How to Become a British Citizen

Live in the UK. You must have lived in the UK for 3 years and during that time you can only live abroad for no more than 270 days and within 1 year before applying, the time abroad is not more than 90 days. ^[14] You must have some type of visa to live in the UK. Usually with this type of citizenship you will have a marriage visa, but you may also have lived in the UK under the validity of another visa such as a student or tourist visa. ^[15]

You must be over 18 years old. You must be of legal age to naturalize in the UK. ^[16]

Have a clean record. This means you must not have a serious criminal record on file. ^[17]

Have the capacity to make decisions. This requirement is also known as civil act capacity. The government wants to know if this marriage and naturalization decision was of your own free will. ^[18]

Proof of English proficiency. You must demonstrate your ability to speak English, including going through the challenges that will be discussed in the next section. ^[19]

Pass the Life in the UK test. Quiz about British culture, life, government, you will learn more below. ^[20]

Apply and be granted the right to settle in the UK. This means you can live in the UK with no deadlines to leave. ^[21]

Submit application and fees. There is a fee for each type of application to complete and submit. ^[22]

• There are 3 ways to apply for naturalization: 1) Download the form online, fill it out, and submit it; 2) Visit the nearest National Citizen Services office for instructions on filling out the application; 3) Contact a private agency or individual who can help you with the application form. ^[23]

Buy a study guide book. This guidebook is called Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition . ^[24]

Understand the issues mentioned in the book. Books and tests will cover things like how to become a British citizen and your understanding of British culture. It also includes the law and government, so you can gradually get acquainted with the culture of this country. In addition, you should take a look at British history and events. ^[25]

Prep. Read the entire book and apply what you have learned for the upcoming test. ^[26]

Schedule an exam. You must book your exam one week in advance and there will be a fee. ^[27]

• You will need your email address, ID, and bank card to schedule your exam online. ^[28]

Prepare documents. On the day of the test, you need to bring the same ID number as the one you used to book the exam. You also need something to prove your address such as an electricity or water bill, a credit statement, a bank statement, a letter from the Department of Home Affairs with your name and address on it, or your driver’s license. Older brother. ^[29]

• You need to have all those documents in order to enter the exam room. The government will not allow you to take the exam without the necessary documents and you will not receive a refund. ^[30]

Exam. You will go to the designated test site to take the test. ^[31]

• The test lasted less than 1 hour. Usually the test has 24 questions. ^[32]
• You will have to answer 75% correctly to receive the pass letter. You must then attach the letter to your immigration or naturalization application. You will only have one original copy of the letter, so don’t lose it. ^[33]
• If you fail, you can retake the test within 1 week. However, you will have to reschedule the exam and pay the fee again. ^[34]

If you are a citizen of an English speaking country. The easiest way to overcome this challenge is to come from an English speaking country like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the US. If you are a citizen of these countries, there is no need to demonstrate English proficiency. ^[35]

Have in English B1, B2, C1 or C2. ^[36] Usually, having these shows you are at least intermediate level English.

Take the aptitude test. The UK has a list of certified tests for English language proficiency. ^[37]