Naturalisation
This is the last mandatory step on your path to becoming a British citizen and eventually attaining a British passport.
At Copper Stone Solicitors we have our specialist naturalisation team that will project manage your entire application.
Please Note: This is not an application for the British Passport itself. After your application for naturalisation you will be invited to a ceremony, where you will be officially sworn in as a British citizen.
You are then entitled to apply for a British passport.
The Requirements:
For the majority of applicants: (excluding EEA nationals or applying as a spouse of a British national)
- You must hold Indefinite Leave to Remain [LINK] for the last 12 months,
- In the 12 months prior to the application you cannot have an excess of 90 days absences from the UK, however we may be able to exercise discretion if this is in excess.
- You must meet the residential requirements, thus you must show 5 years lawful residence in the UK.
- In these 5 years you cannot have an excess of 450 days absences from the UK.
- You must pass ‘The Life In the UK’ Test,
- You must have passed the English language requirement,
- You must show you are a person of good character this is a subjective element that we shall explain.
Married Partner of a British National:
The requirements are slightly different if you apply as a spouse of a British national.
- You must hold Indefinite Leave to remain on the date of the application
- In the 12 months prior to the application you cannot have an excess of 90 days absences from the UK, however we may be able to exercise discretion if this is in excess.
- You must meet the residential requirements, thus you must show 3 years lawful residence in the UK.
- In these 3 years you cannot have an excess of 270 days absences from the UK.
- You must pass ‘The Life In the UK’ test,
- You must have passed the English language requirement,
- You must show you are a person of good character this is a subjective element that we shall explain.
EEA Nationals
The process is slightly different if you are an EEA National or their Non-EEA partner:
- You must show 6 years residence in the UK,
- In the 12 months prior to the application you cannot have an excess of 90 days absences from the UK.
- You must show 5 years exercising treaty rights (or Permanent Residence),
- In these 5 years you cannot have an excess of 450 days absences from the UK, including no absences of 180 days at any one time.
- You must pass ‘The Life In the UK’ test,
- You must have passed the English language requirement,
- You must show you are a person of good character this is a subjective element that we shall explain.
OTHER NATIONALITY TYPES
As will be known, there are wide variety of nationality types aside from Naturalisation.
These include Registration and Nationality by descent. We can help you with theses, please call our offices