British Citizenship applications for EU nationals with settled status
Applying for British Citizenship whilst holding settled status can often be a cumbersome process. However, with the correct information and guidance, it is still a possibility provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
For further information on how we can help you with your British Citizenship application, call London Immigration Lawyer today on 020 4502 8582 for further guidance.
Can you apply for British Citizenship with Settled Status?
Holding Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme offers EU nationals the opportunity to stay in the UK for an unlimited time period. In some cases, individuals with Settled Status wish to apply for British Citizenship.
Whilst applying for British Citizenship with Settled Status is possible, it can often prove a complex process requiring extensive document and eligibility checks.
As a Settled Status holder wishing to apply for British Citizenship, you must meet the eligibility requirements in place to become a British Citizen through naturalisation. Subsequently allowing you access to all of the benefits of current British citizens.
Typically, you can apply for British Citizenship 12 months after you were granted Settled Status in the United Kingdom.
For further information on how we can help you with your British Citizenship application, call London Immigration Lawyer today on 020 4502 8582 for further guidance.
British Citizenship requirements
The requirements for British Citizenship are often stringent and very precise. It is essential that the Settled Status holder understands the requirements in full before applying to avoid an application rejection.
You must meet the following requirements:
- Aged 18 years old or over
- You are considered of good character- you must have no criminal convictions
- Good knowledge of the English language
- Pass a Life in the UK test
- Meet the lawful residence requirement listed under the British Nationality Act
- You intend to make the United Kingdom your permanent residence
To live in the UK free of immigration restrictions, you must adhere to the traditions, customs, and immigration rules of the United Kingdom. In turn, you will be granted the same permissions as a British Citizen.
Lawful residence requirement
As part of an application for British Citizenship, you must provide sufficient evidence that you have a five-year period of lawful residence in the United Kingdom. This can often prove complex for settled status holders due to a settled status not always sufficing as proof of lawful residence.
The regulations in place regarding the lawful residence of individuals with EU settled status mean it can often take longer to reach British Citizenship requirements in full. If this situation applies to you, it may mean that:
- You have to wait longer to apply for British Citizenship whilst you work to meet the qualifying period for the lawful residence requirement
- You may be ineligible for British Citizenship if you do not have comprehensive sickness insurance and are considered as self-sufficient
- The Home Office may need to contact you for further information to prove you have lawfully resided in the United Kingdom
How do I apply for British Citizenship?
Applying for British Citizenship can often seem like a very daunting process, even more so with the added complexity of settled status in the United Kingdom.
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for British Citizenship using the dedicated online application form. If you do not wish to apply online, you can apply by post- however, this may take longer.
The total cost of the application is £1,33o, but it is important to note that this does not include the cost of document translation and any tests you need to take to become eligible for British Citizenship.
As part of the application process, you may be required to book an appointment at a visa application centre to have your biometric information taken. The general cost of this appointment amounts to £19.20.
As a general rule, the British Citizenship application process can take up to 6 months before you receive a decision from the Home Office. If you are successful in becoming a British Citizen, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony in due course.
Once you have been granted British Citizenship, you can proceed to apply for a British passport.
Do I have to take a Life in the UK test and an English language test?
In order to satisfy the requirements for British Citizenship, you must take an English language and Life in the UK test if you haven’t already done so.
You must prove that you have sufficient English language skills by way of speaking, listening, and reading- without passing the correct Secure English Language test, you will not be eligible to apply for British Citizenship.
Similarly, you must pass a Life in the UK test with a minimum of 75% before you can apply to become a British citizen. The test consists of multiple-choice questions on the subject of British traditions and customs.
You may not be required to take an English language test if you are from a majority English speaking country.
Is settled status the same as British Citizenship?
Whilst some may believe that British Citizenship and settled status are the same due to some similarities, they are in fact different.
If you are granted settled status, essentially, you are granted with a form of Indefinite Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom. This means you get to retain your initial nationality.
To acquire British Citizenship, you must renounce your citizenship status in your home country. You can only submit a British Citizenship application once you have lived in the UK with settled status for a minimum of 12 months.
How can London Immigration Lawyer help?
Applying for British Citizenship can often seem complex and stressful. The process of naturalisation comes with an excess of eligibility requirements that require meticulous attention for your case to work in the applicant’s favour.
London Immigration Lawyers have an extensive portfolio of successful applications for British Citizenship.
For further information on how we can help you with your British Citizenship application, call London Immigration Lawyer today on 020 4502 8582 for further guidance.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at London Immigration Lawyers before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on January 9th, 2023 at 4:57 pm
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