British Citizenship by Naturalisation
Applying for British Citizenship by Naturalisation is a significant step for those who have established their life in the UK. If you are at least 18 years old and have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or acquired permanent residence, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
Q1: Who can apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation?
A: You can apply if you are at least 18 years old, have ILR or permanent residence, and meet certain requirements regarding your stay, knowledge of the UK, and character.
- Apply for British Citizenship: Not Married to a British Citizen
If you are not married to a British citizen, you must meet the following conditions:
- Five-year residence requirement: You were present in the UK five years before the application date.
- Absence limitations: You should not have been absent from the UK for more than 450 days in the five-year period.
- No breach of immigration laws: You must have adhered to UK immigration laws during this time.
- Good character requirement: You must be of good character, which means no serious criminal record or breaches of UK immigration laws.
- Apply for British Citizenship: Married to a British Citizen
If you are married to a British citizen, you must:
- Three-year residence requirement: You should have been in the UK three years before applying.
- Absence limitations: You should not have been absent from the UK for more than 270 days in the three-year period.
- Other criteria: Meet all other requirements, such as good character and knowledge of the UK.
Q2: Can I apply for British Citizenship straight after ILR?
A: If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply as soon as you obtain ILR, provided you meet other requirements. If you are not married, you must wait for 12 months after receiving ILR.
Q3: How much time can I spend outside the UK and still apply for British Citizenship?
A: You should not be absent from the UK for more than:
- 90 days in the 12 months before your application.
- 450 days in the previous five years if not married to a British citizen.
- 270 days in the previous three years if married to a British citizen.
Q4: What does the ‘good character’ requirement involve?
A: Good character means adherence to UK laws, including avoiding serious criminal offenses, immigration violations, and dishonesty. This also includes financial stability, meaning avoiding bankruptcy or major debt issues.
Q5: Can I leave the UK while waiting for my citizenship application to be processed?
A: Yes, you can travel while your application is processed, but you must have proof of your ILR or other valid status for re-entry into the UK. You should also be prepared to return to enrol your biometric data or attend a citizenship ceremony if your application is successful.
Q6: How much does this application cost?
A: The application fee is £1630 including the standard citizenship ceremony fee.
How Kaya Legal Can Assist
Kaya Legal Consultancy provides expert legal guidance to help you navigate the British Citizenship by Naturalisation application process smoothly. We offer the following services:
- Document Review and Eligibility Checks: Ensuring you meet all necessary requirements and providing a tailored document checklist.
- Application Preparation and Submission: Completing your application accurately and promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Advice on Complex Cases: Offering guidance on good character issues or cases requiring discretion by the Home Office.
For more information, please contact our team.