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British citizenship by registration
Applying for British Citizenship? With our knowledge and experience of British Citizenship eligibility requirements, we are here to assist you with your application.
Applications for British citizenship by registration
If you do not qualify for British citizenship by naturalisation, you may be able to apply for British citizenship by registration. This could include children born in the UK to non-British parents who have lived in the UK for the required period of time, individuals who have a parent who has become a British citizen as well as individuals with certain connections to the UK, such as those born to a British mother before 1983.
Requirements to register as a British citizen
The eligibility requirements to register as a British citizen can be complex and vary depending on individual circumstances. Whilst we cannot cover all the circumstances here, the broad requirements include:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old or between 18 and 21 years old if you were born outside the UK to a parent with British citizenship.
- Residence: You must have lived in the UK for a certain period, which can vary depending on the circumstances. For example, children born in the UK to non-British parents may be eligible for registration if they have lived in the UK continuously for at least 10 years.
- Good character: You must be of good character, which means you must not have a criminal record or any other relevant convictions or breaches of immigration law.
- Connection to the UK: You must have a connection to the UK, which can include having a British parent or grandparent, being born in a British overseas territory, or having a parent who was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence in the UK.
- Other requirements: Depending on the circumstances, there may be additional requirements such as passing an English language test or demonstrating knowledge of the ‘Life in the UK’ (as contained in the official handbook).
Referees for British citizenship
Your British citizenship application will also require two referees who can establish your identity.
You can decide who they are so long as they meet the meet the requirements. Broadly these requirements are that:
- Both referees must have known you for at least three years;
- They cannot be related to you or to the other referee;
- They must not have had any criminal convictions within the last ten years;
- They must be a British passport holder, and either be:
- A professional person, such as a minister of religion or a dentist (at least one of your referees must be a professional person and cannot include your legal represenative); or
- 25 years old.
Your application might still be successful if you are unable to provide two referees (for example, for young children) but you will need to explain why you are unable to do so and it is recommended that you seek appropriate legal advice.
What documents do I need to apply for British citizenship?
The documents needed for a British citizenship application depend on individual circumstances. However, the main documents you need to provide include:
- Your current valid passport or travel document.
- Evidence of your current immigration status and that you are free from immigration control/time restrictions such as your Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence, EU Settled Status and/or a Biometric Residence Permit.
- Evidence of residence in the UK for the required period of time, such as utility bills, bank statements, or tenancy agreements.
- Relevant details of any period of absence that you have spent outside the UK.
- English language test results unless you are otherwise exempt from the requirement.
- Pass certificate for the ‘Life in the UK' test.
Registration for children born in the UK when a parent becomes settled
A child who is born in the UK and has non-British parents does not always need to wait until they have lived in the UK for a certain period before they can register as a British citizen. If at least one parent becomes settled in the UK (for example, by obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain, Permanent Residence, or EU Settled Status), the child may be entitled to register as a British citizen immediately. This means the usual residence requirements do not apply in these circumstances.
We’re here to help you
When it comes to obtaining reliable legal advice, Seraphus is your dedicated source of expert guidance.
We specialise in providing personalised support to help you navigate the complexities of the application process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Contact us today using the contact us form.
British Citizenship Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost to apply for British citizenship?
The current fees can be found on the UK government's website. They are subject to change so always check for the up-to-date fees. The actual cost can vary depending on the route you choose whether you are applying online or by post and if additional fees apply for other services or documents related to your application. As overall fees can be high, it is best to minimise your chances of refusal by seeking advice on matters you are unsure about.
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What is the English Language Test?
You will normally be expected to meet the English language requirement by providing a test qualification at B1 from an approved test centre. You do not need an English language test if you have a relevant degree taught in English, you are over 65 years old, or you are a national of an English-speaking country. If you do need an English language test certificate, it must be dated within the last 2 years or been used as part of your Indefinite Leave to Remain application.
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What happens if I cannot pass the British citizenship tests?
You will be exempt from doing the Life in the UK test, if you are under 18 or 65 or older or if you already completed a successful test to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain. If you suffer from a long-term illness or disability which impacts your ability to take and pass the British citizenship test questions you might be able to ask the Home Office to exempt you from taking it. You will be expected to provide medical evidence to confirm that the test for citizenship is too difficult for you to pass.
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What is the British citizenship ceremony?
Anyone over 18 years old who is accepted as British must attend a Citizenship Ceremony to become British. After your British citizenship application is accepted you will receive an invitation from the Home Office to book your ceremony. When you attend, you need to take certain documentation, take an Oath of Allegiance, and pledge your loyalty to the United Kingdom. You can take one guest to your service. If you live outside the UK, you can ask the embassy or consulate in your country to have your ceremony there. Otherwise, you may be able to postpone your ceremony until you are able to return to the UK.
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What happens if my application for British citizenship is refused?
If your application for British citizenship is refused, you may have the right to administratively review the decision or apply again. You should speak to us for guidance on how to challenge your refusal.
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