There are multiple ways in which one can obtain British citizenship however the two most common routes are through Naturalisation and Registration.

Naturalisation

If you reside in the UK with indefinite leave to remain, you may be eligible for Naturalisation provided that you meet the following statutory requirements which are set out in British Nationality Act 1981. These are the following:

• You must be 18 or over

• You are of good character

• You must have held settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) or a permanent residence document in the UK for at least 12 months prior to the date of your application

• You must have an intention to continue to live in the UK
• You must meet the English Language requirements. This includes knowledge of English and completion of the Life in the UK test.
• You must have been physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before the date of your application excluding any time spent in the UK when exempt from immigration control.
• You must meet the residency requirements. You must have not been absent from the UK for more than:

• • 450 days in that 5-year period
  • 90 days in the period of 12 months ending with the date of application

If you are the spouse or civil partner of a British national, some of the requirements, such as the residency requirements, will differ. These are as follows:

• You do not need to have held settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) or a permanent residence document in the UK for at least 12 months prior to the date of your application. You can apply for Naturalisation as soon as you are settled in the UK provided that you meet the other requirements.

• You must have been physically present in the UK exactly 3 years before the date of your application excluding any time spent in the UK when exempt from immigration control.
• You must meet the residency requirements and must not have been absent from the UK for more than:

• • 270 days in that 3-year period
  • 90 days in the period of 12 months ending with the date of application

Registration

You can also apply to register as a British national under the British Nationality Act 1981 either by way of an entitlement or on a discretionary basis. Such requirements can include (but not limited to) the following:

• You were born in the UK on or after the 1^st of January 1983 and either one or both of your parents became British nationals or settled in the UK before you turn 18 years of age
• You were born in the UK before the 1^st  of July 2006 and your parents were not married at the time of your birth. You have also never been a British citizen and you would have become a British citizen had your parents been married at the time of your birth.

• You were born outside the UK on or after the 1^st of January 1983 and at the time of your birth one of your parents was a British citizen by descent.
• Another form of British nationality such as British overseas citizen; British protected person;  British subject and British national (overseas) is held.

Our experienced immigration advisors can have a consultation with you to discover if you are eligible for the above routes. Contact us today for more information on  0208 995 3556 or info@descartessolicitors.co.uk.