Overview

Naturalisation is the process of attaining British citizenship and is the final step in the immigration process. Once the application is granted, the applicant will no longer need to make any further applications and will obtain all the benefits and rights bestowed onto a British citizen. For migrants to the UK , this is the ultimate end of the immigration process.

 

Eligibility

All applicants applying for naturalisation must meet strict criteria in regard to their stay in the UK . Applications are normally made after 3 or 6 years depending on the individual’s circumstances and the kind of visa they entered the UK on. The normal process is:

2 year or 5 year visa

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ILR Application (after 2 years or 4 years and 11 months)

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After a minimum of 12 months you can apply for Naturalisation

 

As well as spending sufficient time in the UK , all applicants must meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must have spent a minimum of 12 months on ILR
• Be over 18 years old
• Be of sound mind and good character
• Intend to continue living in the UK
• Be proficient in the English language

 

Almost all applications for naturalisation fall into one of two categories, 3 year or 6 year applications, dependent on which visa the applicant came to the UK on.

6 Year Applications

Typically this is for applicants who have achieved ILR by spending 5 years on a Work Permit, HSMP visa or an Ancestry visa. Following the subsequent 12 months on ILR, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must have been living in the UK for 6 years prior to submission
• Should not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years
• Should not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last year

 

3 Year Applications

Applicants applying under the 3 year criteria are typically those on spouse visas and who qualify for ILR after 2 years and naturalisation after a subsequent 12 months. The criteria for these application is:

• The applicant must have been living in the UK for 3 years prior to submission
• Should not have spent more than 270 days outside of the UK in the last 3 years
• Should not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last year

 

When making an application for Naturalisation, all migrants will need to provide documentation to support the above points. First Migration can help you by advising on all the required documentation and proof to ensure your individual application is approved.

Contact Us

If you would like one of our OISC registered migration consultants to check your eligibility or you would like to proceed with an application, please contact us.

 

Further Information

Becoming naturalised and a British citizen allows for a number of significant benefits, including some of the following:

• A British passport allowing you to travel without restriction within the EU and globally as per the requirements of British citizens
• Access to public funds and entitlements such as a state pension
• Reduced University fees

 

Whilst naturalisation does provide a number of benefits, there are also factors that applicants should consider when taking on British citizenship:

• Britain and many other countries allow for dual citizenship – holding citizenship from more than one country. Some countries however do not permit you to hold dual citizenship and by taking on British citizenship you will have to renounce your previous citizenship and passport.

 

First Migration and Naturalisation

Becoming a British citizen is a prestigious and highly desired objective. The UK Government places much emphasis on ensuring only eligible and respectable migrants are approved for naturalisation. Considering this, rules and regulations governing the application are increasingly stringent, making the visa increasingly hard to obtain. First Migration can help you obtain the HSMP through our vast experience and OISC registered team.

So what can you expect from us?

• A dedicated caseworker who will advise you on the exact documentation needed for your application.
• Feedback on all of your documents eligibility
• We complete the application form
• We write a covering letter both presenting and arguing why your case should be approved
• We represent your case to the Home Office and deal with all correspondence

In addition to this we also ensure:

• A no win, no fee application
• Online access to your account to check your status
• Text and email weekly updates
• Your application is covered by our service guarantee*