The Ultimate Guide to Applying for a UK Citizenship Visa

The United Kingdom offers its expatriates a host of ways to legally stay in the country. The process of gaining citizenship is one of those options. If you are planning to move to the UK or if you are currently there, this guide will explain all you need to know about applying for a UK citizenship visa and what steps you need to take to achieve your goal. We’ll discuss whether it is possible for an individual who doesn’t have any British bloodline and what things you should keep in mind before applying.

UK Immigration Jul 19, 2022 0 Add to Reading List

The Ultimate Guide to Applying for a UK Citizenship Visa

A UK citizenship visa lets you live and work in the UK as an independent person. If you are eligible, you can apply to become a British citizen through naturalization after living in the country for a certain period. This article covers everything you need to know about applying for a UK citizenship visa. We’ll discuss the requirements, processes, costs, and other details of this type of visa.

What is a UK Citizenship Visa?

A UK citizenship visa lets you live and work in the UK as an independent person. You can apply for a UK citizenship visa for yourself, your spouse, and your children. However, the visa will not give you the right to use British passports. The right to use a British passport will only be available to those who are granted British citizenship through naturalization.

The UK citizenship visa is a long-term visa available to individuals looking to move to the UK as visitors and maintain their existing lifestyle. You can work, study, and travel freely while on the visa. It is available to anyone who meets the requirements.

Requirements to Apply For UK Citizenship

You must be over 18.
You must have no criminal record.
You must be currently living in the UK.
You must be competent in both written and spoken English.
You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years.
You must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last year.
You must have a permanent UK residence OR you must have been granted Indefinite leave to stay in the UK

Have a UK Permanent Residence (for EEA nationals)

If you are from one of The European Economic Area (EEA) states, then you will need to have a permanent residence in the UK to apply for citizenship.

Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are the main countries these rules concern. However, UK residents from Switzerland have the same rights as EEA nationals.

OR

Have Been Granted Indefinite Leave to Stay In The UK

You must have had this for at least 1 year.

Also known as the right to settle, this is a visa that gives you the right to live and work in the UK.

There is no longer a separate application for EU residents, so they will have to apply for a general visa.

Married to a British citizen? there are different requirements

If you are married to a British citizen then the rules are slightly different for you. Your requirements are as follows:

are 18 or over
are married to, or in a civil partnership with, someone who is a British citizen
and has lived in the UK for at least 3 years before the date of your application

Once you have one of the following you can apply for citizenship:

indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK
‘settled status’ (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme’)
indefinite leave to enter the UK (permission to move to the UK permanently from abroad)
a permanent residence document to prove you have permanent residence status

More information can be found here.

How to Apply for a UK Citizenship Visa?

If you are eligible, you can apply for a UK citizenship visa. The process involves submitting certain forms and documents to the British Consulate or Embassy where you will be applying for the visa. You can apply for a UK citizenship visa at any time during your visit to the UK. However, you must apply within one year of entering the country. If you are outside of one year and plan to enter the UK again in the future, you can apply for a new visa.

If you submit a citizenship visa application before you arrive in the UK, you will need to come to the country to pick up your passport and visa. You will also be able to pick up any documents issued to you during this visit. If you submit your application from outside the UK, you will need to send the documents by mail. You will need to provide the consulate or embassy with the following information and documents: -Here

Costs of Applying for a UK Citizenship Visa

There are no direct costs to applying for a UK citizenship visa. However, you will need to submit an application fee through a solicitor or agent. You can find a list of approved agents on the UK Border Agency website.

Tips and Tricks for Applying for a UK Citizenship Visa

If you have an existing UK-issued visa, such as a Tier 5 student visa, you can use that as evidence that you have lived in the country for two years. Lawyers suggest that you submit all your documentation, such as your income, utility bills, and bank statements, at the same time you submit your application. This will help to keep your documents organized and reduce any confusion as to where to send documentation.

You can also get help from a UK immigration lawyer. When applying for a UK citizenship visa, make sure you provide all the necessary documents. If you do not submit everything requested, your application may be delayed or rejected. Make sure that you understand all the information on the documents you are submitting.

Citizenship Test

Part of your citizenship application will involve passing the following two tests:

Life in the UK test
Either an ESOL or CERF language test

Here is some more information on these tests.

You Have To Pass Life In The UK Test

Life in the UK test government paid handbooks

The Like in the UK is a 45-minute test. During this test, you must answer 24 questions about life in the UK and the history of the country.

To pass the test you must score 75%. If you fail the test then you must wait another 7 days before sitting the test again. Once you have passed the test you will not be required to sit it again.

When attending the test you will be required to bring a valid ID.

The following topics are covered in the test:

“The Values and principles of the UK”
“What is the UK?”
“A long and illustrious history”
“A modern, thriving society”
“The UK government, the law, and your role”.

There are courses that will help you to prepare for the test, or you can use the government’s most recent handbook for guidance.

Conclusion

A UK citizenship visa lets you live and work in the UK as an independent person. If you are eligible, you can apply to become a British citizen through naturalization after living in the country for a certain period. The right to use a British passport will only be available to those who are granted British citizenship through naturalization. The visa is available to anyone who meets the requirements and is not already a British citizen. If you are eligible, you can apply for a UK citizenship visa at any time during your stay in the UK.

But you must apply within one year of entering the country. There are many benefits to obtaining UK citizenship. You will become a British citizen and be able to vote in elections, travel to other member countries, and access many other benefits. The application process is relatively simple, and the cost is minimal. If you want to become a British citizen, now is the time to start the application process.

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