Becoming a British citizen is a big step! Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how you can check if you can apply.
Step 1: Understand the Different Ways to Apply
There are different paths to apply for British citizenship, which is also called naturalisation. Your situation will determine which path is right for you.
If You Have Multiple Options
- If you qualify in more than one way, you can pick the best option for you!
Step 2: Permission to Stay in the UK
Before you can apply for British citizenship, you need permission to stay in the UK. This permission must last until you can have your citizenship ceremony.
What Counts as Permission?
- If you have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status (from the EU Settlement Scheme), that counts as permission to stay.
Important Dates
- The deadline to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021. If you missed this date, you might still have a chance to apply if you have a good reason.
Step 3: Were You Born in the UK?
Checking Your Citizenship
- Just because you were born in the UK doesn’t mean you are automatically a British citizen. This depends on when you were born and your parents’ situation. You need to check if you are a British citizen.
Applying for Citizenship
- If you were born in the UK and are not a citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship.
Step 4: Are You Married to a British Citizen?
Requirements
- If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you must have lived in the UK for the last 3 years.
- You also need either:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or
- Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Step 5: Do You Have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Living in the UK
- You can usually apply for ILR after living in the UK for 5 years.
Applying for Citizenship with ILR
- After getting ILR, you typically need to live in the UK for 12 more months before you can apply for citizenship.
Step 6: Do You Have Settled Status?
Living in the UK
- If you have settled status, you also need to live in the UK for 12 months after getting it before applying for citizenship.
Step 7: What If You Haven’t Applied to the EU Settlement Scheme?
Still Applying
- You might be able to apply for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme even after the deadline if you have reasonable grounds for being late.
Step 8: Other Ways to Be Eligible
You might qualify for citizenship if:
- You have a British parent.
- You have another type of British nationality.
- You have a parent with British overseas territories citizenship.
- You are stateless or previously gave up your citizenship.
- You have other special circumstances.
- You are a Chagossian descendant (a direct descendant of someone born in the British Indian Ocean Territory).
Step 9: If You’re a Commonwealth Citizen
You may qualify for citizenship under the Windrush Scheme if:
- You or one of your parents came to the UK before 1973.
- You have lived in the UK and not been away for more than 2 years.
If Your Parent Came Before 1973
- You must have been born in the UK or arrived in the UK before you were 18.
Conclusion
Now you know the steps to check if you can become a British citizen! Make sure to look at your situation and see which way applies to you. Good luck!
