If you are not British by birth or descent and want to get settled in the UK permanently, the British citizenship route is ideal for you. This process is known as naturalization and allows one to work in the UK, participate in the UK's political system, and access public services. 

Keep reading to know how to apply for British Citizenship.

Step-by-step Application Process for British Citizenship 

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements 

To figure out whether you are eligible for citizenship, you need to become aware of the required residency criteria, language proficiency requirements, good character demonstration, and passing the Life in the UK test.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents and Submit It

Gather all documents that support your application to create a strong application.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

Complete the online British citizenship application form (most applicants will use Form AN). You must visit the official visa and immigration website of the UK government to complete your application. 

Step 4: Schedule your Biometrics Appointment 

Applicants should go to one of the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services centers to provide biometrics such as photographs and fingerprints once the application is submitted.

Step 5: Submitting the Application

You will need to submit your completed British Citizenship application form as well as make an online payment towards your application fee. Ensure all the required documents are uploaded and accurate.

Step 6: Attend Your British Citizenship Ceremony

Once your application is approved by the Home Office, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony where you can receive your British citizenship certificate.

Most British citizenship applicants usually do not attend an interview in the course of their applications. However, the Home Office may in some cases require an interview, be it for verification of information or clarification of details in the application.

If the application is found to be valid, the applicants will be invited to a ceremony where they will take an oath of allegiance for their citizenship before they receive their certificates of British citizenship. Thus, the process is accomplished, and the individual receives all the relevant rights and privileges of being a British citizen.

Eligibility Requirements for British Citizenship Application 

You are eligible to apply for British citizenship via the naturalization route based on residence by meeting the following requirements:

Age: A person should be 18 years old and above.

Residence: You have to live for three consecutive years in the UK before you apply (the qualifications period). The total absences from the United Kingdom over the qualifying duration shall not exceed 270 days, and the total absence over the previous 12 months shall not exceed 90 days.

Good Character: You have not been legally deprived of being in the country, and you do not have an extensive or recent criminal record.

Immigration Status: If you have been permitted to stay (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK for at least one year, were an EEA national with permanent residency, or achieved EU settled status.

Life in the UK and Knowledge of English: You must fulfill the English language obligation and pass the Life in the UK test. 

Residency Intent: One has to intend to live in the United Kingdom.

Compliance with the UK Immigration Rules: You have to follow the immigration laws within the rules set out by the UK for the qualifying period.

Supporting Documents for British Citizenship

The Home Office makes it very clear that it will not consider applications for UK nationality that are not supported by essential documents. In many cases, they also prefer providing additional documents to furnish comprehensive evidence for consideration.

The documents include, but certainly not exhaustively, identity evidence, evidence meeting the standard for knowledge of English language and Life in the UK, proof that you currently reside in the UK, evidence that you hold valid settled status in the UK, and then valid documentation affirming your earnings (unless you are paid through PAYE)./,  nationality, and marriage.

Referee in a British Citizenship Application 

As a part of your British Citizenship application, you should provide the details of two referees, whom the Home Office can contact as references to prove that you are who you claim to be. Each referee should confirm that he/she has known you personally concerning business, companionship, or both, for at least three years. One of these two referees should stand in some professional relationship with you, like a doctor, an accountant, or a teacher. The other referee should be a British citizen of 25 years of age or older.

None of the referees is allowed to be related to you. Also, it can not be your solicitor or agent, have any criminal convictions within the last ten years, or be employed with the Home Office.

The Home Office would like referees to sign a section in the citizenship application form, at which they will provide personal details about themselves and confirm how they know the applicant, as well as sign and declare that the information is correct. By this, referee in a British Citizenship Application provide evidence that the applicant is of good character and truthful. The first step is very effective in guaranteeing the veracity of the application and reliability of the referees themselves, as it is these referees whose testimony the application is made good in the first place.

British Citizenship Processing Time 

Applications for British citizenship usually take up to four to twelve months. It can take more time sometimes if there are any issues with the appropriate documents or application form. Thus, ensure that all the information is accurate that has to be submitted.

Conclusion 

You will receive an approval letter from the Home Office, once your application is approved. You need to attend your British citizenship ceremony within three months of getting the citizenship approval letter.