EU citizens with EU Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme can apply for British citizenship if they meet the Naturalisation requirements (see below) under the British Nationality Act 1981. In order to apply for British citizenship, migrants must demonstrate that they have lawfully resided in the UK for a continuous 5-year period and have good character. Applicants applying under the spouse route are only required to show a continuous 3-year period. Our immigration team has a very high success rate in preparing British citizenship applications.
What is EU Settled Status?
EU Settled Status grants migrants permanent residence otherwise know as indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Migrants with EU Settled Status will no longer be subject to immigration restrictions and can reside freely in the UK and access healthcare, education, pension, and other benefits. In order to apply for EU Settled Status migrants must apply under the EU Settlement Scheme once they have accrued 5 years of continuous residence in the UK. The current deadline to submit an EU Settled Status application is 30 June 2021.
Applying for British citizenship with EU Settled Status?
Migrants who hold EU Settled Status can apply for British citizenship through a process called Naturalisation under the British Nationality Act 1981. The application process consists of submitting an online application form followed by an upload of supporting documents. There are a number of key requirements that must be met such as:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age;
- Applicants must hold EU Settled Status or EEA Permanent Residency;
- Applicants must meet the residency requirement by showing that they have been living in the UK lawfully for at least 5-years or 3-years (subject to what route you apply under);
- Applicant’s must not have been absent from the UK for more than 450 days or 270 days (subject to what route you apply under);
- Applicants must be of good character and not have been in breach of the UK Immigration Rules;
- Applicants must intend on making the UK their principle place of home; and
- Applicants meet the English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK Test.
It should be noted that children can also apply for British citizenship through the formal registration process and it is not necessary to apply through Naturalisation.
What is the continuous residency requirement for British citizenship applications?
One of the fundamental requirements for a British citizenship application through Naturalisation is that Applicants must have been lawfully present in the UK for a continuous 5-year period. If you are applying as a spouse of British citizenship then the continuous residence requirement is only 3-years. Applicants must not have had more than 450 days of absences from the UK under the 5-year route and 270 days under the 3-year route. Applicants must not have accrued more than 90 days of absences in the 12-month period before the application.
If you have excessive absences from the UK it is possible to apply for British citizenship if you can demonstrate you had valid reasons for your absence. Our immigration team has ample experience in preparing complex British citizenship applications.
When can you apply for British citizenship if you hold EU Settled Status?
Whilst an EEA Permanent Residence document and EU Settled Status give you the same rights in the UK there is a difference as to when you can apply for British citizenship. Migrants would have been given a date on their EEA Permanent Residence grant letter as to when they would be eligible for British citizenship. However, you must hold EU Settled Status for 12-months before you can apply as you must show that you have not been subject to any immigration restrictions in the 12-month period before your British citizenship application unless you are married to a British citizen. If you are unsure whether you can apply for British citizenship you can contact a member of our specialist immigration team for advice on when to make an application.
How our immigration solicitors can help apply for British citizenship with Settled Status
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in visa applications and can submit successful British citizenship applications. Our immigration team prepares applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful visa applications for a range of clients. The key to submitting a successful British citizenship application is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules and submitting the correct supporting documents. Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to help EU Nationals apply for British citizenship with Settled Status
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 citizenship 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 applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your British citizenship 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 a British citizenship application as an EU National
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 citizenship visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a British citizenship application and ensure that you meet all the requirements under the Immigration 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. LEXVISA is just 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 citizenship visa 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.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.