Who Qualifies for British Citizenship?

You may be eligible to apply for naturalisation if you:

• Have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or simultaneous EU settled status for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen)
• Are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen and have lived in the UK for at least 3 years, or if not married, have lived in the UK lawfully for 5 years plus 12 months after ILR
• Meet other eligibility paths, such as citizenship through descent, Windrush lineage, statelessness, or military service

Residency Requirements & Permitted Absences

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Continuous lawful residence for the required period
• No more than 270 days’ absence in 3 years (for spouses of British citizens) or 450 days in 5 years (others), and a maximum of 90 days in the final 12 months
• Excessive absences may be considered on compassionate or exceptional grounds

Language, ‘Life in the UK’ Test & Good Character

To qualify, you typically must:

• Pass the Life in the UK test, which assesses your knowledge of UK life and laws
• Prove English language proficiency (e.g., CEFR B1 or equivalent), unless exempt (e.g., due to age or disability)
• Meet the good character requirement, including no serious criminal convictions or unresolved debts

Application Process & Common Pitfalls

Applying involves:

1. Submitting the naturalisation form (Form AN or appropriate equivalent)
2. Paying applicable fees
3. Booking your biometric (fingerprint) appointment
4. Providing evidence: identity, residence, language, test pass, and character
5. Attending a citizenship ceremony upon approval

Common issues include:

• Errors in absence calculation
• Misapplication of good character rules
• Missing or incorrect documentation
• Untimely language or Life in the UK test completion

Recent Policy Updates to Be Aware Of

Recent policy changes advise that applicants who entered the UK illegally (e.g., via boats or hidden travel) will normally be refused British citizenship, with limited scope for discretion.

Why Abrahams Solicitors Are Your Best Choice

• Remote & In-Person Legal Support Across the UK
• In-house barristers, ensuring continuity and advocacy
• Solicitors fully regulated by the SRA
• Fixed fees with no unexpected costs
• Free initial assessment to map your eligibility clearly
• Deep experience in handling complex residency, absence exceptions, and appeal cases

Ready to Start Your Citizenship Journey?

If you’re eligible or need help determining your eligibility, Abrahams Solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.

Call 0333 339 6004 for a free, confidential assessment
From London to Glasgow – Abrahams Solicitors Has You Covered
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