Recently, our immigration team has successfully assisted our client (“the Applicant”) in their application for Naturalisation as a British citizen. The Applicant held indefinite leave to remain (“ILR”) and as this was obtained because he was the spouse of a British citizen, he was able to apply for Naturalisation straight away, without having to wait the 12 month period. The application was made in accordance with the British Nationality Act 1981 and was prepared by members of our specialist immigration team. For advice on the Naturalisation application and process, please contact our immigration team in order to arrange a consultation with one of our solicitors.
Case for Naturalisation
The Applicant was a returning client of ours, having previously instructed us to prepare his spouse visa applications and his subsequent ILR application. The Applicant was a Lebanese national who had spent 5 years in the UK as the spouse of a British citizen. As soon as he obtained ILR, he instructed us to prepare his Naturalisation application as those who obtain ILR through the spouse route do not have to wait the usual 12 month period before applying for British citizenship.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were delays in Home Office decision making; however the Applicant still received his positive decision within the 6 month service standard.
How do I become a British citizen by Naturalisation?
Applicants must have ILR or Settled Status before applying to become a British citizen. Applicants must meet the following requirements in order to successfully apply for Naturalisation as a British citizen:
- be over the age of 18;
- prove residence in the UK exactly 5 years before the day the Home Office receives the application;
- prove knowledge of the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic language;
- must have sat and passed the life in the UK test;
- must intend to continue living in the UK; and
- must be of good character and have two character referees.
How much does Naturalisation cost?
The current Home Office fees for Naturalisation are £1,330, in addition to £19.20 to register the Applicant’s biometrics. Applications can be submitted either online or by post; however postal applications take longer to receive a decision. As with any other in-country UK visa application, Applicants must give their biometrics at a UKVCAS centre. Applicants should be aware that UKVCAS may charge an extra fee for the biometric appointment; especially at the premium centres. This fee can range anywhere between £75 and £200.
Do I need to apply for passport after Naturalisation?
Once an application for Naturalisation has been approved by the Home Office, Applicants will be invited to attend or told to book a place at a citizenship ceremony by their local authority. It is only once the Applicant has attended the citizenship ceremony and received the Certificate of Naturalisation that the Applicant becomes a British citizen. Once an Applicant has their Certificate of Naturalisation, they can apply for a British passport; this is not automatically issued.
How we can assist submit a successful Naturalisation application?
We prepare our Naturalisation applications with a great amount of detail ensuring all the requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981 are met. We have a proven method of submitting successful British citizenship applications. The key to submitting a successful application is providing the correct supporting documents. Without sufficient mandatory and supporting documents it is likely your application may be delayed and later refused.
For every Naturalisation application we are instructed on, our team prepares a bespoke documents list outlining all the necessary documents required for a successful Naturalisation application. Following this our Solicitors provide substantial reviews of the documents ensuring all the evidence is in the correct format and meet the Home Office requirements. Our solicitors successfully guide Applicants through the application process and prepare detailed legal representations, which directly tackle all of the issues involved in the application and outline how the requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981 are met. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors prepare and assist with the completion of the Naturalisation application form and providing the supporting documents to the Home Office.
Using our immigration solicitors in London to submit a Naturalisation application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on the 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 British citizenship correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Immigration & Visa 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 apply for Naturalisation with our immigration solicitors in London
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 an application for British citizenship 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 are able to advise you in respect of your prospects and to ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Our offices 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 successful immigration applications. 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 a Naturalisation application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.