Naturalisation

Eligibility for Naturalisation

The eligibility requirements for applying for Naturalisation are quite strict as this application is the last step in a foreign national's journey in becoming a British Citizen.

Applicants seeking to become British nationals must have spent the required amount of time in the UK before applying. The time requirement is entirely based on your current and previous immigration status - for most applicants, you must have been living in the UK lawfully for five years, although spouses of British nationals can complete the same process after three years of living in the UK.

Requirements for Naturalisation

The full mandatory British naturalisation eligibility requirements, as stated inthe British Nationality Act 1981, are that:

• You are aged 18 or over
• You are of sound mind. You must have full mental capacity
• You have lived in the UK for at least five years previously
• You have not spent more than 450 days outside the UK during your five years of lawful residence in the country. This also includes having spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12 months leading up to your application
• You have lived in the UK for at least three years previously if you are married to a full British national and have not spent more than 270 days outside the UK during your lawful residence in the UK
• You have held the right of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least 1 year before beginning your naturalisation application process. It's important that, at the time of applying, you are completely free from immigration restrictions in the UK, and you must be able to demonstrate that you have settled status in the UK for at least a year before submitting your citizenship application. This most often achieved through Indefinite Leave to Remain, but depending on your nationality, it can also be through a UK permanent residence card or EU settled person visa.
• You have not been in breach of any UK immigration rules previously
• You are of 'good character'
• You have serious, honest, and genuine intentions of living permanently in the UK upon receiving British citizenship. You can also be eligible if you have the intention of living and working overseas for either the UK government or a British business.
• You meet the necessary English language requirements
• You have passed the Life in the UK Test proving that you have sufficient and appropriate knowledge of British culture, tradition, and customs

Why choose Westridge Legal?

Our team of experienced immigration lawyers can navigate the requirements of the UK naturalisation process and will support you in your matter every step of the way.

If you wish to speak about your options directly with our specialist staff, please contact us on 0121 724 0302 to book a consultation today.