Points to Know about the British Citizenship Application

There are certain mandatory criteria that needs to be fulfilled to become a British citizen by Naturalisation. These criteria revolve around how long one has lived in the UK, then comes the Life in the UK test, understanding of English is also taken into consideration, check whether one is of ‘good character’, and Referees who can prove one’s identity. For children (below 18), the mandatory criteria include- the Life in the UK Test and their understanding of English, which makes the process easier and simpler than that of adults. After applications are approved, one needs to organise the Citizenship Ceremony. In case of the requirement of one’s stay in the UK, one needs to be in the UK for at least 3 years, if married to a British citizen or engaged in a civil partnership with such; and for at least 5 years, if otherwise.

The person applying cannot be out of the UK for more than a period of 90 days the year before starting with the British Citizenship Application. The stay in the UK can be proved through passport with an entry stamp, or other evidences like P60s and payslips, a letter from any benefits provider, a letter from one’s education provider or employer, carrying the starting and ending dates, household bills, can be quite helpful. Then comes the Life in the UK Test which basically tests one’s knowledge on the UK’s laws and legal system as well as other working and general details of regular life in the UK. The next is to prove one’s understanding of English; one has to prove that their understanding of English, Scottish Gaelic or Welsh is undisputed. The speaking and listening tests can be passed at an approved centre and the test has a validity of 2 years.

Further comes the criteria to pass the check that one is of good character, which means that the person pays taxes dutifully, is not bankrupt, doesn’t have serious criminal records, etc. Lastly, the 2 referees mentioned should include a person with professional standing (like a civil servant), and a person with British passport, having professional standing or is above 25 years in age. British Citizenship Application can be by post (mandatory for those in Isle of Man, Channel Islands or a Overseas British territory) or online. This follows up to a biometric appointment at the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services to provide a photo, one’s fingerprints and can scan other documents. If the Home Office would require any more details, they inform so and one should reply promptly. Once the British Citizenship Application process starts, it may take up to 6 months or more to either approve or refuse the same. When approved, one mandatorily has to arrange a Citizenship ceremony.

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