Eligibility for naturalisation
Before applying for naturalisation, you will need to check you meet the eligibility requirements to become a British citizen, as outlined in the British Nationality Act 1981. You will also need to gather relevant documents to support your application.
Unless you are married to or have entered into a civil partnership with a UK citizen, to qualify for British citizenship you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Have lived in the UK for at least 5 years before you submit your application
- Have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, or EU settled status or a permanent residence card
- Not have left the UK for more than 450 days during the last 5 years
- Not have breached any UK immigration laws during the past 5 years
- Not have been absent from the UK for more than 90 days during the past 12 months
- Not have a limit on the period you can remain in the UK and not have beeen subject to a time limit over the last 12 months
- Be a person of good character
- Have the required knowledge of life and language in the UK
- Have the intention to make the UK your principal home
- Have two referees for the citizenship application
If you are married or have a UK civil partner, the requirement is to have lived in the UK for only three years rather than five, and you can spend 270 days outside the UK in that period.
Evidence of knowledge of language and life
When you apply for naturalisation in the UK you will be expected to show you are committed to being a UK citizen. This means you will need to show evidence of your ability to speak English and also your knowledge of life, culture and history in the UK.
English language ability
Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, when you apply for naturalisation you will need to submit documentation showing your English language proficiency.
You must either hold a speaking and listening qualification at B1 CEFR or higher taken in an approved UK test centre, have a degree taken in the UK, or have a degree that was taught or researched in country where English is the main language - e.g. America or Australia or a degree that was taught mainly in English and an English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) from UK NARIC to support this.
Life in the UK test
You will normally need to take the Life in the UK test if you are apply for naturalisation. You can take this at any time before you submit your application.
There are some people who are exempt from taking this test:
- If you are over 65 or under 18
- If you already passed it during an application for indefinite leave to remain
- If you are unable to take the test for medical reasons
You will need a letter or completed form from a doctor detailing any medical reasons you can't take the test. Qualifying conditions will usually be long-term such as a learning disability or a brain injury.
The test costs £50 to take and you can sit the test as many times as you need to pass it - but you will need to pay the fee each time.
There is an official handbook from the Life in the UK Advisory Group called 'Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents' that will help you pass the test and colleges offer courses to prepare you for the test.
When you are ready to take the test you need to book a test at a Life in the UK Test Centre. You will need to book in advance as the test slots get booked up very quickly. Before the test you will be required to prove your identity by providing either a biometric residence permit, your passport, a Home Office Travel Document or Entitlement Card, an ARC letter or photo driving licence.
The test will last around 45 minutes and be taken on a computer. It will comprise of 24 multiple choice questions. If you pass the test you will get a letter that verifies your result, this should be submitted when you apply for naturalisation. The Home Office advises that you should submit your application as soon as possible after your test.
How to apply for naturalisation
To apply, you will need to complete form (AN) online and pay the relevant application fee. You will then be emailed an access code to use to book a UKVCAS appointment.
Depending on your circumstances you may need documents that prove your current immigration status, your UK residence history, your travel history, evidence of your good character and proof of your UK language and life proficiency.
You can upload your supporting documents online when completing your application form, or you can take the documents (in original format) to your UKVCAS appointment to be uploaded digitally.
Naturalisation applications can take up to six months to process, where the standard service has been used. Priority processing may be available at an additional charge.
If you are granted citizenship, you benefit from the same rights as UK nationals, including the right to vote, the right to remain in the UK without restriction on time or type of activity, and you are also free to apply for a British passport.
Help and advice
When the Home Office receives your application it will be carefully examined and assessed by a caseworker. If the Home Office consider you do not meet the requirements, your application will be refused and your application fee lost.
When you apply for naturalisation, detail is key. Ensuring the form is completed correctly, that you submit sufficient supporting evidence and that you follow the required process. With so much at stake, taking professional advice to guide you through your application can help ensure you have the best chance of success.