If you have previously settled in the UK, you can consider applying to become a British citizen. We understand how important it is to you and your family to finally be able to settle and make the UK your permanent home. To become a British citizen, you will need to pass a test on life in the UK, meet certain residence requirements, and you must then submit an application. Broudie Jackson Canter’s expert Immigration solicitors are available to help you through this process.
We offer a 'Where Do I Stand' meeting to help you gain clarity. Get in touch to book today.
If you’ve lived in the UK for more than 5 years and have had indefinite leave to remain for more than 12 months, you may be able to make an application to become a British citizen. If you’re married to a British citizen you may be eligible to naturalise sooner.
By the time you are able to make a British citizenship application, there is a good chance you have been through the UK Immigration and Visa system before, whether to seek a visa or indefinite leave to remain. Our team are experienced in this area and are available to assist you through this final step.
How to make a British Citizenship application
To naturalise as a British citizen, you first must ensure that you meet the right criteria. Applications can be costly, and the process can take time. You therefore want to be sure that you have everything right the first time, so you don’t have to start all over again. To make an application, you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Have lived in the UK continuously for at least 5 years
- Have held indefinite leave to remain for 12 months
- Be planning to live the UK after you obtain citizenship
- Have spent less than 450 days outside of the UK in the 5 years before you apply
- Be a person of good character
- Have passed the Life in the UK test
If you meet the criteria, we can then start to work on gathering the relevant documents proving that you meet the requirements. Once you have gathered your evidence, your lawyer will work with you on completing your application form. Our team are very experienced in completing these applications so will make sure form is completed correctly.
There are exemptions to the English language and Life in the UK test requirements for those who cannot meet them owing to disability. In this case, you will need your doctor to complete a waiver form to confirm this.
Do my children need to apply?
Children under 18 do not naturalise in order to become British and use a separate registration process with different requirements. For example, they do not need to pass English language testing.
Children can be registered as British where they were born in the UK and one of their parents later becomes either settled or British. There are many other ways that children can register as British which will usually depend on the nationalities of their parents, the type of British citizenship they hold and where the child was born. It is always worth checking that a child is entitled to register before an application is made. The Home Office can also, in some circumstances, register a child as British as a matter of discretion.
How long does it take?
You can expect the application process to take around 6 months. You can remain in the UK while you wait for the Home Office to make their decision, and your indefinite leave to remain status will stay the same.
If successful you will need to attend a ceremony with your local council where you will be presented with a certificate confirming that you are British. After this, you can apply for a passport.
Why choose Broudie Jackson Canter to help?
Our Immigration experts have significant experience in dealing with British citizenship applications. No matter where you are in the process of your application, you will feel more knowledgeable and confident with the help of an expert. We offer a ‘Where Do I Stand’ consultation meeting that allows you to gain clarity on the process and what you need to do.
Regardless of if you want us to prepare your application for you or simply perform a document check on your evidence, our trusted experts will support you every step of the way.
Call our Liverpool team on 0151 227 1429. Alternatively, you can make an enquiry or request a callback at a time that is convenient for you.