UK Naturalisation enables you to work and live with your family in the country free from any immigration controls, otherwise known as a right of abode. If you are not British by descent, you have to apply to acquire UK citizenship. You can make an application if you have been obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or married to a British citizen. There are a lot of intricacies involved in the process, and it is recommended to get legal assistance from an experienced and reliable immigration solicitor to get UK citizenship.
What is Naturalisation?
Naturalisation refers to the process that grants you British citizenship. Not only you will be able to enjoy many legal rights and freedom from immigration restrictions, you will have the ability to freely move throughout the European Economic Area (EEA) as well. Some people confuse naturalisation with ILR, and think they are synonymous. However, there are major differences between the two, as ILR is obtained before naturalisation and can lapse if you go remain outside of the UK for more than 2 years. On the other hand, naturalisation takes off all such restrictions and grants you British citizenship for life.
There are several routes for UK naturalisation, including:
- Completing a minimum qualification period of residence in the UK
- Completing a qualification period of UK residence in exercise of Treat rights (this option is only for EEA nationals and their dependants)
- Civil partnership or marriage with a British citizen
Who can apply for UK Naturalisation?
If you have been settled in the UK for five years without leaving the country in that period or are married to a British citizen for three years, you can apply for UK naturalisation. In addition, you have to meet the following requirements:
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- You must have an acceptable proficiency level of English
- You must have clear intention of continuing to live in the UK after the naturalisation application is completed
- You must have passed the Life in the UK test
- You must meet the good character requirements
- You must understand the legal implications of UK citizenship
It is important to check whether your home country allows dual citizenship, some countries have laws against this action. However, the UK immigration laws allow you to have two nationalities at the same time.
How Milestone Solicitors can help you
At Milestone Solicitors, our team of immigration lawyers have years of experience and are capable of providing effective legal counsel for successfully completing the UK naturalisation process. We work closely with you to evaluate your individual circumstances and provide insights into the best way to apply for British citizenship.
For more information, legal advice, and help regarding the UK naturalisation process, you may contact Milestone Solicitors today to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your case with our immigration solicitors.