NATURALISATION
Overview
Applying to Naturalise in the UK – One of the processes of obtaining British citizenship is via naturalisation. This is when a non-citizen of the UK has permission to acquire citizenship. The most common ways of naturalisation are under the 3 year rule or the 5 year rule. The 3 year rule is on the basis of being married to a British Citizen and holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) before the July 2012 rule change.
Routes to Naturalising as a British Citizen
3 Year Rule
The applicant must be married to a British citizen, hold ILR and have resided in the UK for a full 3 years. The three year rule is only applicable for those who came on a settlement visa prior to the rule change in July 2012.
5 Year Rule
Is on the basis of having held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Permanent Residency (for EEA Members and their family members) for at least 1 year after previously spending a continuous period of 5 years on a visa that leads to permanent settlement, such as those on work related visas or those who have applied for a probationary settlement visa after the July 2012 rule change.
Process
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All applications must be made in the UK.
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You cannot apply through the Public Enquiry Office and use the Premium Service you must apply via the postal route.
Basic Requirements
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You must have been physically present in the UK at the beginning of the 3 or 5 year period.
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Unless you are exempt you are required to meet the Knowledge of Life and Language in the UK requirement known as KOLL.
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3 year rule: having spent no more than 270 days in total outside of the UK in the most recent 3 years.
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5 year rule: having spent no more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years.
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You are of good character.
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You have a referee who is a professional and has known you for more than 3 years.
Key Information
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Your referee must have known you for at least three years.
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You may be called for interview.
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If your application is successful you will be invited to a Citizenship Ceremony.
Professional Fee
A Fixed Fee of £400 to represent you payable on submission of the application to the Home Office. The Fee includes checking the application, documentation & informing you of any developments as they arise. There will be no VAT charged, However, you will be responsible for the Home Office application fee.