Our immigration team comprising of Solicitors and Barristers successfully assisted our client (the Applicant) with obtaining British citizenship. This was the second application we prepared for the Applicant having previously assisted her in applying for a document certifying permanent residence in the UK, also referred to as EEA Permanent Residence under the EEA Regulations. The Applicant’s British citizenship application was made under the British Nationality Act 1981. The Applicant’s application was well prepared and she received a response from the Home Office in around 8 to 9 weeks from the date of submission.
Background to British Citizenship application
The Applicant was an Italian national who first entered the UK as an EEA national exercising her Treaty Rights. We previously assisted the Applicant in applying for EEA Permanent Residence last year. The Applicant contacted us again expressing her concerns about her future in the UK due to the failed Brexit negotiations. It still remains unclear what the future holds for EEA nationals’ post-Brexit. It is advised that where possible EEA nationals secure their status through applying for an EEA Residence card, EEA Permanent Residence, Settled or Pre Settled Status document or British citizenship. Our immigration team prepared the application and received a response from the nationality team at the Home Office within 8 to 9 weeks from the date of submission.
What are the requirements for British Citizenship?
Unlike the aforementioned EEA applications, a British citizenship application is made in accordance with the British Nationality Act 1981. The basic criteria below must be met in most cases:
- Applications must have held indefinite leave to remain for at least 12 months or hold EEA Permanent Residence;
- Applicants must not have large absences from the UK (no more than 450 days) unless there are strong and compelling reasons behind the absences;
- Applicants must meet the good character requirement by showing that they are of sound mind and must have good conduct;
- Applicants must intend on making the UK their main place of home and should be able to show some personal ties and connections to the UK; and
- Applicants must have sufficient knowledge of English Language & Sufficient knowledge of life in the UK.
There are other ways to apply for British citizenship such as registration applications, through descent or parent/children of British citizens.
It is recommended those who wish to submit a British citizenship application to give us a call on +442030110276 for a free telephone case assessments so can consider with you the requirements for a successful application.
What is the Good Character requirement in British citizenship applications?
One of the most important requirements for a British Citizenship application is the good character requirement. It should be noted that the British Nationality Act 1981 fails to provide a definition of good character. However, there is Home Office guidance on what information should be disclosed with the application. To meet the good character requirement Applicants must show that they have shown respect for the rights and freedoms of the UK, observed its laws and fulfilled your duties and obligations as a resident of the UK. The Home Office will carry out civil and criminal record checks when reviewing an application. Therefore, it is essential that all information is disclosed to the Home Office when applying for British Citizenship. It is advised that applicants also disclose minor parking offences such as fixed penalty notices and speeding offences under the Road Traffic Act 1984. A failure to disclose all relevant information is likely to result in your British Citizenship being refused and in some circumstances issues of deception may arise and a ban from applying again.
If you have a criminal record or have had some issues with the law in the past it does not mean that you cannot submit a successful British Citizenship application. With the correct legal assistance and representation, a strong and persuasive application can be submitted. Our team of Solicitors and Barristers have a proven method of submitting all types of citizenship applications.
How we can assist submit a successful British citizenship application
We prepare our British citizenship 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. It is not uncommon for underprepared applications to suffer severe delays. For every British citizenship application, we are instructed on our Solicitors prepare a bespoke documents list outlining all the necessary documents required for a successful Naturalisation application. Following this our Solicitors provide multiple substantial reviews of the documents ensuring all the documents are 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 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.
Using Legal Representation to submit a British citizenship 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 British citizenship applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the 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 British citizenship 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 citizenship 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 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 British citizenship application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.