How to successfully apply for naturalisation as a British citizen
Naturalisation is the process of becoming a British citizen by meeting certain requirements and making an application to the Home Office. If you are granted naturalisation, you will be able to enjoy the rights and benefits of being a British citizen, such as having a British passport, voting in elections, and travelling freely in the UK and the EU.
To apply for naturalisation as a British citizen, you need to follow these steps:
Check if you are eligible for naturalisation. You must meet the following criteria:
You are over 18 years old.
You are of good character and sound mind. This means that you have no serious or recent criminal convictions, you have not tried to deceive the Home Office, and you are not involved in any activities that are against the UK’s interests.
You have sufficient knowledge of English language and have passed a Life in the UK test. You can prove your English language ability by passing an approved test or having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC. You can book and take the Life in the UK test online.
You have not broken any immigration laws whilst in the UK. This means that you have always had valid leave to enter or remain in the UK, and you have not overstayed, worked illegally, or breached any conditions of your visa.
You intend to make the UK your principal home. This means that you plan to live in the UK permanently and not spend more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5 years before you apply, or more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
You have been physically present in the UK for at least 5 years before you apply, or 3 years if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen. You also need to have either indefinite leave to remain (ILR), settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or permanent residence as an EEA national.
Prepare the documents and evidence that you need to support your application. You will need to provide:
A completed application form AN. You can fill in the form online or download and print it from the Home Office website.
Two identical passport-sized colour photographs of yourself, one of which must be countersigned by someone who knows you well and is not related to you.
Your current passport or travel document, and any previous ones that show your travel history in the last 5 years.
Your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you have one, or your original letter from the Home Office confirming your ILR, settled status, or permanent residence.
Your original certificate of passing the Life in the UK test.
Your original certificate of passing an approved English language test or your UK NARIC statement of comparability for your academic qualification.
Any other documents that are relevant to your application, such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, evidence of change of name, etc.
Pay the application fee and the biometric enrolment fee. The application fee is £1,330 and the biometric enrolment fee is £19.20. You can pay online by debit or credit card when you submit your application form, or by cheque or postal order if you apply by post.
Submit your application and provide your biometric information. You can submit your application online or by post. If you apply online, you will need to upload scanned copies of your documents into the online service. If you apply by post, you will need to send your original documents with your application form to the address on the form. You will also need to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo). You will be told how to do this after you submit your application.
Wait for a decision on your application. The Home Office will process your application and check if you meet all the requirements for naturalisation. They may also contact you if they need more information or evidence from you. The decision time may vary depending on how complex your case is, but it usually takes around 6 months. If your application is successful, you will receive a letter from the Home Office inviting you to attend a citizenship ceremony where you will take an oath of allegiance and receive your certificate of naturalisation.
