British Citizenship

You are almost there!

Just take that final step!

Get in touch Book Appointment

Please submit your enquiry using the form below, and we'll get back to you soon.

Rest assured, a fully qualified immigration lawyer will handle your appointment.

Name *

Email address *

Phone number *

Message

Please select at least one option.

I allow this website to store my submission so they can respond to my inquiry. *

Sorry, we were not able to submit the form. Please review the errors and try again.

Settlement & Citizenship

To apply for British Citizenship, you must use the online application system on the UK government’s website. Eligibility can be based on birth, descent, marriage, or having lived in the UK for at least 5 years. Key documents include proof of identity, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status, evidence of English proficiency, knowledge of life in the UK, and proof of good character.

For those married to a UK citizen, the application can be made after 3 years of living in the UK as a settled person. The process is detailed and can be time-consuming, so seeking professional advice can simplify your journey. Contact our immigration experts to confirm your eligibility and strengthen your application.

Schedule appointment

How it works

Learn more about the process

1. Check If You're Eligible
- First, ensure you meet the residency requirements. If you are married to a British citizen, this usually means that you have lived in the UK for at least 3 years before applying. During this period, you should not have spent more than 270 days outside the UK and you must not have been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the year immediately before your application.
- If you are not married to a British citizen, you must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years before applying. You should not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during this time. In the 12 months immediately before applying, you must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK.
- You must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status for at least 12 months, unless you're married to a British citizen, in which case the 12-month wait isn’t necessary.
- You’ll also need to meet the good character requirement, which generally means having no recent criminal record.
2. Get Ready to Apply
- You’ll need to pass the Life in the UK Test, which checks your understanding of British history, customs, and values.
- You must also prove your English language ability at the required level, usually CEFR level B1 or above. This can be done by passing an approved test or by having a degree that was taught in English.
3. Gather Your Documents
- You’ll need your passport or travel documents to prove your identity and residency.
- Provide proof of your ILR or EU Settled Status, such as your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
- You’ll also need evidence that you’ve passed the Life in the UK Test and met the English language requirement.
- Make sure you have documents to show your lawful residence in the UK over the qualifying period, along with details of any time spent outside the UK.
- Gather any additional documents needed to demonstrate your good character.
4. Application Submission
- We at Robert Croft Associates will carefully and diligently complete and submit your application form.
- We will upload all your supporting documents and contact you to make payment of the application fee.
- You will have to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
5 Attend Your Citizenship Ceremony
- If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to a citizenship ceremony.
- At the ceremony, you’ll take an oath of allegiance and pledge your loyalty to the UK.
- Afterward, you’ll receive your Certificate of Naturalisation, officially making you a British citizen.
6. Apply for a British Passport

With your Certificate of Naturalisation in hand, you can now apply for a British passport, allowing you to travel freely as a British citizen.

apply now!

Frequently asked questions

What would you like to know?

British citizenship is open to individuals who have either lived in the UK for at least 5 years and hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status, or to those married to a British citizen who have lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
The processing time for British citizenship applications is typically around 6 months, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances and the volume of applications at the time received by the Home Office.
The Life in the UK Test is a mandatory exam that assesses your knowledge of British customs, laws, history, and culture. It is required for all applicants for British citizenship.
To be eligible for British citizenship, you must show good character, meaning you have no serious criminal record, unpaid taxes, or immigration-related offences.
Yes, you must prove your proficiency in English (usually at CEFR level B1 or above) unless you are exempt (e.g., being over 65 years old or from an English-speaking country).
The Home Office application fee for Naturalisation as a British Citizen is £1,580. This includes £80 to arrange a citizenship ceremony, which includes the administration of the citizenship oath and pledge at the ceremony.
Yes, your spouse and children can apply if they meet the requirements. However, each family member must make a separate application, and the criteria can differ slightly.
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but it may affect your application depending on the severity and how recent the offence is.
Yes, British citizenship can be revoked in cases of fraud, false information, or serious criminal activity. However, this is extremely rare.
If your application is refused, you will be informed of the reasons. You may be able to reapply or, in some cases, request for a reconsideration by way of Judicial Review.