How to Tips on Obtaining British Citizenship

Being a citizen of any country can have its benefits. This is a very brief checklist for gaining citizenship in the United Kingdom.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain in The United Kingdom
• Marital Status
• Good Character
• Knowledge of English, Welsh, OR Gaelic
• Objective to stay in the United Kingdom

1. INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN (ILR): You must have this status for a certain amount of time before you can even apply for citizenship. This is the status granted to applicants, who have been living in the UK for a certain amount of time on a Temporary Visa and meet the other requirements. (See ILR website below.)

2. DETERMINE MARITAL STATUS: The residential time requirements vary depending on whether or not you are married to a UK National. (See CITIZENSHIP & NATURALIZATION website below.)

3. PASS THE "LIFE IN THE UK" TEST: This test is given to all applicants for both ILR and Citizenship. Passing is required for both statuses. (See LIFE TEST website below.)

4. LEARN THE LANGUAGE: In order to gain citizenship, you must show an understanding of English, Welsh, OR Gaelic. You don't have to know them all; one will do.

5. PLAN TO LIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: This means establishing your primary residency inside the United Kingdom.

Tips & Warnings

• Naturalization applicants must be "of good character." In other words, don't break any laws and you should be fine.
• You can subscribe to "Life in the UK Test Preparation" to help you get ready for the test. (See PREPARATION website below.)
• Just because you might qualify does not mean you will be granted citizenship. The UK government has the right to refuse citizenship to anyone.

Resources

• NATURALIZATION & CITIZENSHIP
• ILR
• LIFE IN THE UK TEST
• LIFE IN THE UK TEST PREPARATION
• CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION