How to Apply for UK Citizenship
If you are familiar with the history and lifestyle of UK citizens, then then you have satisfied one of the requirements for an application for UK citizenship. This is so because once you become a British citizen, you are automatically also a citizen of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the countries that make up the United Kingdom. Your application will be handled by The UK Border Agency, a department of the Home Office, which handles naturalization and other immigration matters for the United Kingdom.
Ensure that you meet the qualifications to apply on your ownYou must be at least 18 years of age, mentally stable and of good character. You must also be able to speak English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic and have a sufficient knowledge of UK history and way of life. You must be able to show that you have been a continuous resident of the United Kingdom for at least five years before the date of your application, adhering to the immigration laws. If you have been absent from the UK during this time, your absence must not exceed 90 days within the last 12 months and 450 within the last five years.
Look into the possibility of applying through your spouse or civil partner if you cannot apply on your own. If your spouse or partner is a British citizen or in Crown service outside the UK, you may be eligible. The Agency expects that you have been a continuous resident of the UK for at least three years before filing your application, adhering to immigration laws. If you have been absent from the United Kingdom, your absence must not exceed 270 days within the three-year period and 90 days within the last 12 months.
Satisfy the language requirement. “English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)” is a series of classes designed for those for whom English is not a first language. You are expected to submit evidence of enrollment in these courses when you submit your application.
Show knowledge of life in the UK. Applicants must take a test on “Life in the UK”, based on “Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship”. You can take this test at a test center. You will need to send a pass notification letter with your application.
Submit other supporting documents with your application. These will include evidence of exercising treaty rights, such as tax certificates, and an identifying document, such as your passport. If you are applying through your British spouse or partner, include his birth certificate or passport and your marriage or civil certificate. If your spouse or partner is in Crown service, include information on his employment, date and place of recruitment and the benefit of your application to the employer.
Send your application to the UK Border Agency directly, through the Nationality Checking Service, or through a representative.
Complete the application process. You may be required to have an interview, conducted by an agency representative or a member of the police force.
Celebrate your citizenship. If your application is approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony at a register office.
Visit the UK Border Agency for more information on how to obtain British citizenship (see Resources below).
Prepare for the "Life in the UK" test. There are many books that you can use to prepare for this test, including: "Life in the UK Test: Multiple Choice Questions" by Emmanuel Aluko, "Life in the UK Test: Questions and Answers" by Emmanuel Aluko, and "Passing the Life in the UK Test" by Megan Gibbins and Chris Taylor (see Resources below)
Tip:
Those who are are 65 and older or have a limiting mental or physical condition are exempt from the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirement.
Warning:
You can lose your British citizenship if there is evidence of fraud, misrepresentation, or a failure to disclose pertinent information.
Resources
Learn more about how to become a British citizen at the website for UK Border Agency
Prepare for the "Life in the UK" test with Passing the Life in the Uk Test (Test Books)
Find out what to expect with Life in the UK test: Questions and Answers
Practice answering possible test questions with
Life in the UK test: Multiple Choice Questions
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