Last night EU leaders approved an agreement outlining the UK’s formal departure from the European Union. However, this agreement is still pending parliament approval and the current division suggests that there is a long way before an agreement is confirmed. A number of prominent Members of Parliament have resigned since the draft agreement in an attempt to boycott the agreement. The uncertainty is making EU nationals increasingly nervous as it leaves many without assurance not knowing what their status will be in March 2019. It is the perfect time for EU nationals to apply to become a British Citizen and secure their status in the UK.
What does it mean to be a British Citizen?
Becoming a British citizen is a delightful privilege for people from all around the world. Once a person has secured British citizen they will formally belong to the UK with unrestricted permission to reside in the UK. British citizens can apply to have their family members join them and they can also access public services such as the National Health Service. British citizens also have an unrestricted right to work in the UK and are able to participate in local and national elections. There are a number of different ways to become a British citizen under the immigration rules and the British Nationality Act 1981. Under some routes such as the registration process under the British Nationality Act 1981 individuals can apply to register their citizenship instantly. There are also other routes where Applicants must show their residence in the UK for a period of 5 years and permanent residence status.
How to apply to become a British Citizen?
A British citizen application is made under the British Nationality Act 1981. The most common way of obtaining British Citizenship is by applying for Naturalisation. Naturalisation is often referred to as a privilege. There are two categories under which an application for Naturalisation can be made to obtain British Citizenship under the BNA 1981. The first category is applying in your own right under Section 6 (1) of the BNA 1981. This can be achieved by spending five continuous years in the UK and subsequently holding settled status for a period of one year.
The basic requirements for a British Citizenship application are noted below:
- You must be 18 years of age or over;
- You must be able to demonstrate that you are of sound mind and good character;
- You must consider the UK as your principal place of home;
- You must meet the residency requirement and not have excessive absences from the UK;
- You must meet the English language requirement and show you have sufficient knowledge of life in the UK.
Nationals of majority speaking English countries are not required to show a formal speaking and listening qualification. You may be able to meet the English language requirement by providing your Birth Certificate or Identification document with your British Citizenship application. Those wishing to apply for British Citizenship should consult with a member of our expert immigration team so we can consider the eligibility criteria and explore whether, among other requirements, they meet the good character and residency requirements.
How we can assist with a British Citizen application?
Our solicitors can guide you through the British citizen application process and prepare outstanding legal representations/submissions which focus on how you meet the requirements listed under the British Nationality Act 1981. We also focus on the relevant policy guidance on meeting the good character requirement as this was one of the major obstacles in these types of applications. There is no statutory definition given for good character so there is no fixed way of meeting this requirement. Our solicitors are able to work closely with you and can give you access to our specialist immigration team at any time you require assistance. It is important that a well-prepared application is submitted and presented in a clear way so there is no confusion. Often applications which are not prepared strongly or are not presented clearly are refused by caseworkers. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provide substantial reviews of your documents to ensure that you submit the correct documentary evidence in the correct format, which meets the Home Office’s requirements.
Using Legal Representation to submit a British Citizen application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a British citizen visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject British citizen applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your British citizen application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully submit British Citizen application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a British citizen application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of an application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful British citizen application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss your immigration matter or application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.