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British National Overseas (BNO)

If you are married to a UK national and wish to explore the possibility of obtaining British Citizenship by Marriage, it’s essential to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer. They can provide you with detailed information on how to apply for British Citizenship through this route.

For immediate assistance and expert guidance tailored to your specific circumstance, you can contact Push Legal Services (PLS) by calling 0333 0124 253. Our team of immigration lawyers are available to assist you in person, over the phone, or online meeting, providing comprehensive support and advice throughout your British Citizenship application process.

British Citizenship

British citizenship by marriage is a significant milestone for foreign spouses seeking to establish their permanent residence in the UK alongside their British partners.

Upon becoming a naturalised British citizen, you will gain the freedom to live and work in the UK without being subject to immigration controls.

It’s important to highlight that this path to British citizenship is exclusively open to individuals who are married to a UK national, provided they have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least three years.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the British citizenship by marriage process and receive expert advice, you can reach out to a team of professional immigration lawyers. They can provide you with valuable insights and guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and support you throughout the application process.

What are the requirements?

To be eligible for British citizenship by marriage, you must meet specific requirements, which include:

  1. You must be 18 years of age or older at the time of your application.
  2. You should be able to demonstrate that you have not violated any UK laws and possess “good character.”
  3. You must have lived in the UK for at least three years. During this period, you should have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
  4. You are required to prove your knowledge of the English language by passing an accredited language exam. This demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in English.
  5. Passing the Life in the UK test is a vital requirement. It assesses your knowledge of British customs, traditions, and life in the UK, demonstrating your commitment to becoming a British citizen.

British citizenship is the settlement route for individuals who are married to a UK national or a settled person. Meeting these requirements is essential for your application to be considered for British citizenship.

To qualify for British citizenship, you must have lived in the UK for at least three years prior to your application. More importantly, you must be a settled person. In fact, holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a mandatory prerequisite for your British naturalisation process.

Before you apply for British citizenship in the UK, you must possess one of the following:

  1. Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR)
  2. EU Settled Status

3.Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK (permission to move to the UK permanently from abroad)

It’s crucial to note that, as part of your citizenship application, you will be required to provide evidence of your permanent residence status, which typically includes holding ILR or equivalent status.

How long does it take to acquire British citizenship by marriage?

The processing time to acquire British citizenship by marriage can vary, but typically, after submitting your application to the Home Office, you can expect to receive a response within 6 months. However, it’s important to note that processing times may be longer if you fail to provide sufficient supporting documents or if errors are made while completing your application forms.

If your circumstances change during your application process, such as a divorce from your partner, it’s crucial to inform the UKVI as soon as possible.

What are the residency requirements for British citizenship?

Regarding residency requirements for British citizenship through marriage, you must have lived in the UK for at least three years before submitting your application. In addition, you must meet specific residency conditions, which include:

  1. Spending no more than 270 days outside the UK during the three-year qualifying period before your application.
  2. Spending no more than 90 days abroad in the last 12 months before submitting your application forms.
  3. Maintaining compliance with UK immigration laws throughout your residency in the UK.

Meeting these residency requirements is essential to be eligible for British citizenship as a spouse of a UK national.

Do I need to attend a citizenship ceremony if my application is successful?

Yes, if you acquire British citizenship by marriage or any other eligible route, and you are 18 years of age or over, you are required to attend a citizenship ceremony as the final step in the application process.

You must book your ceremony within three months of receiving an invitation from the Home Office. The ceremony is typically organised by your local council, and you are usually permitted to bring up to two guests.

The cost of attending a group ceremony is £80, but private ceremonies may be more expensive depending on your local council’s regulations.

Can I apply for a British passport if I am married to a UK national?

Once you have received your British citizenship certificate, you can apply for your first adult British passport. If you currently hold a British child passport, you can continue to use it until it expires, even if you are aged 16 or over.

An adult British passport is valid for ten years and serves as your proof of British citizenship and identification when traveling abroad. Once you have your passport, you can freely leave the UK and re-enter without the need for a visa.

Starting from February 2023, the online application for a British passport costs £82.50, while a paper application will cost £93. Fees may vary if you are applying from abroad.

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Frequently Asked Questions

As a general rule, children born in the UK from at least one parent who is a British citizen or settled person automatically acquire British nationality. However, it’s advisable to seek legal guidance to confirm whether your children are eligible to obtain British citizenship through any other means or if there are specific circumstances that may affect their eligibility.

Consulting with an immigration lawyer can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your children’s status and the necessary steps to take.

If your British partner has passed away before you have the opportunity to submit your citizenship application, it is typically not possible to apply for British citizenship based on the marriage route.

However, if you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), EU settled status, or permanent residence status, you may still have other immigration routes available to potentially become eligible for British nationality. It is advisable to explore these alternative options and seek legal guidance to determine the best path forward based on your individual circumstances.

Applying for British Naturalisation, especially through the marriage route, can be a complex and stressful process. To alleviate this stress and ensure the success of your application, the team of specialist lawyers at PLS is dedicated to providing professional assistance.

Our services include:

  1. Ensuring you have all the required documents for your application.
  2. Confirming that you meet the British Citizenship requirements.
  3. Ensuring you have sufficient evidence of your marriage or civil partnership.
  4. Assisting you in completing your application form to the highest standard, maximizing your chances of acceptance.
  5. Preparing you for the Life in the UK test, which is a prerequisite for your application.

To get expert guidance and support for your British Citizenship application by marriage, you can contact PLS by calling 0333 0124 253 or making an online enquiry to speak with an immigration lawyer. They can provide you with valuable insights tailored to your specific circumstance, making the process more manageable and increasing your chances of success.

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