Apply for British Citizenship

Section A: How to Apply for British Citizenship

Most people reach the point of looking at British citizenship after years of living here, often with ILR or Settled Status already in place. At that stage the question is not whether they can stay in the short term, but whether they want the permanence and security that only citizenship gives. It helps to be clear from the outset what changes with citizenship, how it differs from other forms of status and which legal route you are actually using when you apply.

1. What is British citizenship?

British citizenship is the end point of the immigration journey. It removes immigration control altogether and gives permanent rights of residence, work and study in the UK without the need to maintain visas or meet extension rules. It also opens up full civic rights, including voting in UK elections and standing for public office, and allows you to apply for a British passport and rely on that passport for re-entry instead of immigration documents.

Citizenship is different in kind from ILR and Settled Status. ILR can be lost after two continuous years outside the UK. Settled Status can be lost after five years abroad. That matters for those whose work or family life involves extended periods overseas. Citizenship is not affected in the same way by long absences, which is why many settled migrants treat naturalisation as the final piece in their long term planning rather than just a symbolic step.

Citizenship also carries responsibilities. UK authorities expect citizens to comply with tax, reporting and legal obligations in the same way as any other British national. The good character test does not end when the certificate is issued. Serious conduct issues that come to light later, particularly where there was non-disclosure during the application, can still cause problems, including in extreme cases deprivation action.

2. Routes to becoming a British citizen

There is no single route to British citizenship. Your path depends on how and when you came to the UK, your age, your parents’ status and whether you already had any form of British nationality at birth. Getting this wrong at the start leads to wasted fees or applications under the wrong category, so it is worth taking the time to place yourself in the right box.

Most adults become eligible and apply through the process of naturalisation. That is the route for those who have lived in the UK for the required period, usually five years, or three years if they are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, and who now hold ILR or Settled Status. Naturalisation is not automatic and is discretionary. UKVI expects you to show that you meet the statutory tests on residence, absences, good character and knowledge of language and life in the UK, and will not normally fix application or eligibility errors you could have avoided.

Children and certain adults with historic entitlements usually use registration routes. Registration covers children born in the UK who only become eligible once a parent is granted ILR or becomes British, children born abroad to British parents in specific circumstances and various categories created to correct past unfairness in nationality law. These include routes for those affected by historic gender and legitimacy rules under sections such as 4C, 4G, 4H and 4L. In these cases, the focus is less on residence and more on whether very precise statutory conditions are met, which often turns on birth dates, the type of British nationality a parent held and what the law said at the time.

Some people are already British without realising it. Those born in the UK before 1 January 1983 are generally British, as are many born later where a parent was British or settled at the time of birth. Others become British automatically through adoption under UK law. In these cases there is no need to apply for naturalisation or registration, although you may still need to apply for a passport or official confirmation of status. Part of the early analysis is working out whether you are in fact already British and just need proof.

How to Apply for British Citizenship

Citizenship is never automatic for adults, even after years of lawful residence. You have to apply for British citizenship, proving your eligibility under the requirements.

Citizenship decisions are not made on discretion alone. They are rooted in the British Nationality Act 1981, which sets out who is British automatically, who can naturalise or register and what conditions apply to each route. The British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003 add procedural detail, such as how applications are made, what documents can be required and how fees are structured.

UKVI caseworkers apply the Act and Regulations alongside detailed nationality policy guidance. That guidance explains how caseworkers should approach good character, how far they can exercise discretion over excess absences or technical residence issues and what they should do when information from other departments, such as HMRC, does not match what an applicant has said. Applicants often only see the surface of this, but it is the framework that sits behind every grant and every refusal.

Appreciating that there is a fixed legal framework, rather than a loose checklist, helps explain why UKVI can seem unforgiving about errors. The application is your chance to show how you meet the tests in the Act with clear, consistent evidence. The better you understand that structure at the outset, the easier it is to choose the correct route and avoid avoidable problems later in the process.

The process starts with confirming you actually meet the eligibility rules. That means checking your residence history, absences, immigration record, digital status and good character position before you even open the online form. Once you are satisfied you qualify, the next stage is building the submission: collecting evidence of residence, status, identity, English language and the Life in the UK test, and confirming your referees are eligible and prepared to respond if contacted.

The application is then completed and submitted online with the fee. After submission, you either reuse existing biometrics or attend a UKVCAS appointment. UKVI may ask questions or request further documents if anything is unclear, and cases move much slower where the information in the form does not match what UKVI holds on its systems. When UKVI is satisfied, you receive the approval letter and must book a ceremony, which is the final step in becoming British and receiving your certificate. Until the ceremony takes place, the application is not complete and your status does not change.

Section B: British Citizenship Requirements

Most applicants start by assuming their time in the UK automatically qualifies them for citizenship. The reality is more technical. UKVI checks residence, absences, lawful status and character line by line, and any gap can cause delay or refusal. Before completing the application form, applicants need a clear view of how their own history matches the statutory tests and whether there are issues that need resolving before they commit to the fee.

1. Naturalisation requirements

Naturalisation is the route used by most adults. The law sets out specific tests that need to be met, and UKVI expects applicants to present their case clearly rather than rely on discretion to fill gaps. The starting point is the residence period. Most applicants need five years of lawful residence in the UK. Those married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen follow the three year route. The qualifying period is counted backwards from the date UKVI receives the application, not the date it is drafted.

One of the most common misunderstandings is the physical presence rule. Applicants are expected to have been physically in the UK on the exact date five years earlier, or three years earlier on the partner route. Even where someone has lived in the UK for well over the required period, a single holiday or work trip on that date can cause refusal if it is not covered by an exception. This rule catches out large numbers of otherwise eligible applicants because it is not intuitive and is easy to overlook.

UKVI then checks absences. The limits are 450 days in the five year period and 270 days in the three year period, with no more than 90 days in the final 12 months. Discretion can be applied for higher figures, but only where the rest of the application is strong and the reasons for the absences are clear and supported by evidence. Applicants who travel heavily for work or have family overseas often need a more detailed assessment before applying.

All time in the UK during the qualifying period must be lawful. UKVI checks its own systems as well as HMRC records and previous applications. Gaps in leave, overstaying beyond grace periods or unclear periods of EEA free movement can create problems. Applicants with older immigration histories, especially pre-2016 EEA routes, often discover gaps they did not realise existed.

Most applicants need to have held ILR or Settled Status for at least 12 months before applying, except for those applying on the partner route, who can apply as soon as ILR or Settled Status is granted. Applicants with digital status need to ensure their UKVI account is correct and linked to their current passport, as UKVI will verify their status through those systems.

The good character requirement applies to everyone aged 10 or over. UKVI reviews criminal records, immigration history, HMRC compliance, civil penalties and financial conduct. The most recent guidance, in force since early 2025, treats illegal or dangerous entry, such as arriving by small boat or concealed in a vehicle, as a factor that normally leads to refusal. Non-disclosure is treated seriously, sometimes more seriously than the underlying issue, and mismatches between what an applicant says and what HMRC or DVLA records show often generate further questions.

2. Knowledge of English and Life in the UK

Applicants aged 18 to 65 are required to demonstrate English language ability and knowledge of life in the UK. The English requirement is met by passing an approved speaking and listening test at B1 level or higher, or through an English-taught degree recognised by UK ENIC. Only tests from approved providers are accepted, and applicants need to check the test centre appears on UKVI’s current list, as certificates from unapproved providers are rejected.

The Life in the UK Test must be booked through the official GOV.UK service. It does not need to be retaken if it was previously passed as part of a settlement application, but the original pass notification should be produced. The test is a frequent source of delay where applicants cannot locate their original confirmation or where names differ slightly across documents.

Applicants under 18, over 65 or those with long term physical or mental conditions supported by medical evidence may be exempt from both requirements. These exemptions are specific and require supporting documents, so applicants should not assume they qualify without reviewing the rules carefully.

3. Registration routes

Registration is used mainly for children and for adults with defined entitlements under the British Nationality Act. The rules are strict and the evidence often turns on birth dates, parental status and the law in force at the relevant time.

Children born in the UK who were not British at birth can usually register once a parent becomes a British citizen or is granted ILR or Settled Status. UKVI checks the parent’s status carefully and expects clear evidence of the child’s residence. Children born abroad to British parents may register depending on whether the parent is British otherwise than by descent, or in some cases through discretionary powers where only one parent meets the criteria.

Adults with historic claims may qualify through routes created to address old inequalities, such as those under sections 4C, 4G, 4H and 4L. These routes require close reading of the statutory wording, as eligibility often depends on factors such as whether the applicant would have been British but for historic restrictions on mothers passing on citizenship.

Children may also qualify for a fee waiver where the family cannot reasonably afford the fee or a fee exemption if the child is looked after by a local authority. There are no equivalent waivers for adults applying for naturalisation.

Registration routes do not rely on residence periods or absence limits in the same way as naturalisation, but they place higher demands on accuracy of evidence. Applicants should be prepared for UKVI to ask for historic records if the case turns on old legislation or parental nationality at the time of the birth.

Section C: British Citizenship Application Process

Once you are satisfied you meet the eligibility rules, the focus shifts to how you present your case. At this point, UKVI is not working from guesswork. Caseworkers expect you to follow the published process, pick the right form, give a consistent account of your history and back it up with evidence. Most avoidable refusals come from mistakes here rather than from people genuinely failing the legal tests.

1. How to apply

All citizenship applications now start online through GOV.UK. The route you use depends on whether you are naturalising as an adult or registering as a child or under a specific entitlement. The system routes you to the correct form, but it does not correct misunderstandings about which category you should be in.

Form AN is the naturalisation form used by most adults. It asks for a full immigration and residence history, details of absences, employment and tax, and declarations covering your character and conduct. Form MN1 is used for children and for certain registration routes. Here the emphasis is more on the child’s residence and the parents’ status, as well as any specific statutory entitlement relied on. In both cases, UKVI expects you to have chosen the right route before you start.

The online form needs to be completed with the same level of care as a witness statement. Dates of entry and exit, addresses, employment history and tax information should reflect the records you intend to submit. If you disclose a conviction or previous immigration issue, it has to be described accurately and consistently with any court or Home Office record. UKVI cross-checks your answers against its own systems and other government data. Contradictions are treated as a risk factor for good character rather than as minor admin errors.

The fee is paid online immediately before submission. The date you press submit is the date UKVI uses to test the qualifying period and the physical presence requirement, so timing matters. Once the form and payment have gone through, the application is locked in. It is rarely worth trying to rely on discretion to rescue a case that was not ready to be filed.

After submission, you are told whether UKVI will reuse your existing biometrics or whether you need to attend a UKVCAS appointment. Reuse simply means you do not have to visit a centre again. It does not mean the case is treated as simpler or faster. Those who do need to attend should book promptly. Missed or repeatedly rearranged appointments are an easy way to signal to UKVI that the application is not being treated as a priority by the applicant.

2. Supporting evidence

Evidence is uploaded through UKVCAS unless UKVI gives a different instruction. The assumption is that you will provide a complete set of documents from the outset. Caseworkers are not under an obligation to chase every missing piece. If something material is absent, refusal is often the result rather than a polite request for more papers.

Your starting point is identity. A current passport or national identity card is usually required, but expired passports are often just as important because they hold old entry stamps and visas that help fill gaps in your residence history. Destroying old passports is a common and avoidable own goal.

Next is proof of lawful residence. For many applicants this means a combination of Home Office correspondence, entry and exit evidence, HMRC tax and employment records, P60s, payslips, student enrolment letters and other documents that show where you were living and on what basis. Those who relied on EEA free movement before Brexit often need to go further and show they were exercising treaty rights as workers, students or self-sufficient persons at particular times.

ILR and Settled Status are now held digitally rather than through physical BRPs. Your UKVI account and eVisa record are the primary proof of status. Old ILR letters, vignettes or expired BRPs can still be useful supporting evidence, but they no longer carry the same weight as the live digital record. Before you apply, it is worth checking that your UKVI account is active and linked to your current passport details, as UKVI will rely on that information when it verifies your status.

For the knowledge requirements, you will need your English language certificate from an approved provider or UK ENIC confirmation of an accepted qualification, and your Life in the UK test pass notification if you are not exempt. Lost certificates and tests taken with non-approved providers are a recurring cause of delay and refusal.

Applicants on the three year partner route need to provide their marriage or civil partnership certificate and sometimes evidence of the ongoing relationship where there are obvious concerns.

Referee declarations also attract scrutiny. When selecting your British citizenship referees, UKVI expects one British citizen with a valid passport and one professional of standing who have known you personally for at least three years. Referees cannot be related to you or to each other or be involved professionally in the application. Vague descriptions of how they know you, or contact details that do not work, are treated as warning signs rather than harmless mistakes.

Any document not in English or Welsh should be translated by a suitably qualified translator. Dates, names and addresses across all documents should line up with what you have put on the form. Where they do not, you should expect questions.

3. Fees and processing times

Civilian applicants tend to underestimate how much money is at stake. For applications submitted on or after 9 April 2025, the adult naturalisation fee is £1,605. On top of that sits a £130 ceremony fee. The main fee is not returned if the application is refused. The ceremony fee is normally refunded if you never reach that stage. For children, registration fees vary by route, and there are limited fee waivers or exemptions in place where a child cannot reasonably afford the fee or is in local authority care. There is no equivalent support for adults.

Most naturalisation cases are decided within three to six months, but that is only a broad indication. Cases involving long absences, tax issues, criminal or immigration histories or more technical registration routes often run longer while UKVI checks records across departments or waits for responses from third parties. UKVI does not publish or operate a genuine priority or fast-track decision service for citizenship. Biometrics reuse does not change that reality.

Applicants with ILR or Settled Status can travel while the application is pending, as long as they can re-enter lawfully and attend any appointments or interviews that arise. However, significant events during the processing period, such as new convictions, changes in immigration status, changes of name or marital breakdown on the partner route, need to be reported. Failing to notify UKVI of a material change can be treated as a character issue in itself.

4. Receiving a decision

Once evidence and biometrics are in place, UKVI moves into assessment mode. Caseworkers apply the British Nationality Act and the associated policy guidance line by line. They test residence, absences, physical presence on the relevant date, lawful status and good character against the information in your application and against the data held elsewhere in government systems.

On residence and status, UKVI checks that ILR or Settled Status has been held when required and that there are no unexplained gaps in leave. They look at travel patterns against the absence limits and physical presence rule. Where the evidence is unclear or inconsistent with Home Office records, they may ask for clarification, but they are not obliged to resolve every gap in your favour.

For good character, they review criminal history, civil penalties, tax and National Insurance records, driving endorsements, previous immigration breaches and any involvement in deception. Since February 2025 they also treat illegal or dangerous entry, such as small boat crossings or concealment in vehicles, as a factor that will normally lead to refusal for applications made after that date. Where an applicant has entered irregularly, the starting point is that citizenship will not be granted unless there are exceptional reasons, even if status has since been granted.

Referee checks are often underrated by applicants. UKVI does contact referees. If they cannot reach them, or if the referee gives a different account of how they know you, the credibility of the application is weakened. That is one reason why it is sensible to brief referees properly before you submit rather than assuming they will deal with any contact from UKVI without preparation.

If UKVI needs more information, it will usually set a specific deadline and expect a full response. Late, partial or inconsistent replies are treated as a risk indicator. Where UKVI is satisfied, it will issue an approval letter and instructions for booking a ceremony. If the application is refused, the refusal notice should explain which requirements were not met or why discretion was not exercised. There is no right of appeal. The main options are a reconsideration request where you can show an error, or judicial review in cases where the decision appears unlawful or irrational.

5. Citizenship ceremony

The ceremony is effectively the final part of the legal process of formally becoming British. You have to book a ceremony, usually within three months of the approval letter. If you do not attend within that window and do not arrange a private ceremony, the grant can lapse and you may need to go back to UKVI to resolve your position.

At the ceremony you are asked to swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III or make a non-religious affirmation, and to make a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom. You then receive your certificate of naturalisation or registration. That certificate is the core document proving you are British and is needed for your first passport. It should be stored securely. Replacements can be obtained but not without cost and delay.

Children who are granted citizenship do not have to attend, although many families choose to bring them. Whether they attend or not does not affect the legal position.

6. After citizenship is granted

Citizenship takes effect from the date on the certificate. From that point you no longer need immigration permission. You can live, work and study in the UK without restriction and you can leave and re-enter the UK as any other British citizen would.

Most people apply for a British passport soon after the ceremony. HM Passport Office may ask to see the original certificate and additional evidence of identity and residence. Passport processing is separate from UKVI’s decision on nationality, with its own timescales and checks, so it is sensible not to make firm travel plans until the passport has been issued.

The UK permits dual nationality. Not all other countries do. Some remove their citizenship automatically if another nationality is acquired. Others impose practical restrictions, such as limits on consular support or access to land and property. Anyone concerned about this should take advice on their home country’s rules before applying for British citizenship rather than trying to unravel problems afterwards.

UKVI retains the power to deprive a person of British citizenship in defined situations. These include cases where the grant was obtained by fraud, false representation or concealment of material facts and, in a narrower set of cases, where conduct is considered seriously prejudicial to the UK’s interests. Deprivation remains rare, but the power exists and is used. That is another reason why full disclosure at the application stage and consistency across your records matters.

Section D: Common British Citizenship Application Mistakes

Citizenship applications are refused more often for avoidable mistakes than for genuinely failing the legal tests. Many applicants assume that long residence or years of holding ILR or Settled Status guarantee a smooth process. In practice, UKVI treats inconsistencies, gaps and unexplained issues as warning signs, and the burden sits firmly on the applicant to present a clear and accurate case. Understanding the mistakes that most often undermine otherwise strong applications helps applicants avoid losing the fee or facing unnecessary delays.

1. Miscalculating residence, absences and the physical presence date

Residence errors remain one of the biggest causes of refusal. Applicants often calculate their qualifying period from the wrong date, overlook short absences or assume that a long residence history means they do not need to check older travel patterns. The physical presence rule is particularly unforgiving. Applicants must have been in the UK on the exact date five years earlier, or three years earlier on the partner route. A single holiday or overseas work trip on that date is enough to cause refusal unless a specific exception applies. UKVI checks travel patterns against passport stamps, HMRC records and earlier immigration applications, and they will not rely on estimates or approximations if the evidence is patchy.

Absence limits catch out those with international roles or overseas family commitments. The limits are strict, and while discretion exists, it depends heavily on the overall strength of the case. UKVI expects applicants to know their true absence totals and explain any high figures with evidence, not vague statements about work travel.

2. Gaps in lawful residence or unclear immigration history

Applicants often discover gaps in their immigration history they did not realise existed, particularly those who previously relied on EEA free movement. Periods of overstaying, even within former grace periods, or unclear periods of temporary admission can create problems. UKVI checks its own systems for continuity of leave. Where the records are inconsistent, the burden is on the applicant to prove lawful residence across the entire qualifying period. A refusal on lawful residence grounds can come as a surprise to applicants who assumed older issues were no longer relevant.

3. Inconsistent or incomplete evidence

UKVI expects evidence to match the information on the form. Dates on employment records, HMRC data, bank statements, university enrolment letters and Home Office correspondence should align with the residence timeline being presented. Applicants who upload only a handful of documents, or who rely on documents with conflicting dates or missing pages, risk giving UKVI an incomplete or unreliable picture. Caseworkers will not correct the record for you. If evidence is missing or unclear, refusal is often the outcome rather than a request for clarification.

Expiry of older passports is another recurring issue. Many applicants discard older passports without realising that those documents contain the only proof of entry and exit during earlier years. UKVI will not accept a lack of passport evidence as a harmless omission unless the applicant can provide alternative proof.

4. Problems with digital status and eVisa records

As ILR and Settled Status are now held digitally, UKVI relies heavily on the accuracy of the UKVI account and eVisa record. If the passport information on the account is outdated or the account has not been linked correctly, UKVI may be unable to confirm status quickly. Applicants commonly assume that an expired BRP is still central to the process, but the digital record is now the authoritative source. Errors in the UKVI account, especially mismatched passport numbers or old names, slow the process and raise unnecessary questions about status continuity.

5. Referee issues

Referee problems account for a significant proportion of delays and preventable refusals. The rules are strict. Referees must fit specific eligibility categories, have known the applicant personally for at least three years and must not be related to the applicant, to each other or be professionally involved in the application. Applicants often choose referees who meet none of these requirements or who give incomplete or inconsistent details when UKVI contacts them. Poor briefing of referees is a key weak point. A referee who cannot explain clearly how they know the applicant or who gives a conflicting account undermines confidence in the entire application.

6. Non-disclosure or partial disclosure under the good character requirement

Applicants frequently assume that minor matters do not need to be declared. UKVI takes the opposite view. The good character test covers criminal convictions, fixed penalties, tax discrepancies, civil judgments, immigration breaches and conduct that raises concerns about honesty or reliability. Since February 2025, irregular or dangerous entry, such as arriving by small boat or concealment in a vehicle, normally leads to refusal. Where applicants fail to disclose past conduct, UKVI usually treats the omission more seriously than the underlying issue. Inconsistent answers across older Home Office records also trigger character concerns.

7. Incorrect assumptions about discretion

Discretion exists in limited areas, but many applicants misunderstand its scope. UKVI will exercise discretion only where the overall application is strong and where the reason for the issue is fully explained and evidenced. High absences, for example, can sometimes be accepted, but only where the rest of the application is compelling. Applicants who assume discretion will fix an avoidable error, such as being outside the UK on the relevant date or failing to evidence lawful residence, usually end up with a refusal.

8. Submitting an application before it is ready

The most preventable mistake is rushing to submit an application before the evidence is complete. Applicants often press submit because they believe it will “start the clock” or because their ILR anniversary is approaching. Once the form is submitted and the fee paid, the case is locked. UKVI rarely allows applicants to correct structural errors after that point. A submission made with missing evidence or unresolved concerns around absences, status or character usually leads to a refusal rather than an invitation to repair the gaps.

Section E: Summary

Applying for British citizenship brings together years of immigration history, evidence and personal detail. The legal tests are specific and UKVI expects applicants to meet each requirement without gaps. A strong application depends on accurate residence calculations, clear proof of lawful status, consistency across all documents and a complete account of any issues relevant to good character. Applicants who understand these expectations are better placed to avoid delays, unexpected requests for information and the risk of refusal.

For many, the most time-consuming work happens before the form is submitted. Checking absence levels, confirming the physical presence requirement, locating older immigration records and briefing referees all help ensure the application reflects the applicant’s circumstances accurately. Once submitted, the case moves into a detailed review process, and applicants should be prepared to respond promptly to any requests until a decision is made.

The grant of citizenship provides permanent security, full civic rights and the ability to hold a British passport. It also marks the end of immigration control for the individual concerned. With the right preparation, applicants can approach the process with confidence and ensure their application reflects the commitment they have already made to life in the United Kingdom.

Section F: Need Assistance?

Citizenship applications are largely determined by your preparation. Residence calculations, travel records, older immigration documents, character issues and referee details can all influence the outcome. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements or need help preparing a complete and accurate application, a fixed fee telephone consultation can provide clear direction before you commit to the fee.

Our advisers can review your circumstances, identify any risks and confirm what evidence you will need. This gives you a realistic view of your position and helps you avoid avoidable delays or a refused application. To book a fixed fee telephone consultation, contact our team and we will arrange a time that works for you.

Section G: How to Apply for British Citizenship FAQs

How long does a British citizenship application take?

Most applications take around three to six months. UKVI may take longer where the case involves significant absences, previous immigration issues or inconsistencies that need clarification. There is no priority or fast track service for citizenship applications.

Can I travel while my application is being processed?

Applicants with ILR or Settled Status can travel while the application is pending, provided they can return lawfully and attend any biometric appointments or respond to UKVI requests. Travel that interrupts these steps risks delay.

What happens if UKVI refuses my application?

UKVI issues a written refusal explaining the reasons. There is no right of appeal. Applicants can request a reconsideration where a factual or legal error may have been made or consider judicial review in more serious disputes.

Do I have to attend a citizenship ceremony?

Adults granted citizenship are required to attend a ceremony within three months of the invitation. The ceremony completes the naturalisation or registration process and provides the Certificate of Naturalisation or Registration. Children may attend but are not required to.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK Test again?

Applicants who already passed the test for ILR or Settled Status do not need to retake it. They will need to provide the original test confirmation as part of their evidence.

Do criminal convictions stop me becoming a British citizen?

Convictions do not automatically prevent naturalisation, but timing, seriousness and rehabilitation periods are reviewed under the good character requirement. Non-disclosure of any conviction or caution will be treated seriously and can lead to refusal.

How does the Home Office treat people who entered the UK irregularly?

Under the post-February 2025 guidance, entry by illegal or dangerous means, including small boat arrivals or concealment in a vehicle, will normally lead to refusal. This applies even where the person later obtained leave or protection status.

Can I hold dual nationality if I naturalise?

The UK permits dual nationality. Some countries automatically remove a person’s original citizenship when another is acquired. Applicants should confirm their home country’s rules before submitting their application.

Will my children become British when I naturalise?

Children born in the UK after a parent becomes a British citizen acquire citizenship automatically. Children born abroad do not become British automatically but may be eligible to register, depending on their circumstances and their parent’s status.

What documents do I need for the application?

Applicants usually need proof of identity, evidence of lawful residence for the entire qualifying period, confirmation of ILR or Settled Status through an eVisa or UKVI account, language and Life in the UK test evidence and completed referee declarations. Documents must be consistent with the information in the application form.

What is the biggest cause of delays?

Delays often arise from inconsistent dates, incomplete travel histories, unclear residence evidence, outdated referee details or issues identified during good character checks. UKVI may pause the case while seeking clarification.

When can I apply for a British passport?

Applicants can apply once the citizenship ceremony has taken place and they have received the Certificate of Naturalisation or Registration. HM Passport Office may request the original certificate and additional identification evidence.

Can British citizenship be taken away?

Citizenship can be revoked where it was obtained by fraud, false representation or concealment of material facts or where conduct is considered seriously prejudicial to the UK’s interests. Revocation is rare but possible.

Section H: Glossary

Section I: Additional Resources and Links