Naturalisation as British Citizen

If you are at least 18 years old and have been granted indefinite leave to remain or have acquired a right of permanent residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation.

Can I apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation?

In order to be naturalised as a British citizen, you will need to meet certain statutory criteria with regard to your immigration status, length of residence in the UK, future intentions, knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, and good character.  The requirements for British Citizenship by Naturalisation vary slightly depending on whether you are married to a British citizen or not.

Apply for UK Citizenship: Not married to a British citizen

If you are not married to a British citizen (or do not wish to rely on your marriage to a British citizen) the Home Office must be satisfied that:

• You were in the UK on the day five years before the date of your application;
• You have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the intervening five year period;
• You have not been in the UK in breach of the immigration laws at any time during that five year period;
• You have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date of your application;
• You are not subject to any limit on the period for which you may remain in the UK and have not been subject to any such time limit at any time during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date of your application;
• You are of good character;
• You have sufficient knowledge of the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language;
• Your intentions are that if your application is successful your home (or principal home) will be in the UK.

Apply for UK Citizenship: Married to a British citizen

If you are married to a British citizen, the Home Office must be satisfied that:

• You were in the UK on the day three years before the date of your application;
• You have not been absent from the UK for more than 270 days during the intervening three year period;
• You have not been in the UK in breach of the immigration laws at any time during that three year period;
• You have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date of your application;
• You are not subject to any time limit on the period for which you may remain in the UK at the date of your application;
• You are of good character;
• You have sufficient knowledge of the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances.  You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

Can I apply for British Citizenship straight after ILR?

If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation as soon as you have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain.  You will need to satisfy all of the other requirements for British Citizenship by Naturalisation outlined above.  If you are not married to a British citizen, you will need to have been free of immigration time restrictions for at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of your application.  This means that you will be eligible to apply for British Citizenship by Naturalisation 12 months after being granted ILR.

How many days can I stay outside the UK for British Citizenship?

In order to qualify for UK Citizenship, you will need to have spent not more than 90 days outside the UK during the 12 month period immediately before the date of your application for British Citizenship by Naturalisation.  If you are not married to a British citizen, you will also need to have not been away from the UK for more than 450 days days during the preceding 5 years.  If you are married to a British citizen, you will need to have spent not more than 270 days outside the UK in the previous 3 years.

Why Choose Connaught Law?

We have experienced British nationality lawyers, who provide prompt and cost-effective advice to individuals. We can guide you through the UK’s ever-changing and complex immigration procedures, offering prompt, efficient and cost-effective advice on British nationality applications.