At Lindsays, we recognise the importance of this step in your immigration journey and provide specialist guidance throughout each stage of your application – making this complex process easier for you to navigate.
Naturalisation
This is the most common route for adults seeking British citizenship. Applicants are typically required to have held settlement (also known as Indefinite leave to remain or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme) in the UK for at least 12 months, unless married to a British citizen. You must also have lawfully resided in the UK for at least five years (or three years if applying based on marriage to a British citizen), without having breached the permitted limits on absences outside the UK.
Applicants must also meet the good character requirements, which involves an assessment of any criminality, immigration offences and dishonesty, as well as positive contributions made to UK society. You may also need to demonstrate proficiency in English (or Gaelic or Welsh, where applicable) and pass the Life in the UK test, which covers British culture, history and values.
Citizenship by descent
British citizenship by descent applies to individuals born outside the UK to a parent who was a British citizen at the time of their birth.
In most cases, this route is limited to one generation born abroad, meaning your parent must have acquired British citizenship other than by descent, for example by birth or naturalisation in the UK.
British citizenship for children
Children born in the UK will usually acquire British citizenship automatically if at least one parent is a British citizen or settled in the UK at the time of the child’s birth.
However, if neither parent is British or settled, the child may still be eligible to apply for registration as a British citizen in certain circumstances. These could include living in the UK continuously for the first 10 years of their life, or a parent becoming settled in the UK after their birth.
Accessible tailored advice
As illustrated above, there are multiple routes to British citizenship, each with its own specific eligibility criteria. Navigating the options can be complex, and it is crucial to ensure your application is accurate and complete, with all relevant documentary evidence provided.
At Lindsays, our expert team provide tailored advice and end-to-end support to help you meet the requirements and submit a strong, compliant application.
Representation services for British citizenship
We also provide representation and checking services for individuals and families, with a choice of options:
- Full legal representation – comprehensive support throughout the application process, from assessing your eligibility and outlining the supporting documentation required for submission to submitting your application and uploading your documents to the TLScontact VCAS portal.
- Checking service – if you prefer to prepare the application yourself, one of our experts can review your application and supporting documentation before submission to the Home Office, helping to minimise errors or omissions.
Whether you are ready to apply or simply exploring your options, our team is here to guide you every step of the way
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do I need to pass the Life in the UK test to naturalise as a British citizen?
Yes, you will be required to pass the Life in the UK test as part of the eligibility requirements, unless you can meet an exemption. This multiple-choice test must be taken and passed at an approved test centre before you submit your naturalisation application. The exemptions include:
- You are under the age of 18 or over 65
- There are special circumstances preventing you from taking the test such as a long-term physical or mental condition.
Our immigration team can help you to determine whether special circumstances apply in your own case, preventing you from taking the Life in the UK test.
Q: Should I apply for British citizenship if I already hold Indefinite leave to remain in the UK?
Holders of Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are granted permanent residence and many of the same rights as British citizens. However, this is not the same as British citizenship. While there is no requirement to apply for British citizenship, doing so provides additional security and long-term benefits.
Some individuals choose not to apply for citizenship, and this is particularly true for those from countries that do not permit dual nationality – such as India, China, Japan and others. However, it is important to note that ILR can be lost, for example if you are absent from the UK for more than two consecutive years.
British citizenship offers a range of significant benefits, including:
- The ability to apply for a UK passport
- No longer being subject to UK immigration control
- The right to vote in UK elections and referendums
- Unrestricted travel in and out of the UK
- Easier access to public services, including healthcare and education
Our immigration specialists can advise you on whether applying for citizenship is the right step based on your goals, circumstances and nationality.
Q: Can I obtain British citizenship through a grandparent?
In some circumstances, you may be eligible for British citizenship through a grandparent, often referred to as ‘double descent’. These cases are complex and can depend on historical factors such as place of birth, dates, and changes in nationality law.
Our immigration team can help you assess your eligibility to apply under double descent or suggest whether an alternative route is more applicable.
Q: What is the application process and how long does it take?
The British citizenship application process involves several key steps and can take up to six months for the Home Office to determine.
Once you meet the eligibility requirements and have gathered the necessary supporting documentation, you can submit the application online and pay the applicable fee. You will then be required to attend the TLScontact Visa & Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometrics).
Following this, the Home Office will assess your application. If approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony to formally become a British citizen.
At Lindsays, our expert team can manage the process from start to finish, ensuring your application is accurate, fully supported, and submitted in a timely manner.
Fixed-fee initial consultation for British Citizenship advice
Applying for British citizenship requires a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements and how they apply to your personal circumstances. Importantly, if your application is refused, options to challenge the decision are very limited – typically restricted to a further paid reconsideration application to the Home Office on narrow grounds.
To help you get it right from the start, our immigration team at Lindsays offers an initial fixed-fee consultation where we will assess your situation, explain your options and provide clear, tailored advice.
Find out more here.
