For some people it is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream to become a citizen of the United Kingdom. For some it means returning to their ancestral roots and for others it is the anticipation of a new and different lifestyle. For anyone considering citizenship, it means announcing their commitment to becoming a loyal and contributing member to the UK way of life.
There are really very few steps to finalizing UK citizenship. Here is a short guide that highlights the main procedure.
The first step to becoming naturalised as a UK citizen is to determine if you are eligible. A person is considered eligible if he/she is 18 and has been living in the UK for the last five years or three years as a spouse to a UK citizen. You may also be eligible to apply if your spouse is in designated service to the crown outside of the UK.
Your next step is to obtain and fill out an application. Forms are available through government agencies or you can enlist the help of a UK immigration lawyer to help you obtain and fill out your application. The application will provide information on where to send it when completed and what fees and documents you must submit with it.
Once your application has been submitted, you can expect some waiting time before you hear if it has been approved. The British authorities make every attempt to process applications within six months. You should receive notice that your application has been received, and the government will contact you if they are in need of any other documents.
Before submitting your application you will need to either take the Life in the UK test or pass a relevant ESOL course to prove your knowledge of life in the UK. The former is a test of 24 multiple choice questions based a wide range of topics chosen from the book “Life in the United Kingdom...A Journey to Citizenship,” which you are required to read. There are many web sites that offer some pre test quizzes that you can take in preparation. There is a fee to take the test which is payable for each time you try the exam, so it pays to study well and pass on the first try!
When you finally receive the good news that your application has been accepted, you will also receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony. Details of the ceremony and how to prepare for it will be included with the invitation. At the ceremony you will say an oath and pledge your allegiance to the Queen and country or make an affirmation. Upon completion, you will receive your long awaited certificate of British citizenship.
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Disclaimer: Please note that these articles and the information contained herein are purely for general guidance and do not constitute a professional legal or any other opinion as to the merits of a particular application or whether specific immigration requirements have been met of a particular category. This information is generic and should not be relied upon as a definitive guide to fulfilling specific category requirements. However should any individual do so it is at his or her own risk for which UK Migration Lawyers Limited cannot be held responsible in any way.
Author Resource:
Gazala Rashid has been an immigration lawyer in the UK since 1999. She has great expertise in all aspects of UK immigration, asylum and nationality law, and you may view her articles on these topics in her blog at http://www.ukmigrationlawyers.co.uk/blog
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