British Citizenship by Naturalisation

UK Citizenship gives applicants who successfully obtain Citizenship status the same privileges as those born in Britain. You will: Hold British status Be granted a British Passport Be free to work in the UK without restrictions Be required to attend a Citizenship ceremony. Depending on your current citizenship or nationality, you may be able to apply in several ways: Naturalisation Registration Children Stateless people In order to be naturalised as a British citizen, you will need to meet certain statutory criteria with regard to your immigration status, length of residence in the UK, future intentions, knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, and good character. The requirements for British Citizenship by Naturalisation vary slightly depending on whether you are married to a British citizen or not. Apply for UK Citizenship: Not married to a British citizen If you are not married to a British citizen (or do not wish to rely on your marriage to a British citizen) the Home Office must be satisfied that: You were in the UK on the day five years before the date of your application; You have not been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the intervening five year period; You have not been in the UK in breach of the immigration laws at any time during that five year period; You have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date of your application; You are not subject to any limit on the period for which you may remain in the UK and have not been subject to any such time limit at any time during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date of your application; You are of good character; You have sufficient knowledge of the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language; Your intentions are that if your application is successful your home (or principal home) will be in the UK. Apply for UK Citizenship: Married to a British citizen If you are married to a British citizen, the Home Office must be satisfied that: You were in the UK on the day three years before the date of your application; You have not been absent from the UK for more than 270 days during the intervening three year period; You have not been in the UK in breach of the immigration laws at any time during that three year period; You have not been absent from the UK for more than 90 days during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date of your application; You are not subject to any time limit on the period for which you may remain in the UK at the date of your application; You are of good character; You have sufficient knowledge of the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language.