Becoming a British citizen grants you permanent residency and the same rights as every other British citizen. Becoming a British citizen is a complex process, but several routes are available. The right route depends on your circumstances:
- Naturalisation –this is for overseas nationals who have lived for five years or more in the UK and have settled status or Indefinite Leave to Remain
- British Citizenship by Birth or Descent – this for people born in the UK or have a British parent
- British Citizenship by Marriage – this for overseas nationals with ILT who marry a British citizen
Naturalisation
Naturalisation is the most citizenship route for overseas nationals. Foreign nationals may be eligible for naturalisation after they have lived in the UK for five years. Other requirements that must be met are:
- Must be over 18
- Must have spent at least five continuous years residing in the UK, with no more than 450 days in total outside of the UK – and no more than 90 days in the last year
- Must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status for at least a year
- Mus pass the Life in the UK Test
- Must have a knowledge of the English language to B1 CEFR level
- Must not have broken immigration rules or any other laws
To apply for citizenship of the UK by naturalisation you must complete an application form from the UKVI, and submit it with supporting documentation to prove you meet the requirements. You also now need to prove your identity by having biometric details collected at an UKVCAS centre. If your application is approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony.
Scarsdale Greater Manchester Immigration Solicitors
Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham, Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester or Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale are specialists in immigration matters and criminal law advice. We are also highly regarded solicitors in the area of family law and divorce issues. Scarsdale Solicitors Greater Manchester are a modern, dynamic, fast-moving practice. Call our Manchester Immigration solicitors, Rochdale immigration solicitors or Oldham immigration solicitors now on 0161 660 6050 for a consultation.
