If you are at the final stage of your British citizenship process and applying for naturalisation, our expert immigration solicitors can help you complete the process.
Our team of immigration lawyers specialise in the different requirements for British citizenship depending on your personal circumstances. We can support you and your family every step of the way.
Applying for Naturalisation
If you are 18 or above and have been granted indefinite leave to remain or a right to permanent residence, you may be eligible for British citizenship through a process called naturalisation.
The requirements you must meet vary slightly depending on whether or not you are married to a British citizen.
The immigration team at Truth Legal can help you navigate this process and advise you on the best route for a successful British citizenship application.
Naturalisation – not married to a British citizen
(or not relying on being married to a British citizen)
If you are not married to a British citizen, or do not intend to rely on a marriage as part of your British citizenship application, the Home Office requires that you:
- were in the UK five years before submitting your application;
- have not been absent from the UK more than 450 days during those five years;
- have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately prior to the submission of your application;
- have not breached UK immigration laws during those five years;
- are not subject to any time limit for which you may remain in the UK and have not been subject to any limit in the 12 months immediately prior to the submission of your application;
- fulfil the Good Character requirement;
- have sufficient proficiency of a UK language (English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic); and
- intend that, subject to a successful application, your home or principal home will be based in the UK.
Many of these requirements are subject to discretion, meaning that in certain circumstances your application can be granted even if you don’t quite meet the requirements. You should seek legal advice if you intend to ask the Home Office for discretion.
Naturalisation – married to a British citizen
If you are married to a British citizen, your requirements are slightly different. Your requirements will depend on your individual situation, but the Home Office requires that you:
- were in the UK three years before submitting your application;
- have not been absent from the UK more than 270 days during those three years;
- have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months immediately prior to the submission of your application;
- have not breached UK immigration laws during those three years;
- are not subject to any time limit for which you may remain in the UK at the date of your application;
- fulfil the Good Character requirement; and
- have sufficient proficiency of a UK language (English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic).
Many of these requirements are subject to discretion, meaning that in certain circumstances your application can be granted even if you don’t quite meet the requirements. You should seek legal advice if you intend to ask the Home Office for discretion.
British citizenship FAQs
Further reading
Read our popular articles for more information on British citizenship.
Why choose Truth Legal?
The Truth Legal Immigration team is headed by our expert Immigration solicitor, Louis MacWilliam, who has specialised in Immigration matters since 2009.
Louis has vast experience in helping Immigration clients achieve positive outcomes, and training lawyers in Immigration matters. His team of Immigration lawyers are dedicated to their clients, offering exceptional support and specialist knowledge to assist your case.
Truth Legal prides itself on its client care, providing clear and understandable information without the jargon, and practical advice tailored to your personal circumstances. We understand that Immigration matters can be stressful, and so we are here to walk you through the process and make it as smooth as possible until you are holding that visa in your hand.
