One popular path to British citizenship is through naturalisation. But what does this entail, and how complicated is the process? Let’s explore the steps involved in becoming a naturalised British citizen and the potential costs associated with it.
There are multiple routes to obtaining British citizenship. Citizenship by descent offers the most straightforward method, for example, when individuals inherit citizenship from their parents or grandparents. However, many individuals achieve British citizenship through naturalisation. This means they have resided in the UK for a sufficient period on a qualifying visa, making them eligible to become citizens as a result of their residence.
Which visas lead to settlement in the UK?
Something to consider is that not all UK visas lead to settlement in the UK. Some examples of this are:
- Visitor visa
- Short-term student visa
- Parent of a Child Student visa
- Seasonal Worker visa
- Student visa
- Graduate visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme visa
- Visa with valid leave granted for a period of six months or less
The following visa categories lead to settlement in the UK after a certain amount of time, provided the requirements are met:
- UK spouse visa
- Fiancé visa
- Dependant visa
- UK Ancestry visa
- UK Skilled Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Global Business Mobility visa (Senior or Specialist Worker) under specific conditions
- Innovator Founder visa
- Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
- Global Talent visa
- Scale-up visa
Here’s how you can become a British citizen through Naturalisation
The initial step to becoming a naturalised British citizen is obtaining indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which grants permanent residency in the UK. You can apply for ILR once you meet the residency requirement and the following criteria*:
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
- Be of good character
- Fulfill residential and income requirements
*This is not an exhaustive list, and our UK immigration consultants can provide guidance on all ILR & Naturalisation requirements. They can also be found on the government site if you follow this link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/650b089027d43b001491c319/Guide_AN_-_Oct_2023.pdf
Finally, after holding ILR for 12 months, you become eligible to apply for British citizenship.
How to apply for British Nationality through Naturalisation
The process of citizenship by naturalisation varies based on individual circumstances, such as:
- Are you a national from the European Economic Area or Switzerland?
- What type of passport do you hold?
- Are you married to or in a relationship with a UK citizen?
Although the naturalisation process becomes relatively straightforward once you have ILR, there are strict requirements you must meet. Ensure you fulfill all these criteria before submitting your application.
To be eligible for citizenship by naturalisation in the UK, you must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be of good character
- Have the required language proficiency
- Have passed the Life in the UK test
- Intend to continue living in the UK
- Have spent the necessary amount of time in the UK and held ILR
What are the costs associated with Naturalisation?
The costs for the application can be broken down as such, but note that they are subject to change over time.
| Life in the UK test | £50 |
| English language test | £150 |
| ILR application fee | £2,885 |
| British citizenship application fee (including citizenship ceremony fee) | £1,630 |
How long does the process take from beginning to end?
Generally, the process can take 6 – 9 months from submission to approval, and then a further 3 months to be invited to take the Oath at your British citizenship ceremony. Thereafter, you can expect to receive your British passport 6 – 12 weeks after applying.
Should you use an agent to process the application for you? Here’s how we can help you.
The immigration and citizenship process can be complex and challenging to navigate. Furthermore, with numerous requirements and steps, having a knowledgeable consultant can significantly simplify the process. They can guide you through each stage, from ensuring you have the correct information and documentation to meet residency requirements to making sure all your forms are accurately completed and submitted through the proper channels. Consequently, mistakes can be costly, so it’s crucial to get everything right the first time.
First Move Immigration ensures that every detail is handled correctly, providing you with peace of mind that your visas are in order and your path to British citizenship is smooth and straightforward.
No matter how intricate your case, our citizenship and immigration consultants are ready to assist you every step of the way. Get in touch with our team at info@firstmove.co.za or on +27 21 140 8763. Alternatively, you can check out our website on www.firstmove.co.za and have a look at the other services we offer.