Disclaimer: This blog provides general immigration information, not legal advice. Laws and policies change frequently, and individual circumstances vary. Always do your own research and consider speaking with an accredited immigration lawyer before making any decisions. I am not affiliated with any government agency and am not responsible for outcomes based on this information. Official guidance on immigrating can be found on the UK Home Office website.
The final step! 🥳
You can apply for British citizenship if:
– You have lived in the UK for at least 5 years.
AND
– You have had Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent settled status) for the last 12 months.
— If you went from a Family visa to ILR, you do not have to wait 12 months. You can apply for citizenship right after you get ILR.
Other Eligibility Requirements:
– You must be over 18 years old.
– You must have passed the Life in the UK test (you will already have done this for your ILR application).
– Prove you meet English language requirements.
– Prove you’ve lived in the UK for at least 5 years before applying.
– You intend to keep living the UK.
– You must be of good character, lol. Essentially this means you observe UK laws and show respect for the rights and freedoms of UK citizens. Certain criminal offenses, history of financial fraud/unsoundness, terrorist activity, deception on applications will impact your application.
– You cannot have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months.
– You cannot have broken any UK Immigration laws (such as living illegally in the UK).
Application Process:
– Currently an application costs £1,630.
– You’ll have to attend another biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, documents).
– You’ll typically get a decision within 6 months (you pay be able to pay to fast track that decision).
– If successful, you will also have to book a citizenship ceremony with your local authority within 3 months.
— citizenship ceremonies are typically done in groups, though you can request a private ceremony.
— you’re usually allowed to take 2 guests.
— the cost of the ceremony is part of your citizenship application
— you’ll have to make an oath of allegiance (or affirmation if you prefer not to swear by God) and a pledge to respect the freedoms, laws and rights of the UK.
– If you’re from the US, you do not need to renounce your American citizenship to become a British citizen. You will be a dual American/British citizen and can then apply for a British passport.
