’ve lived in the UK
- pass the Life in the UK Test
- a document which prove that you understand English
- prove that you haven’t recently broken the law or gone bankrupt
- two people who can help prove your identity – these are called referees
How much it costs to apply?
You usually pay £1,330 to apply for adult citizenship or £1,012 for children. If you’re applying for citizenship as an adult you’ll also have to pay:
- £50 to do the Life in the UK Test
- £19.20 to send your fingerprints and photo to the Home Office
- around £150 if you have to do an English test
You will not get most of your money back if your application is refused – for example, if you’re not eligible or you sent the wrong documents.
How to apply for British citizenship?
You can usually apply for citizenship online or by post.
If you’re from the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or a British Overseas territory, you must apply by post. It’s a good idea to send your paper application by recorded delivery, so you can make sure it’s delivered. If you’re not married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, the way you apply will depend on your current immigration status.
Submit your biometric information if you’ve applied on a paper form, you’ll need to submit your documents – for example, send your passport with your application. If you’ve applied online, you can scan your documents and upload them to your online application – you don’t have to physically send them to the Home Office. It’s a good idea to download or print a copy of your finished application for your records.
After you’ve applied, you’ll usually get a decision within 6 months
You need to tell the Home Office if you change your personal details during this time. The amount of time you wait for the Home Office’s decision will not affect your existing rights in the UK – for example, you can continue to work or claim benefits.The Home Office will write to you if they need more details about your application. You should reply within 2 weeks. If the Home Office doesn’t hear from you by then, they might make a decision on your application based on the information they already have.
Book your biometric appointment
After you’ve applied for citizenship, you’ll get an email asking you to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVACS) service point. You’ll be asked to provide your fingerprints and a photo (your biometric information). This information will confirm your identity. You usually have to pay for an appointment, but you might get a free appointment at a larger centre. You can also scan your documents at this appointment for a fee. You can check what to bring and if anyone needs to go with you on GOV.UK.
If your application is unsuccessful, the Home Office will write to you and tell you why. It will not affect your current right to stay in the UK.
How to obtain a British passport?
The following four criteria apply for a first-time British passport application:
- Applicant born in the United Kingdom, never previously held a British Passport.
- Descent by Father – Applicant born outside the United Kingdom, never previously held a British Passport – Father born British/naturalised in the United Kingdom.
- Descent by Mother – Applicant born outside the United Kingdom, never previously held a British Passport – Mother born British/naturalised in the United Kingdom.
- Applicant was Naturalised in the United Kingdom – never previously held a British Passport, born outside the United Kingdom.
What the application process looks like?
You can request your passport via one of the following methods:
- Online – this is the cheapest and easiest way to apply since the application wizard will guide you through each step of the process.
- Post Office Check & Send Service – your local Post Office will take care of checking your bundle of documents, and they will send it to HM Passport Office by Special Delivery. You will be charged an additional fee for this service.
- Post – you can directly send your application, along with your supporting documents, to the UKVI. You must not forget to attach the correct postage to your envelope.
- By appointment – the 1-day Premium and 1-week Fast Track services are only available upon appointment.
What documents do I need to apply for a UK Passport?
The following are the documents required to apply for your first British passport:
- Your birth or adoption certificate (if you were born in the UK before January 1983)
- Evidence of one of your parents’ immigration status (if you were born in the UK after January 1983)
- Your certificate of naturalisation or registration, if you were born abroad
- Your supporting documents
- Someone who can confirm your identity (if you’re applying with a paper form)
If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you must also provide a certified translation.
What are the UK Passport fees?
The cost of your British passport will vary depending on the type of application you are making, and from where you are submitting your form.
If you are applying from the UK, you will be charged as follows:
- Online applications: £75.50
- Paper applications: £85
As you can see, the UK is a very dynamic country, tolerant with a diverse population. People from all over the world live here. Different international communities. Get connected and feel part of Great Britain!