Application for British Citizenship

How to qualify for British Citizenship

After you have acquired Indefinite Leave to Remain you are entitled to become a British citizen.

There are two separate sets of requirements that must be met in order for a person to apply for British Citizenship. This depends on whether a person is married to a British national or not.

NOT Married to a British Citizen

If you are not married to British citizens the most important points to satisfy are:

  • Be lawfully resident in the UK for at least 5 years.
  • Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain for 1 year.
  • You may not be outside the UK for more than 450 days over the 5 year period preceding the date that you submit your application.
  • You may not be absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the most recent 12 months.
  • Be physically present in the UK on the date that the UK Home Office receives your application for British Citizenship.
  • Ensure that your tax and National Insurance affairs in the UK is in order and up to date.

 

Married to a British Citizen

If you are married to British citizens the most important points to satisfy are;

  • Be lawfully resident in the UK for at least 3 years.
  • You may not be outside the UK for more than 270 days over the 3 year period preceding the date that you submit your application.
  • You may not be absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the most recent 12 months.
  • Be physically present in the UK on the date that your application for British Citizenship is received by the UK Home Office.
  • Ensure that your tax and National Insurance affairs in the UK is in order and up to date.