Naturalisation
Complex by nature, the history of British Nationality and citizenship go back to the 1900s during the colonial era. A person may qualify for different types of British nationality depending on the year and the location they were born.
Under the British Nationality Act 1981, a person who has resided in the United Kingdom for a significant amount of years may qualify to apply to Naturalise and subsequently becoming a British Citizen.
Essentially, you can naturalise to be a British Citizen if you meet the following requirements:
- You are above 18
- You are of sound mind
- You have maintained good character
- You intend to continue to live in the United Kingdom
- Successfully completed an approved English test and life in the UK test
You should also:
- Have resided in the UK for a minimum of 5 years before the date of your application
- You must not travel abroad for more than 450 days during the 5 years period.
- You must also not travelled for more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months
- You must have been granted Indefinite Leave to remain (or lived in the UK for 6 years if you are a European national.
- had indefinite leave to stay in the UK for the last 12 months
- You must have been abiding with the UK immigration laws in the UK.
European citizens and their non-European partner who has resided in the United Kingdom for 6 years or more can also apply to Naturalise. They must show that the European citizen has continuously exercised his or her treaty rights in the United Kingdom as a worker throughout the whole period of their residency.
Subject to meeting the requirements, the application can be made inside or outside the United Kingdom. Successful applicants will be invited to attend the citizenship ceremony close to where you live. You will be making an ‘oath of allegiance’ and a pledge during this ceremony.
Subject to where and when they were born, some children below the age of 18 may be automatically British by birth. If they are not born British, in some circumstances, children born in the United Kingdom can submit a Registration application to become a British Citizen. Children under the age of 18 can apply together with their parents or independently.
Once your application has been granted, you can proceed to apply for your first Adult or Child British Passport.
Westkin understands that this process can be stressful for an applicant. We aim to provide service which is stress free with a clear management plan accommodating our clients from the outset. Westkin will assist with preparing the application as well as certifying our clients’ passport which will allow them to retain the original throughout the application process.