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British Citizenship

UK Naturalisation — Requirements for a Successful Application

General Requirements

All applicants for naturalisation, including those applying to naturalise on the basis of marriage, must show 'sufficient knowledge about life in the UK' which includes meeting an English language test, and good character. Those making non-spouse applications must intend to live in the UK.

Non-Spouse Cases
Residence requirements for those applying for naturalisation as a non-spouse are: •that he was in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the period of five years ending with the date of the application and

•that the number of days on which he absent from the United Kingdom in that period does not exceed 450; and

•that the number of days on which he was absent from the United Kingdom in the period of twelve months so ending does not exceed 90; and

•that he was not at any time in the period of twelve months so ending subject under the immigration laws to any restriction on the period for which he might remain in the United Kingdom;

•that he was not any time in the period of five years so ending in the United Kingdom in breach of the immigration laws.

However, there is discretion to treat these conditions as satisfied despite insufficient periods of time being accumulated.
 
Spouse Cases
For applications by persons "married to a British citizen" the required residence period is 270 days, with the references to 5 years replaced by 3 years. There is no requirement to be free from immigration control (i.e. to have indefinite leave to remain) for 12 months prior to the date of application, with the practical consequence that a spouse can apply from the grant of indefinite leave to remain without waiting for a further year.

There is no requirement to make the UK their permanent home, though they are expected to meet the good character requirement, and the language requirement or to comply with the language test.
Citizenship Ceremonies
Anyone over the age of 18 who wish to acquire British Citizenship, whether by registration or naturalisation, will now do so at a public ceremony and are required to take the Oath of Allegiance (there is an affirmation to be used by people of different religions and of none) and now a new pledge.
Appeal
Naturalisation is a discretionary power. There is no right of appeal against a refusal of naturalisation. However, reasons must be given and there is no limit on the scope of judicial review of such a refusal. Click here to view the Judicial review.
Benefits of Choosing UK Migration Lawyers
  • Success rate of over 90% in these types of applications
  • Fixed fees so you stay in control
  • Helped hundreds of individuals & families successfully apply for citizenship
  • Direct access to qualified solicitors - with in-depth experience
  • Specialist solicitors who can get the application right the first time
  • Consultation with a specialist solicitor to assess your eligibility, avoid disappointment and wasted fees
  • Wealth of experience and knowledge as to the best way forward for you and your family.


Call now to speak to an immigration specialist on 0121 702 1407 Should you need an in depth consultation, consultations are charged at £150 for 30 minutes.

* as of 1st April 2011
** this is dependent on whether the same day service is available for a particular category by the home office.