British Citizenship

Qualifying for UK citizenship

There are several ways to become a UK citizen. In some situations, you may have the right, through being born here, ancestry or being born in a former British territory to obtain citizenship as of right.

We are most asked to assist where a client applies for citizenship based on having resided lawfully and obtained settled status in the UK and they then apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.

With Indefinite Leave to Remain/Settled status you can apply for citizenship via naturalisation.

Some key factors when applying for citizenship based on naturalisation include:

• Have a minimum of 5 years lawful residence in the UK and must hold Indefinite Leave to Remain status for at least 12 months, unless you are married to a British national.
• You have not been outside the UK for more than a total of 450 days in the last 5 years before the date of application
• You have not been away from the UK for 90 days or more over the last 12 months before the date of application
• You have always complied with all UK immigration laws.
• You are of good character and sound mind.
• You have sufficient knowledge of the English language and Life in the UK.

British citizenship refusals

If you have had an application for citizenship refused, depending on your situation, you can seek review from the Home Office. If this is unsuccessful; Apply for Judicial Review.

We can advise you on your options and prospects for success and have experience in successfully assisting clients who have had a citizenship application refused.