British citizenship & application process

Written by Yusuf Sheikh:

British citizen by naturalisation (form AN) for an adult:

To qualify for British Citizenship via naturalisation (Form AN), the applicant must have an Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The application fee for British citizenship by naturalisation is £1,709. Adults must also pay £50 for the Life in the UK Test and around £150 for the English test, if required. It allows foreign nationals to become British citizens.

To make a citizenship application through naturalisation, need the following information or evidence: pass the Life in the UK Test, pass the English language (B1) Test, prove how long you’ve lived in the UK, good character, and two referees.

Applicants will not receive a refund if their application is refused, whether due to submitting incorrect documents or being ineligible.

British Citizenship application for a child (Under 18):

If the child is under 18 years old, they can apply to ‘register’ them as a British citizen (Form MN1). The application process is easier for children - they don't have to pass the Life in the UK Test, English language test & no need for a citizenship ceremony. If not eligible for a fee waiver, the application fee is £1,000.

Get a fee waiver for children:

You can apply for a ‘fee waiver’. If you get a fee waiver, you will not have to pay the application fee. To make a fee waiver application, you have to show you don’t have enough income and savings to pay for both the fee and essential daily living costs like food and rent. You’ll need to send documents showing your income and spending for the last 6 months, for example, your pay slips (last 6 months), bank statements for all your accounts (last 6 months), tenancy agreement, and utility bills. It is worth mentioning that if social services give you money to help you look after your child, you’ll automatically get a fee waiver.

Application processing times:

The application processing time ranges up to 6 months, but the Home Office makes every effort to reach a decision on applications and provide an outcome as quickly as possible. There may be occasions when delays arise due to circumstances beyond Home Office control, and it is not possible to meet the agreed service level. If this happens, the Home Office will keep you informed about the status of your application.