Settlement and Naturalisation

Naturalization is the process through which people can become nationals of the UK. There are different approaches to this end depending on the situation of the applicant

1. Born In The UK

Being born in the UK is not sufficient to gain the status of a UK national. This will depend on the circumstances of the childs’ parents and also on when the child was born.

Only those people who were born in the UK can apply for citizenship if they meet the criteria of eligibility.

2. People Who Moved To The UK

People move to the UK under varying circumstances and if the applicant is eligible for naturalization under more than one methods they can choose which route they want to apply from.

1. Being In A Relationship Of Marriage Or Civil Partnership With A British Citizen

In order to apply through this method the applicant must also provide evidence of the fact that they have lived in the UK for the previous 3 years before the submission of the application through an indefinite leave to remain, a settled status under the EU settlement scheme or a permanent residence document.

1. Indefinite Leave To Remain

The Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR) is issued to people after the have lived in the UK for 5 years. After having continued to live in the UK for another 12 months after the issuance of an ILR the person becomes eligible to apply for citizenship on the basis of the ILR.

1. Permanent Residence Status

Permanent residence status is granted to those individuals who are either EU nationals residing in the UK or are family members of EU nationals and are residing in the UK.

To apply under this criteria the applicant must have lived in the UK for at least 12 months after having received the status of permanent residence. Prior to receiving the permanent residence status they must have lived in the UK for 5 years, which does not have to be a continuous 5 years. This makes a total of 6 years spent living in the UK before you are eligible to apply.

1. Settled Status Holders

Settled status is also awarded to EU nationals and family members of EU nationals who have been living in the UK for 5 years. After having received settled status, the applicant must live on this status in the UK for 12 months after which they will be eligible to apply for citizenship.

Other Criteria For Citizenship Eligibility

Other than the methods mentioned above individuals who fulfill one or more of the below mentioned categories can also apply for British citizenship

1. individuals who have at least one British parent
2. If the applicant has some other form of British nationality
3. The applicant is stateless
4. Applicant has renounced previously acquired citizenship

Commonwealth Citizens

The Windrush scheme caters to commonwealth citizens and these individuals can apply for citizenship if:

1. The applicant or one the applicants’ parents arrived in the UK prior to 1973
2. You have lived in the UK and not been away for more than 2 years

In the case that the applicants’ parents arrived in the UK before 1973 the applicant must have either:

1. Been born in the UK
2. Arrived in the UK before the age of 18

Some Commonwealth citizens may also have the right of abode in the UK.