Our highly competent Immigration Team has recently been successful in securing naturalisation for our clients (“the Applicant”) who have now received British Citizenship status. We have been acting for them as joint-clients since they got entry clearance through the ancestry visa route. Although it was a challenging application, the Applicants instructed us early, we advised them throughout the process and worked in collaboration to ensure that all requirements were met before the applications were filed without undue delay.
The Applicants (husband and wife) are Canadian nationals who first successfully obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain (“ILR”) which was granted in December 2019. The Applicants were able to show they had been established in the UK for some time as they had:
- Been residing there for a period of five years before the application,
- Purchased the property in which they live,
- Confirmed a link to one of the client’s Grandmother in the UK,
- An established business in the UK.
The Applicants gained naturalisation by meeting all relevant requirements and provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that they satisfied those requirements in order to be granted a Certificate of Naturalisation as British citizens under s6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981.
As a result of the successful application, the Applicants have been invited to attend a citizenship ceremony where they will take an oath of allegiance to the Crown and pledge loyalty to the United Kingdom. Once this is complete, they will be presented with your certificate of British Citizenship. This certificate is legal evidence of their citizenship status.
Who can apply?
If you have family in the UK
You may apply as:
- A partner – with your family visa
- A partner – as a dependant on your partner’s work visa
- A parent – with your family visa
- A child – with your family visa
- A child – as a dependant on your parent’s work visa
- An adult-dependent relative on a family visa
If you work in the UK
You may be able to apply if you have a work visa. You must typically have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years. If you have a tier 1 visa, it can be 2 or 3 years. If you have an Innovator or global Talent visa, it can be 3 years. You may also need to meet salary or financial requirements depending on your visa. Visit the gov.uk site for more details.
If you have lived in the UK for 10 years (long residence)
If you are between the age of 18 and 64, you must pass the Life in the UK Test as well as meet the English language requirements by showing you have an English qualification with at least a B1 in speaking and listening or a degree taught in English. You may be exempt from the English language requirements subject to a list of countries found on the UK government website.
You must also have been in the UK legally for 10 years without gaps, this is known as your ‘continuous residence’. You can leave the UK during the continuous residence for up to: 180 days at a time and 540 days in total. This does not include any time spent in: a prison, young offender institution, secure hospital, Ireland, the Isle of Man or Channel Islands.
It is imperative that you do not wait until your current visa expires. If your visa expires before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, you’ll need to renew it first.
How Must Does It Cost?
It costs £1,330 for each person applying. You’ll each need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken – there’s no fee for this. You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months if you apply using the standard service. The Home Office increases their fees from time to time, therefore, it is important to check Gov.uk for the most recent update on fees.
Successful Naturalisation Applications
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 immigration status and the merit of your Naturalisation Application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department.
We are based in the legal epicenter 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 and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful application. Our competent 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 Naturalisation Application.