Naturalisation is the process through which a non-British adult becomes a British citizen. This legal procedure involves an application to the Home Office, and if the criteria outlined in the British Nationality Act 1981 are met, the applicant is granted British citizenship. In the year ending September 2023, approximately 182,000 foreign nationals became British citizens through naturalisation.
Applications for naturalisation are typically submitted and paid for online, though a paper form (Form AN) is also available. As of the latest update, the application fee is £1,580, with £80 refunded if the application is refused.
The main requirements for naturalisation include:
Lawful Residence in the UK: Applicants must have lived in the UK lawfully for a set period.
Permanent Immigration Status: Applicants must possess permanent immigration status, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Good Character Test: Applicants must pass this test, which includes checks on criminal offences and financial solvency.
Knowledge of Life in the UK: Passing the "Life in the UK" test is mandatory.
Oath of Allegiance: Applicants must take an oath of allegiance to the monarch at a formal citizenship ceremony.
The period of lawful residence required for naturalisation depends on whether the applicant is married to a British citizen. Those married to a British citizen typically need to have lived in the UK lawfully for five years, due to the requirement to have permanent immigration status before applying. Non-spouses generally need six years of lawful residence.
All applicants for naturalisation usually need to hold permanent immigration status, such as ILR, often referred to as "settled status."
Applicants must have been physically present in the UK exactly three or five years prior to their application, depending on their marital status to a British citizen.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic, and pass the "Life in the UK" test.
Those not married to a British citizen must demonstrate an intention for their principal home to be in the UK.
The Home Secretary will only naturalise individuals of "good character," assessing factors such as criminality, financial soundness, and immigration history.
Upon acquiring British citizenship, individuals over the age of 18 must attend a public ceremony to take the oath and pledge of allegiance.
There is no right of appeal against a refusal to grant nationality, but a formal reconsideration request can be made using Form NR. Judicial review is the ultimate remedy if reconsideration is refused.
Naturalisation as a British citizen involves a comprehensive evaluation of an applicant's eligibility based on their residence, legal status, character, and commitment to the UK. The process underscores the importance of thorough preparation and understanding of the legal requirements.
Prepared on the information from freemovement.org.uk