How To Acquire British Citizenship
What is British Citizenship?
The primary law governing nationality in the United Kingdom is the British Nationality Act 1981, which came into force on 1 January 1983. Regulations apply to the British Islands, which include the UK itself and the Crown dependencies, and the 14 British Overseas Territories.
How To Acquire British Citizenship
- be over 18.
- prove you were in the UK exactly 5 years before the day the Home Office receives your application.
- prove your knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.
- have passed the life in the UK test.
- intend to continue living in the UK.
- be of good character – read the naturalisation guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to become a British citizen?
If you have lived in the UK for 5 years and have had Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least 12 months, you are eligible to apply for UK citizenship. You are also able to apply if you are from the EEA and have had permanent residency for 12 months.
What are 3 ways to become a UK citizen?
You may be eligible to apply for citizenship if: you have a British parent. you have another type of British nationality. you have a parent with British overseas territories citizenship.
How can I become a UK citizen legally?
British citizenship by naturalization
This is the most common route to British citizenship for Americans. In most cases, you will be eligible for British citizenship if you have lawfully lived in the UK for at least six years (which includes one year of Indefinite Leave to Remain status).
How long does it take to get a British passport?
First Time UK Passport processing times 10 to 16 weeks. Register as a British citizen first before applying for your UK passport, it will take close to 6-9 months: 4-7 months to register as a British citizen and up to 2 months to get your passport. Urgent passport request, please click here.
Can you automatically become a British citizen?
You do not automatically get British citizenship if you were born in the UK. It depends on when you were born and your parents’ circumstances . You may be eligible to apply for citizenship if you were born in the UK and are not a British citizen.
How many years is citizenship in UK?
Eligibility and fees. You can apply for citizenship if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and have had one of the following for 12 months: indefinite leave to remain in the UK. ‘settled status’ (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme’)
Can I live in the UK if I marry a British citizen?
No, marriage to a British national does not automatically guarantee UK residency. The spouse of a British citizen must still apply for a UK spouse visa to reside in the UK. This visa requires satisfying specific eligibility criteria, including knowledge of English, financial stability, and a genuine relationship.
How long does a child born in UK get citizenship?
Children under 18
A child will acquire British citizenship by birth if they are born in the UK to a parent who is either a British citizen or who has a form of settled status, such as indefinite leave to remain, at the time of the birth.
What color is the British passport?
The British passport is now a non-EU passport with a blue (soft cover) and a gold Royal crest. British passports are: available in 2 sizes – standard (34 pages) or Frequent Traveller passport. valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.
What visa do I get if I marry a UK citizen?
You can apply for a spouse visa from overseas or from within the UK. If you are already in the UK on a fiance visa, work visa, or student visa valid for more than six months, you may be able to switch into a spouse visa.