This post is intended for those who wish to apply for nationality based on either marriage/civil partnership to a UK citizen or based on settlement in the UK (i.e., on a work permit, etc.).
Note that requirements for other routes to nationality may differ.The website for all nationality-related information is
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/applying/nationality/This information is for guidance only and should not be taken as legal advice. Please refer to the Home Office website for full details on the process.To qualify for British nationality, you must:a) be 18 or older
b) be of sound mind
c) be able to communicate in English, Welsh, or Gaelic (as appropriate) to an acceptable degree
d) have sufficient knowledge about life in the UK as demonstrated by the passing of the Life in the UK test – you may have already taken this test when applying for ILR or ILE, depending on the timing of your application (
www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk) OR completing an ESOL course with citizenship
e) be of good character
f) have lived in the UK for 5 years (or 3 years if applying as the spouse or civil partner of a UK citizen). In addition, you must have been present in the UK on the day 5 (or 3) years before the date your application is received by the Home Office. NOTE: Time spent in the UK whilst not subject to immigration control may not count toward your residence requirement.
In addition, you must have been free from immigration controls 12 months prior to your application (ILR or ILE). Those applying as the spouse or civil partner of a UK citizen do not have to meet this requirement – they must be free from immigration control on the day of their application.
Also, if you may not have been absent from the UK more than 450 days of the prior 5 years (or 270 days of the prior 3 years if applying as a spouse/civil partner). No more than 90 days of absence should take place in the 12 months before you apply, though there is some discretion on this.
Documents required:a. application form AN (available on the Home Office website)
b. references from two British citizens ( both over 25, not related to you by blood or marriage or to each other, not your solicitor if assisting with the application, and not Home Office employees. One must hold a British passport and one must be of professional standing – i.e., a teacher, doctor, MP, member of the clergy, etc.)
c. your passport OR national identity card OR Home Office travel document OR Home Office entitlement card OR Home Office ARC letter OR your birth certificate OR your photo driving license OR a bank, building society, or credit card statement issued to you in the last 6 months (note that the identification you provide when taking the Life in the UK test must also accompany your naturalisation application)
d. pass certificate for Life in the UK test or your ESOL course (or proof that you passed the relevant requirement when applying for ILR/ILE)
e. evidence of your residence in the UK for the qualifying period – passports of you and your spouse/civil partner (if applicable) OR, if you cannot supply your passport(s), letters from employers, educational establishments, or other Government Departments indicating your presence in the UK during the qualifying period (note that you may include certified copies of your passport(s) – all pages must be copied and certified)
f. marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (if applying as a spouse/civil partner)
g. if you are self employed and do not pay taxes through the PAYE scheme, you must include your most recent HMR&C Self Assessment Statement of Account
h. the payment slip (current fee is £268)
i. a passport-sized photograph of yourself (attached to the referees’ page)
If you are including your non-British children on your application, include:a. their passports
b. their birth certificates
c. parents’ marriage or civil partnership certificate
Send your completed application and supporting documents (preferably by recorded delivery) to:Managed Migration
Department 1
Nationality Group
PO Box 306
Liverpool
L2 0QN
If you are in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, send your application to the Lieutenant Governor.
Note that you can take advantage of the Nationality Checking Service offered by some local councils. For a fee, they will check your application and documents (which you may keep) before the application is sent in for processing. You must make an appointment for this service. Details are available on the website listed at the top of this post.
You will receive a letter of acknowledgement of your application in approximately 2-4 weeks. This letter will contain your reference number, which can be used to enquire about your application.
If you need to contact the Home Office concerning a pending application, call 0845 010 5200(9 a.m to 9 p.m.) or write to:Nationality Enquiry Team
Department 2
Managed Migration Directorate
PO Box 306
Liverpool
L20QN
As of 14 June 2007, waiting times according to the HO website are averaging 2.6 months for naturalisation applications.
Once your application has been approved, you will receive notification and details explaining how/where/when to attend your citizenship ceremony, which you must attend within 90 days of notice, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
