Immigration law
British Citizenship
The last application you will ever make. We make sure it is the right one.
Is this you?
Who this is for
- You have held ILR or settled status for 12 months
- You are married to a British citizen and hold ILR
- You are registering a child born in, or brought to, the UK
- You are worried about past convictions, fines or immigration breaches
What the rules require
- Residence
- Usually 5 years in the UK (3 if married to a British citizen) with permanent status.
- Absences
- No more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5 years, and 90 in the last 12 months.
- Good character
- Criminal record, immigration history, tax and honesty with the Home Office all count.
- Knowledge
- Life in the UK test and English at B1, unless exempt.
A summary, not legal advice. The Immigration Rules change often; we confirm what applies on your application date.
Free first step
10 minutes with a solicitor about your british citizenship matter.
Prepare
Your document checklist
Tick off what you already have. Bring the rest to mind before your consultation, and we'll tell you what really matters for your case.
0 of 8 ready
A general guide. Your solicitor confirms exactly what your case needs. Your ticks are saved on this device only.
The process
How it works
- 1Character checkWe review anything that could raise a good character concern, before the Home Office does.
- 2Residence countWe count absences across the 5-year and 12-month windows.
- 3ApplicationOnline application, referees and supporting evidence.
- 4DecisionUsually within 6 months.
- 5CeremonyAttend your citizenship ceremony, then apply for your passport.
Fixed.
How our fees work
After your free consultation we quote a fixed fee in writing, covering exactly what we will do. Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are paid separately to the government, and we tell you the current amounts before you commit.
Free
Your first 10 minutes with a solicitor.
In writing
A fixed fee for the agreed work, before anything starts.
No surprises
Government fees quoted up front and paid to the Home Office.
FAQs
British Citizenship: your questions
Still unsure? A ten-minute call usually settles it.
When can I apply after getting ILR?
Usually 12 months after ILR or settled status. If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply as soon as you have ILR, provided you have lived here for 3 years.
Will a past caution or fixed penalty stop me?
Not necessarily, but it must be declared. Non-disclosure is often treated more seriously than the matter itself. We review your history before you apply.
Does how I entered the UK matter?
It can. Home Office guidance since February 2025 says applicants who entered the UK illegally will normally be refused, although discretion remains. Get advice before applying.
Will I have to give up my other nationality?
The UK allows dual nationality, but some countries do not. Check your other country's rules before you apply.