UK Citizenship Application Solicitors
Are you a Commonwealth citizen looking to apply for citizenship in the UK? The Tann Law team is here to guide you through the process, providing expert advice and personalised support to ensure a successful application.
Becoming a British Citizen with Tann Law
Applying for British citizenship can be a daunting and complicated process, with various requirements and regulations that need to be met. That’s where our expertise comes in.
Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in immigration law, specifically in regard to Commonwealth citizens applying for UK citizenship. We understand the challenges you may face during this journey, and we are here to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.
How Does Applying for British Citizenship Work?
Applying for British citizenship, also known as ‘naturalisation,’ can be done through various routes depending on your specific circumstances. If you are eligible through more than one method, you can choose the most suitable way to apply.
It’s important to note that while your citizenship application is being processed, you’ll need permission to stay in the UK, which should extend until you have participated in your citizenship ceremony.
If you possess indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, this grants you permission to stay in the UK.
Eligibility and requirements for UK Citizenship Application
If You Were Born in the UK
Being born in the UK does not automatically confer British citizenship. Eligibility depends on when you were born and your parents’ circumstances. To determine if you are a British citizen by birth, you need to check your status on GOV.UK.
If you were born in the UK and are not automatically a British citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship through other routes.
If You’re Married to or in a Civil Partnership with a British Citizen
To apply as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen, you must have resided in the UK for the last 3 years. Additionally, you need to possess either:
- Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
- Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
If you meet these criteria, you will be eligible to apply for citizenship immediately.
If You Have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
You can typically apply for ILR after living in the UK for 5 years. To apply for citizenship with ILR, you generally need to have lived in the UK for an additional 12 months after receiving ILR.
If You Have ‘Settled Status’ under the EU Settlement Scheme
To apply for citizenship with settled status, you must usually have lived in the UK for 12 months after obtaining settled status.
If You Have Not Applied to the EU Settlement Scheme
If you have not yet applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, you may still have the opportunity to do so if you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for missing the application deadline. Once you obtain settled status through the scheme, you can use it to apply for British citizenship.
Other Eligibility Routes
You might be eligible to apply for citizenship through various alternative routes if:
- You have a British parent.
- You possess another type of British nationality.
- You have a parent with British overseas territories citizenship.
- You are stateless.
- You previously renounced your citizenship.
- Special circumstances apply to you.
- You are a Chagossian descendant, which means you are a direct descendant of someone born in the British Indian Ocean Territory.
For Commonwealth Citizens
If you are a Commonwealth citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship under the Windrush Scheme if:
- You or one of your parents arrived in the UK before 1973.
- You have resided in the UK for not more than 2 years without leaving.
If your parent arrived in the UK before 1973, you must have either:
- Been born in the UK.
- Arrived in the UK before you were 18.
Some Commonwealth citizens have ‘right of abode’ in the UK, allowing them to live or work in the UK without immigration restrictions. To confirm your right of abode, check if you can apply to prove it.
Why Choose Tann Law for Your Citizenship Application?
We understand that British citizenship applications adhere to strict guidelines set by the UK Home Office. Even minor errors or document omissions can lead to rejection, resulting in time-consuming reapplications and added expenses. By choosing Tann Law, you significantly reduce these risks and enhance your chances of a successful application.
Our dedicated immigration lawyers provide thorough document evaluation, sparing you the stress of deciphering immigration requirements. We leave no detail unchecked, ensuring your application is free from hidden challenges.
With Tann Law by your side, you’ll benefit from expert advice and guidance throughout your British citizenship application journey. Our UK citizenship application solicitors have a proven track record of delivering the highest quality services and finding solutions to complex immigration cases.
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