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British Citizenship (Naturalisation)
British Citizenship (otherwise known as UK Naturalisation) entitles you to a British Passport, unrestricted entry to the United Kingdom and free movement and employment within the European Economic Area (EEA). UK Naturalisation applications can be submitted after you have spent one full year on Permanent Residence status (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain).At Commonwealth Contractors we can help to ensure that your British Citizenship application is successful. Our knowledgeable OISC Registered Immigration Advisors can conduct an assessment to see whether you meet current Naturalisation criteria. To find out more please complete our British Citizenship Assessment Form or call now on 0800 294 4388.
Benefits of British Citizenship
Although Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a permanent status it is possible to lose if you spend a period of more than 2 years outside of the UK. If Permanent Residence is relinquished you will need to gain a Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa once more in order to work in the UK. For this reason many ILR holders choose to Naturalise as a British National after one full year on Permanent Residence status.British Citizenship gives you the same rights as any other UK national such as a British Passport and the ability to work throughout the EEA. Since the UK allows duel nationality you may be able to become a citizen without giving up your original nationality (so long as your original country allows it).
British Citizenship Eligibility
In order to qualify for British Citizenship you must have met the following requirements:- You must have been living in the UK for at least 6 years before the date of application (if applying following time spent on Tier 1, Tier 2, HSMP, Work Permit or Ancestry visa)
- During the 6 years you must not have been outside the UK for more than 450 days
- During the last 12 months of the 6 years you must have held Permanent Residence Status
- You must not have been in breach of immigration rules at any time during the 6 years
British Citizenship Application Documents
To apply for UK Naturalisation you may need the following documents:-
Original Passport for you and your dependents
- 2 recent passport sized photos for you and your dependents
- Last 3 months Payslips or Bank Statements
- Life in the UK Test Certificate
- Payment for Visa Processing
- Marriage Certificates (for dependent spouses)
- Birth Certificates (for dependent children)
- Police Registration Certificate (where applicable)
- Current Tenancy Agreement (where applicable)
British Citizenship Ceremony & Certificates of Naturalisation
Once your UK Naturalisation application has been accepted by the UK Border Agency you will be invited to a Citizenship ceremony to undertake an Oath and Pledge of loyalty. At the ceremony you will be awarded with a Certificate of Naturalisation. The certificate is your proof of British naturalisation.Once you have been granted a Certificate of Naturalisation you may apply for a British Passport.
Life in the UK Test
Before submitting a British Citizenship application you must have successfully passed a ‘Life in the UK’ test and gained an approval certificate. Click here for an example Life in the UK test. Please note that if you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain status you should have a Life in the UK certificate that you can use for the application.Do I Qualify?
British Citizenship (UK Naturalisation) applications are probably the most complicated types of application. At Commonwealth Contractors we can provide professional Immigration services to ensure your application is successful.By preparing your application properly & liaising with the UK Border Agency we can ensure your application succeeds & ensure you avoid the need for further Government fees.
