There are numerous requirements for applying for British citizenship as there are many methods of applying.
Your condition at the time of application determines the manner of application and the type of document you’ll have to submit.
However, there are general documents requirements, and perquisites for applying for British Citizenship such as eligibility criteria, the application process, and the benefits of becoming a British citizen.
Have you been wondering “What documents do I need to apply for British citizenship?” then you’re in for soothing answers.
At the end of this article, you’ll learn 6 ways to obtain British citizenship and the eligibility criteria for becoming a British citizen and you’ll know the exact documents required for you to become a British citizen.
6 Ways of Becoming a British Citizenship
These are about 6 ways of becoming a British citizen, they include:
- Naturalization
- Marriage/ Civil Partnership
- Ancestry
- Descent
- Residents in British States Overseas
- Refugee or Asylum
#1. Naturalization
This is one of the most common methods of becoming a British citizen as an immigrant or British outborn. There are certain requirements that you must meet to qualify for this method of Citizenship and living in the UK for at least 5 years is mandatory.
#2. By Marriage/ Civil Partnership
You can become eligible for British citizenship if you’re in a marriage relationship or civil partnership with a British citizen. A keynote is that you must be at least 18 years of age and the British Authority must know about the union.
#3. By Descent
You can claim British citizenship if you were born abroad by parents who gained citizenship by birth, Naturalization, adoption, and registration abroad. This kind of citizenship is transferable down to one generation, hence you’re eligible if you were born before 1983.
#4. By Adoption
This is another simple way of becoming a British citizen; by adoption. This is only valid if one of your adoptive parents is a British citizen.
The adoption was preceded by a court in the UK in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or the Falkland Islands, on or after January 1, 1983, the adoption was legalized by a court in any of the British territories abroad or the adoption is a convening by the 1983 Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption on or after June 1, 2003.
#5. Refugee or Asylum
Individuals who are granted asylum can apply for British citizenship after a certain number of years in Britain. There’s a whole lot to talk about the various means of becoming or qualifying for British Citizenship.
However, the query remains “What documents do I need to apply for British citizenship?” We’re getting there, first, let’s know the eligibility requirements:
Eligibility Criteria For Applying for the British Citizenship
The following are the general Eligibility criteria for applying for the British citizenship:
- Be age-ready, 18 years at least
- Reside in the UK
- Good Conduct
- Proof of Language Proficiency
- Know the culture, history, law, and politics.
- Financial Buoyancy
- Minimum Absence in the UK
#1. Be Age Ready
You should be at least 18 years old to show interest in applying for British citizenship.
#2. Reside in the UK
You’ll be required to show evidence that you’re currently in the UK for a reasonable time, this may entail that you make available documents like bank statements, utility bills for water, electricity conversion, and tax.
A tenancy agreement is also a viable proof of residence.
#3. Good Conduct
Be good in conduct, character, and a clean slate. For you to be approved to qualify for the British citizenship application, you must be a person of good character and zero criminal record for the last ten years.
#4. Know about British Culture, History, Laws, and Politics
You should be grounded on the Tradition, culture, and laws of the British because you’ll take the “Life in the UK test” to answer at least 24 objective questions about British customs, traditions, laws, and the political system.
You’re expected to get at least 18 questions correctly to pass. That will land you a pass mark of 75%. Don’t worry you’ll be ready.
#5. Financial Buoyancy
It is basic to have a means of survival. In this case financial isn’t how much you save at the bank, rather it’s you being on a payroll in England.
Proof this by providing evidence for stable accommodation and a bank statement – kindly indicate if you are self-employed with a stable income.
#6. Minimum Absence in the UK
How long have you remained in England and our absence? will be considered. Be present in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands, at least 5 years before your application submission date.
A simple way to put it is not to be absent above 450 days. However, there are exemptions for married people.
“What Documents Do I Need To Apply For British Citizenship?”
Here are the documents you need to apply for British citizenship:
- Updated Passport
- Valid BRP
- National Insurance Number
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Evidence of Residence
- Tax Receipts
- Living History
- Prove of Freedom from Immigration Restrictions
- 2 Referees
#1. Updated Passport
This involves all passports and visas at hand, both the old passports and visas that you’ve acquired from other countries and the recent ones you’ve gotten from the present country and the UK.
The idea is to hand it over to the British government. Keep in mind that you are to submit original documents as phototypes won’t be accepted.
#2. Valid BRP
The Biometric Residence Permit(BRP) is a document you’ll receive in the UK when you stay above 6 months in the UK. It contains basic details like your immigration status, your picture, and your fingerprint. The BRP cannot do without in the process of applying for British citizenship.
#3. National Insurance Number(NINO)
The NINO is a code that is used to track activities in the UK, such as official records, pensions, social security, and more. NINO is stamped on your BRP but in some, you should apply for an NINO if it wasn’t. You must be in the UK already to carry out this action.
#4. Proof of Language Proficiency
Having other things and lagging at the ability to communicate with the English language is loose. Thinking of applying for British citizenship connotes that you can defend at least a “B” in either of the language tests IELTS, SELT, Consortium, Language Cert, Pearson. These exams must be sat at British-approved centers.
#5. Evidence of Citizenship Test
Do you recall that you are to sit for the “Life in the UK Test”? Now, here’s when you provide the test result. If you passed the test you’re to provide the test reference number, only.
#6. Tax Receipts
Get your tax reference number from your payslip. This is to show that you’re on a payroll in the UK and you are financially capable of life in the UK.
#7. Living History
You’re to give a detailed record of your previous and present living situation in the UK. This involves details like former and current employees. Times and date you spent outside the UK and reasons you visited.
#8. Prove of Freedom from Immigration Restrictions
If you are applying to join a partner in the UK, you’ll have to show that you’re free from all immigration restrictions in the UK. Usually, this information is embedded on the BRP, however, you must get a letter from the home office in the UK stating this fact for a keep.
#9. 2 Referees
You need 2 referees to declare that they know you and can vouch for you. The referees shouldn’t be any member of the immigration office. Beware that your referee should be one with no criminal record in the last ten years. The British referee eligibility criteria provide the necessary details here.
FAQs
What are the benefits of being a British citizen?
You’ll enjoy all the rights and privileges of a British citizen such as:
- Access to free NHS medical care
- Right to vote and be voted for
- Right to hold the Brits’ passport
- Free to exit and enter the country at will.
- Visa-free access to about 187 countries.
How long does it take for the British citizenship application?
It used to be 6 months but due to covid 19, it hiked to an even longer period.
Conclusion
Do you wish to apply for British citizenship? That’s a noble thing. Quickly resolve the fact that you must be grounded in the tradition and culture of the British people. This involves you being familiar with their laws and politics.
The “life in British test handbook” is a vital tool to prepare you for what is to come. If you ask me, here is the toughest point because it’s quite an exam.
That wasn’t to discourage you in the least, keep your thoughts on the perks that come after applying for British citizenship and you won’t see the hurdles.
