If you are aged 18 or over, you can become a British citizen either by birth or you can apply for naturalization. To get British citizenship, you must show that you have been in the UK for at least three years on Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status and that you have never violated UK law, including immigration violations. If your application for permanent resident status is accepted, you will be able to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom indefinitely. You will also be free to travel and spend time outside of the country without fear of losing your status. Sindhu Immigration Service can help you regarding British citizenship and the Naturalisation process thoroughly if you are not sure where to start from.

What are the criteria for British citizenship?

Those who desire to apply for British citizenship must fulfill the following qualifying conditions, according to the British Nationality Act:
1-You must be at least 18 years old.
2-Have been in the UK for at least 12 months and have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
3-Have lived in the UK for at least 5 years, with no more than 450 days spent outside the country.
4-Meet the English language requirements for the CEFR level B1 (unless exempt).
5-There is no evidence that you have broken any UK immigration regulations.
6-Pass the Life in the UK Test to demonstrate that you are familiar with the fundamentals of British customs, traditions, and culture.
7-Demonstrate that they have the required Good Character.

What is the process of becoming a British citizen by Naturalisation?

Naturalization, by definition, is a legal procedure that allows someone to change their nationality. Successful candidates for British naturalization are regarded British citizens on an international level and have the same rights as anybody born in the UK, both nationally and internationally.
People with foreign citizenship who lived in the UK for a long period were unable to seek for naturalization to become full British citizens. Naturalization in the UK, for example, could only be conferred by an official and private act of parliament before 1844. Naturalization has been less expensive since 1844, and it is now handled directly by the Home Office.

Requirements for Naturalization

For British Naturalisation, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Age
You are at least 18 years old.
2. Life in the UK test
You have passed the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirements.
3. Absence
You have not spent more than 450 days in the UK throughout the qualifying period, and your absences have not exceeded 90 days in the 12 months immediately previous to filing your application. And, the Home Office does not consider days spent traveling when determining the number of days absent.
4. Good character
You are of “good character,” with no significant or recent criminal record and no violations of immigration rules or regulations while in the United Kingdom.

Naturalization as a British citizen’s spouse

After three years of continuous presence in the UK, where they hold ILR, permanent residency, or established status, spouses of British nationals can apply. Absences must have been no longer than 270 days in the previous three years and no longer than 90 days in the 12 months preceding submitting your application. So, if you need more assistance, contact Sindhu Immigration Services today!

How do I apply for British citizenship and Naturalisation?

1-To apply to become a British citizen, you must fill out the form (AN) and pay the £1,330 naturalization application cost (as set in March 2019).
2-Moreover, you will need to gather and submit papers to show your eligibility in support of your application.
3-While the application form is simple, the information you provide about yourself, absences, and papers you send in support of your application must be complete. Otherwise, they can delay or deny your application, and you will lose your application money.
4- UKVI also has the authority to take action if you make a false statement or submit a fraudulent document.
5- In most circumstances, you will also need to make an appointment to submit your biometric data at a UKVCAS center.
6-UKVI will evaluate your application, cross-referencing it with information such as HMRC records, validating your visa status in the UK, and checking for any criminal prosecution problems that might lead to your disbarment.
7-Finally, if you are approved, you will be invited to a Citizenship ceremony at a location near you. You will get your Certificate of Naturalisation here, which you may use to apply for a British passport.

Referees for British citizenship and naturalization applications in the UK

In your naturalization application, you must include the names and contact information of two referees. Both references for naturalization must have known you for at least three years. One of the referees must be a professional. He can be an accountant, police officer, or chemist, and can be from any country. The other referee must be a British citizen with a British passport who is either a professional or over 25 years old. Remember, both referees must sign and complete the same sheet, including a passport photo of you. And, you can’t utilize two different pages at the same time.

What if your application for British citizenship and Naturalisation is denied?

If your British citizenship and naturalization application has been denied, you must first discover the reason for the denial. After that, you will be able to determine whether you should resubmit the application or file a new one. Was there an error in filling out the form? Did you pay the wrong price? Was your application denied based on discretion? Therefore, seeking counsel can assist you in better understanding your options and determining the best course of action.

Naturalization with a criminal background

Previous convictions and offenses are likely to influence your naturalization application. Various variables will determine the severity of your consequences and the nature of the offense. However, as part of your British citizenship and naturalization application, you are obliged by law to declare all criminal offenses. Failure to do so may result in your application being denied. It may also influence any future UK applications you submit.

What can Sindhu Immigration Services do to assist you with acquiring British citizenship?

Naturalization applications in the UK frequently fail due to insufficient paperwork and mistakes on the application form. The home office also rejects the application if you don’t answer their inquiries in a timely way.
That is why taking our Expert Immigration Solicitor guidance on making your British citizenship and naturalization application might help you avoid being denied. We recognize how stressful the Home Office application process may be. And we take proactive measures to keep you informed about the status of your application. We take great satisfaction in assisting you in making a life-changing decision by easing the strain.