NATURALISATION
British citizenship is one of the six different forms of British
nationality. Some of these were defined in the British Nationality
Act 1981, which came into force on 1 January 1983.
The forms of nationality are:
Of these, only British citizens have an automatic right to live
and work in the United Kingdom and to apply for a British passport.
Those with other forms of British nationality must obtain permission
to live and work here. They may be entitled to register as British
citizens in certain circumstances.
This process permits foreign nationals to become British Citizens
whether it is through birth, marriage or long periods of residence.
Applicants must meet the following general criteria in order to
qualify for naturalisation:
- Be of good character;
- At least 18 years old;
- Be of sound mind;
- Have sufficient knowledge of the English language (or Welsh or
Scottish Gaelic);
- Intend to live in the United Kingdom (with the exception of applications
made on the basis of marriage to a British citizen);
Basic Requirements
This basic requirement for obtaining Nationality is that the applicant has lived legally in the UK for 5 years and held Indefinite Leave to Remain for 1 year.
During the five-year period, applicants must not have been outside of the United Kingdom for more than 450 days, and within the last 12 months of the five-year period must not have been outside of the United Kingdom for more than 90 days.
For the Spouse or Partner of a UK citizen the residence requirement may be reduced to 3 years.
You may then be eligible to apply for Nationality provided you meet the rest of the criteria in relation to Health, Good Character,
knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom.
Marriage
If you are married to, or in a Civil Partnership with, a British National you may be able to apply for citizenship through your marriage/civil partnership.
If you have been granted ILR and have been living legally in the UK with your British Spouse or Civil Partner for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for British Nationality provided you meet the rest of the criteria in relation to Health, Good Character, Knowledge of Life in the UK and evidence of English ability.
Registration of a child
Children born before 31 December 1982 in the UK may be automatically British.
Children born in the UK after 1 January 1983 may be registered as a British citizen if either parent is a British citizen or settled in the United Kingdom when the child is born.
Some children born outside the UK may be entitled to British citizenship dependent on certain factors.
Some children under the age of 18 living in the UK can be registered as British citizens in certain circumstances.
If you think we can help you with your immigration situation, contact us to make an appointment. Call 02080902408 (Office) / 07869286490 (Mobile)
or email info@systimesolutions.com or fill in the enquiry form.
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