So, you’re thinking about applying for British citizenship? First of all—congratulations. Reaching this point means you’ve likely been on quite a journey. Maybe you’ve built a life here, found a job you love, started a family, or simply fallen in love with the UK in your own way. Whatever brought you here, becoming a British citizen is a huge milestone. And if you’re anything like most people I speak to, you’re probably wondering where to even begin.

Let’s walk through it together.

Who’s Eligible?

The most common way people apply is through something called naturalisation. To go this route, you usually need to have lived in the UK for at least five years. Plus, you must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status for at least 12 months. That shows you’ve got long-term roots here.

There are also a few other things to keep in mind:

• You shouldn’t have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the last five years.

• And no more than 90 days abroad in the last year.

• Oh, and you’ll need to pass both the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement.

Now, if you’re married to a British citizen, things are a little simpler. You can apply after living in the UK for just three years—and you don’t need to wait 12 months after getting ILR or Settled Status.

What Do You Need?

This part trips a lot of people up. The paperwork is detailed, and missing something can delay your application or even lead to a refusal. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Your passport or travel document

• Your biometric residence permit (if you have one)

• Proof of ILR or Settled Status

• Your Life in the UK Test certificate

• An approved English qualification

• Two referees who’ve known you personally (and meet the Home Office criteria)

It’s really important that everything’s current and consistent. One small error can slow the whole process down.

The Application Process

Most people apply online through the UK government’s website, but let me be honest: it’s not always straightforward. The fee is £1,630 (as of 2025), and unfortunately, it’s non-refundable—so you really want to get it right the first time.

You’ll also need to book a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo. After that, it’s mostly a waiting game. The decision can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

And After That?

If all goes well (and fingers crossed it does), you’ll be invited to a citizenship ceremony. This is a proud moment. You’ll make an oath of allegiance, receive your certificate—and just like that, you’re officially British. From there, you’re eligible to apply for a UK passport.

Final Thoughts

Applying for British citizenship is exciting, but I know it can feel overwhelming too. The process is detailed, the requirements are strict, and mistakes can be costly. That’s where we come in.

At Farani Taylor Solicitors, we’ve helped thousands of people navigate their journey to British citizenship. Whether you’re applying from scratch or just need help gathering the right documents, our team is here to support you every step of the way. We’re proud to serve our communities from our three offices — City, Ilford, and Norbury.

If you’re ready to take the next step, or just want to talk things through, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make your journey to British citizenship a successful one.

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