Are you eligible for a British passport?

By 1st 4Immigration - #1 UK Immigration Experts -

It’s the ultimate goal – British Citizenship!

 The journey takes time and money but it’s worth it! You may be just at the beginning of your ‘journey’ or you may be already on your way to Indefinite Leave (settled status). It is never too early to find out your rights and make a plan. 


#1 Spouses of British citizens.

The process includes initial Spouse visa (30 or 33 months), then extension for further 30 months, then permanent residency after 5 years. You can apply for British Citizenship straight after that. Common mistake: applying after 3 years in the UK, it is not the right time. 

#2 European citizens and family members.

Firstly, you need to acquire a settled status - after 5 years in the UK. In most cases, you can apply for Citizenship 1 year after you have qualified for the settled status. Even if your settlement document was issued later, you can still apply for Citizenship 1 year after you ‘qualified’ for it.  


#3 If you already have Indefinite Leave or settled status.

You are only one step away from Citizenship! You need to wait 1 year to apply for Citizenship. Unless you are married to a UK citizen, in which case you don’t need to wait. Civil partners also don’t need to wait. Unmarried partners, however, have to wait for a year., because they aren’t married. 

#4 If you have a visa that leads to Settlement.

You are getting there! Skilled Worker (former Tier 2 General), Dependant, Spouse/Partner visa, Ancestral, Hong Kong BNO, Private Life or a pre-settled status under EU Settlement Scheme. You need to secure Indefinite Leave, then apply for Citizenship as above. You may wish to read our Settlement page.

 

#5 If you have a visa that doesn’t lead to Settlement.

Your journey is going to be the longest! Examples of categories that don’t lead to settlement: Student visa, Graduate visa, Tier 5 including Youth Mobility Scheme, Global Business Mobility. Firstly, you need to switch to a visa category that leads to settlement, such as Skilled Worker or a Spouse/Partner visa, spend 5 years on itto secure Indefinite Leave, then apply for Citizenship. You may find our A to Z Work visas page useful.   

You can check your eligibility here. If you need advice on UK visas and Citizenship, including the upcoming eVisa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), please book online consultation with a lawyer on this link. Over WhatsApp, Zoom or email. The consultation fee counts towards our immigration services.

 

1st 4Immigration is one of the most experienced UK immigration law companies, OISC – accredited at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 15 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HN. Website 1st4immigration.com

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