Citizenship Applications in the UK: Steps to Becoming a British Citizen
You also want to become a British citizen but are still confused about how you will proceed the process because lack of information and guidance.
There is no easy procedure for British nationality, but with the right guidance, you can get it.
Some people try by themselves and apply for it and find complexity that turns their motivation into frustration.
However, there are some measures that you can take to make this process much less dust on your part.
The process of becoming a British citizen is simple.
Once you become a British citizen, you can access all the opportunities that the citizens of Britain enjoy.
These include the right to health care, education and the privilege of using a British passport for international travel.
So, if you are planning on applying for citizenship in the UK, this guide will provide an understanding of what are the requirements set.
What are the advantages of being a British citizen?
There is no doubt that many benefits and basic human rights are saved on the land of the UK.
Count on what you can get as a British citizen!
The best advantage you can get is the right to reside in the UK and work without any limitation on immigration duration.
Additionally, British citizens can permanently reside in Ireland. It means it allows you to carry out activities such as studying, working or establishing business ventures as other citizens.
Another benefit is the right to get a British passport. It also means the opportunity to enter 182 countries without a visa or with a visa upon arrival.
This is especially helpful when cross-border travelling can be more manageable.
It also gives an opportunity to fully exercise the democratic rights of the country. This encompasses the right to vote in general, local as well as the referendum elections. And also the right to vie for an election.
Also, it confers the right of citizenship in the UK, which means that you can have the privilege of accessing basic human rights.
People also get social security and pensions, among other benefits.
Last but not least, Britain grants citizenship that provides people with safety and stability. It comes with unlimited future career and family opportunities.
Step-by-Step Process for Applying for British Citizenship
Now that you know the requirements to qualify for naturalisation, let us dissect the process of how one becomes a citizen by naturalisation.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
The first thing that any person who wishes to apply should do is to make sure they qualify as a British citizen.
Double-check that you have:
- Met the residency requirements.
- ILR or Settled Status for at least 12 months
- Pass the Life in the UK Test (know the culture and history of the UK)
- Fluency and good command of the English language.
If you have questions about your eligibility, it may be time to approach an immigration solicitor.
Step 2. Life in the UK Test
It is important to note that this Test is important for all who are seeking British citizenship. This is an IT test that comprises twenty-four questions, each with multiple choices based on United Kingdom history, customs, and practice. You have to be able to achieve 75% above to pass that particular test.
After that, to prepare for the test you can download both the official guide and practice questions from the UK gov website. It costs £50, and it has to be submitted online so that you can get a date for the test.
You must carry your identification documents on the day of the test as may be demanded by the administrator.
Step 3: Prove Your Knowledge of the English Language
If you don’t meet the English language requirement, you got trouble.
If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country, that is:
United State
Australia
Canada
Or any English-speaking country
you will not be required to provide the language test.
There are other situations when you might be allowed: If you have the diploma which was received in the English-taught program.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form (Form AN)
If all of them are fulfilled and the applicant requires naturalisation, then you have to fill out Form AN, which is the application form for naturalisation.
Fill out the form online on the UK Government website, and you are expected to provide the correct information.
Your residential status,
Work experience,
Travel history,
& criminal records, if any.
Also, provide the following documents:
Your passport,
Other travel documents that will be used in the process of getting a visa.
Require residents to provide proof of their ILR or Settled Status.
Your Life in the UK Test pass certificate.
Language proficiency in English is required.
Signed and completed recommendation letters from at least two person(s) whom you consider to have known you for a minimum of 3 years.
At least one of the referees must be in the professional line, like a doctor or a teacher among others.
Step 5: Make the Payment (Non-refundable)
British citizenship fee by 2024 will range between £1,330 for the application fee. It consists of the charge for application consideration and the citizenship ceremony.
Note:
All fees charged for this service are non-refundable. Therefore, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they fill out the application correctly and correctly.
Step 6: Schedule and Go for Biometrics Appointment
Now in the whole process, you need Farhan & Co expert help, who will make the process transparent and easy for you.
When applying, at the end of the application, you have to go for a biometric appointment at one of the UKVCAS centres.
Note:
During this appointment, fingerprints and a photograph of an applicant are important.
The fee for an appointment of biometrics is in British pounds.
Step 7: Wait for a Decision
The home office will consider your application and recheck all the details that you provided. This, for instance, can take between 6 to 12 months depending on some factors. Such as the level of difficulty in your case and the number of applications submitted.
If your UK citizenship application is refused, you will be told the grounds for refusal and if you have a right to appeal against such a refusal.
Step 8: Joining a Citizenship Ceremony
If you pass all these tests, then the authorities will offer you an appointment to attend the citizenship ceremony in the local area.
As part of the ceremony, you will make an oath of allegiance to the UK and affirm your loyalty to the monarch.
The ceremony fee is incorporated into the application fee and that is a requirement for all applicants.
Last step: Apply for a British Passport.
Once you become a British citizen, you can apply for a British passport.
In addition to the application form, you will have to produce your citizenship certificate. And go through a biometric capturing process.
A British passport enables free travelling and visa requirements for 183 countries, making it one of the most powerful passports globally.
Final Thoughts
As a British citizen, you will go through severe steps and the conditions that have to be met. Farhan & Co have outlined all the processes step by step. We believe that anyone who reads this guide will find it helpful to be a citizen of Britain.
There are many stages that you need to pass then you can become closer to the title of permanent British.
If you have any questions regarding any part of the process, do not hesitate to consult Farhan & Co. law firm for help with your legal application procedure.