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.
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.
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 much is the fee for citizenship?
It typically costs $725 to apply for citizenship. That cost includes the $640 application fee for Form N-400 and the $85 fee for your biometrics appointment (at which you are fingerprinted, a photo is taken and your signature is given). USCIS has a helpful fee calculator you may find useful during the process.
Is it easy to get citizenship in Britain?
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 is a British citizen called?
British people or Britons, also known colloquially as Brits, are the citizens of the United Kingdom, the British Overseas Territories, and the Crown dependencies. British nationality law governs modern British citizenship and nationality, which can be acquired, for instance, by descent from British nationals.
Does marrying a British citizen give you citizenship?
If you are married to a UK national, you can get British Citizenship by Marriage. Talk to our immigration experts to find out how to apply. Call us on 0333 305 4846 for immediate help & assistance with your situation. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone or online.
What visa do you get if you marry a British citizen?
The way that you can legally live in the UK after marriage is by obtaining a UK spouse visa which will grant you residency rights for 2.5 years and then can be extended for a further 2.5 years. After this period, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain and then British citizenship.
Can I stay in the UK if my partner is British?
Apply as a partner (family visa) You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain if both: you have a family visa as a partner or spouse. your partner is settled in the UK – either as a British citizen or a person with indefinite leave to remain.