British Citizenship and Nationality Applications

British Citizenship and Nationality Applications – How to Secure Your Future in the UK

Becoming a British citizen is a major milestone and an important moment in your life. It represents stability, security and a sense of belonging. British citizenship gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK without immigration restrictions. It allows you to hold a British passport, vote in elections, travel more freely and pass on citizenship to future generations.

Important update – possible 10-year qualifying period

In May 2025, the UK government announced plans to increase the qualifying residence period for both ILR and citizenship to 10 years. These proposals have not yet come into force, but applicants should check for updates before applying, as eligibility criteria may change in 2026 or later.

At The Jonathan Lea Network, we guide clients through every type of British citizenship and nationality application. Whether you are applying by naturalisation, registration, descent or correcting a historic injustice, we provide a clear and expert pathway through the UK’s complex nationality laws.

How Can You Become a British Citizen?

There are several pathways to citizenship:

• Naturalisation after holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
  
• Naturalisation as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen
  
• Registration (children and adults in specific circumstances)
  
• Citizenship by descent or double descent
  
• Citizenship through adoption
  
• Nationality rights arising from historical injustices or legislative changes
  

Each route has its own rules, evidence requirements and legal nuances. We assess the correct category and prepare your case thoroughly.

British Citizenship by Naturalisation (Most Common Route)

You may qualify for naturalisation if you:

• are aged 18 or over
  
• have ILR or settled status
  
• meet the residence requirements
  
• meet English language and Life in the UK requirements
  
• satisfy the good character requirement
  

Below is a detailed overview.

1. Residence Requirements

Your residence requirement depends on whether you are:

A) Applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen

You must show:

• 3 years residence in the UK
  
• ILR/settled status
  
• Absences no more than:
  
  • 270 days in those 3 years, and
    
  • 90 days in the final 12 months
    

B) Applying via the standard route (not a spouse)

You must show:

• 5 years residence in the UK
  
• ILR/settled status held for 12 months
  
• Absences no more than:
  
  • 450 days in five years, and
    
  • 90 days in the final 12 months
    

Physical presence requirement

You must have been physically present in the UK on the exact date 3 years or 5 years before the Home Office receives your application.
If you were outside the UK on that date, the application must be refused. There is no discretion on this rule, and many applicants are caught out by it. We check this carefully before finalising your application timeline.

Proposed 10-year residence requirement (not yet in force)

As noted above, plans exist to increase the requirement to 10 years for most applicants. We track these developments closely and advise you on timing.

2. ILR/Settled Status Requirement

You must hold:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or
  
• Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  

Application timing

Most applicants must have ILR/settled status for at least 12 months before applying.

Exception:
If you are applying as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen, you may apply immediately after ILR is granted, with no 12-month waiting period.

We confirm the earliest safe date for submission to avoid invalid applications.

3. English Language Requirement

You must meet English to CEFR B1 level through:

• a Secure English Language Test (SELT),
  
• a degree taught in English, or
  
• nationality from a majority English-speaking country
  

Exemptions apply if you are over 65 or unable to meet the requirement due to a long-term condition.

4. Life in the UK Test

Most applicants must pass the Life in the UK Test. We help clients understand ID requirements, what to expect, and how to prepare effectively.

5. Good Character Requirement

The good character requirement applies to everyone aged 10 and above.

The Home Office reviews:

• criminal convictions
  
• financial history
  
• tax compliance
  
• immigration history
  
• deception or false documents
  
• conduct considered “not conducive to the public good”
  

New illegal entry guidance (February 2025)

From February 2025, anyone who entered the UK illegally, regardless of how long ago, will normally be refused citizenship. This includes:

• entry without leave
  
• small boat crossings
  
• concealed entry (e.g., in a lorry)
  
• entry using deception or evasion
  

Exceptions are extremely limited and apply mainly to individuals who claimed asylum immediately with strong justification. We provide detailed advice where complex histories apply.

Applying as the Spouse of a British Citizen

You may apply after 3 years residence in the UK, provided you meet:

• ILR/settled status requirement
  
• English requirement
  
• Life in the UK Test
  
• Absence limits
  
• Good character requirement
  

We assess your eligibility and prepare your supporting evidence.

Registration as a British Citizen (Children and Adults)

Registration applies when a person has an existing right to British citizenship, often through:

• birth in the UK after a parent becomes settled
  
• the 10-year residency rule for UK-born children
  
• statelessness
  
• exceptional circumstances
  
• historic injustices
  

Children born in the UK after a parent gets ILR

A child born in the UK after a parent obtains ILR or settled status automatically becomes a British citizen and can apply directly for a British passport.

We assist parents in understanding registration vs. automatic citizenship.

Citizenship by Descent and Double Descent

Some individuals acquire citizenship based on their parents’ or grandparents’ nationality.

Pre-1983 British mothers (gender inequality correction)

Following recent corrections to historical injustices, individuals born before 1983 to a British mother may now qualify for registration. This corrects past gender discrimination in nationality law.

We assess your family history and provide tailored advice based on documentary records.

The British Citizenship Application Process – Step by Step

1. Eligibility Assessment

We determine your correct route and assess residence, ILR timing, absences, physical presence dates and good character considerations.

2. Evidence Preparation

We assist with gathering:

• passports
  
• residence and travel records
  
• tax documents
  
• ILR or settled status confirmation
  
• birth/marriage certificates
  
• background documents for historical entitlement routes
  

3. Application Drafting

We prepare a carefully checked, consistent application that addresses all key criteria.

4. Uploading Documents

Applications are mostly digital. However:

Document Uploads vs Originals – Important

While most citizenship applications now use digital uploads, registration by descent, historic injustice applications, or cases involving older documents may require certified copies or original records.

We guide you on what must be submitted to avoid refusal.

5. Decision and Processing Times

Citizenship decisions typically take 3–6 months.

Delays

Decisions may take longer if:

• complex background checks are required
  
• security issues arise
  
• historic records need verification
  
• the case involves discretion or registration
  

We monitor progress and follow up where needed.

Citizenship Ceremony

If approved, you attend a citizenship ceremony where you will:

• take an oath or affirmation
  
• receive your Certificate of British Citizenship
  

We guide you through the process and next steps, including applying for your British passport.

Common Issues We Help Resolve

• Absence calculations and requests for discretion
  
• Gaps in immigration status
  
• Criminal record assessments
  
• Complex nationality or descent claims
  
• Issues around physical presence
  
• Problems with historical documentation
  
• Interpretation of 2025 illegal entry guidance
  

Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network?

Expertise in nationality law: Nationality law is highly technical. We provide clear, authoritative guidance.

Holistic support: We advise not only on naturalisation but also registration, descent cases, historic injustices and citizenship for children.

Meticulous preparation: We structure your application precisely to reduce delays.

Value for money: We provide efficient, practical and transparent support throughout.

Speak to Our Immigration Team Today

Whether you are applying for naturalisation, registration, or citizenship by descent, our team ensures your application is accurate, well-evidenced and supported with expert advice. With changing rules and important new guidance emerging in 2025, professional support can make a significant difference.

Contact The Jonathan Lea Network today to begin your British citizenship journey with clarity and confidence.

We offer a no-cost, no-obligation 20-minute introductory call as a starting point or, in some cases, if you would just like some initial advice and guidance, we will instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment (charged from £250 plus VAT to £350 plus VAT* depending on the complexity of the issues and seniority of the fee earner).

Please email wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net providing us with any relevant information ensuring that any call we have is as productive as possible or call us on 01444 708640. After this call, we can then email you a scope of work, fee estimate (or fixed fee quote if possible), and confirmation of any other points or information mentioned on the call.

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