Become British Citizen by Naturalisation Application on the basis of family (Marriage to a British Citizen), work (Skilled Worker), Asylum, Long Term Residence
- Introduction
- Success Stories
- Book Online
- Key facts, HO Fee
- Processing time
- Eligibility requirements
- Services we offer
- Other ways to Book Service
- Travel abroad pending Nationality Application
An Application to become a British Citizen on the basis of marriage visas, work visa, long term residence and other UK immigration routes
Naturalisation is a process of getting citizenship of a country through residence. Just like a lot of other countries in the world, UK allows immigration to acquire British Citizenship after 12 months of getting permanent residence (ILR) in the UK. If you made your ILR application as a partner of a British Citizen, then a 12 months waiting period does not apply to you. You can apply for British Nationality without having to wait for 12 months. The UK law allows dual citizenship but the other country, normally country of your Birth or Nationality, may not allow to have nationality of an other country, often referred as Dual Citizenship. Therefore it is very important that you check this before making an application for Naturalisation in UK. India is an example of a country which does not allow dual citizenship. Naturalisation application can be made on the basis of family life such as being married to a British citizenship or in being in work category such as Tier 2 General or being an EU, EEA citizen living in UK with Settled Status.
10 Reasons to Consider Applying for British Citizenship immediately after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK
Certainly! British Citizenship offers several compelling benefits that might sway your decision after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Let us highlight some of the advantages. Discover the Benefits of Applying for British Citizenship After Receiving ILR and the Consequences of Delaying Your Application.
- Immigration rules are no one’s friends: With the changing nature of border controls, the immigration rules can change at any time which may make you ineligible to become a British citizen in the future. Therefore, the earlier you acquire British Citizenship, the better it is for you to have a piece of mind for the rest of your life so far as UK immigration laws are concerned.
- Pass on British Citizenship to generations: As a British nationality holder, you can pass on British Citizenship to your children.
- Avoid Higher Nationality Application Fees in the future: By applying for the British citizenship, you are shielding yourself from higher Home Office fees for Nationality applications. In addition, avoiding higher fees for immigration solicitors which are surely to rise with the rest of cost of services.
- Hassle Free from Renewing BRP Card for ILR: Making an application to renew BRP card will save hassle, time and money for renewing BRP card for your ILR stauts ever. Such applications can take up to 6 months.
- Piece of mind- No further UK Immigration Applications ever : Becoming a British Citizen is a last step in your long journey of multiple immigration applications. On becoming British, you will never have to make another UK immigration application.
- Passport Power: A British passport is highly regarded globally. It grants you access to consular assistance and protection when abroad.
- Voting Rights: As a British citizen, you gain the right to vote in all UK elections. Your voice matters, and participating in the democratic process becomes a privilege.
- Access to Government Jobs: British citizenship opens doors to certain government jobs that are exclusively available to citizens. It broadens your career prospects and opportunities.
- Travel with Ease: With a British passport, you can travel freely to many countries without the need for visas. It simplifies international travel and provides a sense of security.
- Deeper Integration: British Citizenship represents a deeper integration into British society beyond mere residence. It signifies your commitment to the country and its values.
Applying for British Citizenship is a significant step. If you meet the eligibility criteria, it’s worth considering this next chapter in your journey.
Book Service Online
| Service | Description of Service | Fixed Fees |
| Book Full Application Preparation & Submission Service (Adult) Book Full Application Preparation & Submission Service (Child Applying without an adult) Book Full Application Preparation & Submission Service (Add additional family member with main applicant such as partner, child) | Comprehensive service. All work covered from start to the end. No VAT, no hidden charges. Allocated caseworker. The Fees is for the first applicant. An additional person/ dependant pay discounted fee when applying together. √ Full advice about all queries related to visa application √ List of documents for your immigration application √ Full prepare and complete the application form √ Pay visa fees and other applicable fees on your behalf – Of course you will reimburse us for any disbursements √ Submit the application form and application as registered immigration representative √ Upload all the documents or submit to the Home Office by post √ Book Bio-metrics appointment to capture your fingerprints and photo at one of the visa application centre √ Continuous advice from the day one until a decision is made by the embassy or Home Office | £1100 £750 £500 |
Key facts, processing times, Home Office Fee for British Citizenship
| Home Office Fee | Adult £1839 (£1709 Home Office Application Fee, £130 Ceremony Fee) Child £1000 (An additional £130 may be required to cover the ceremony fee, should the child turn 18 during the application process) |
| Processing time | 4-6 Months |
British Nationality Applications Approvals for Our Clients- Success Stories – 100% Success Rate since 2006
See our past work for Full Application Service for the Naturalisation applications from the start of our business in 2006. View some of the the recent approved decisions of our clients.
Eligibility Requirements to apply for British Citizenship Application- UK Naturalisation
- After 12 months of getting Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status for EEA, EA Nationals in the UK, Naturalisation application can be made. Applicants who made their ILR application on the basis of marriage does not have to wait for 12 months to apply for Naturalisation to become British National.
- Life in UK Test and Knowledge of English requirements apply. Though most of the applicant met these requirements when they applied for ILR, therefore they do not need to meet these requirements again.
- Applicants should not have spend more than 90 days in last 12 months period and should be in the UK exactly 5 years ago on the day of the application.
- The applicant should be good character. This means that they should not have criminal convictions. Exemptions also apply. Someone with criminal history should consult a registered immigration lawyer or registered immigration consultant registered with the IAA, UK, like us. We are IAA Registered Immigration to provide Naturalisation application advice (British Nationality).
- Life in UK Test and Knowledge of English requirements does not apply to children under 18.
Other ways to Book UK Visa Services with ZR Visas
You can book a service online by following the above links. Alternatively please provide us with your full name, full address, email address and contact number, we will book service for you-
- By phone: UK +44 1782 977 899
- By email: info@zrvisas.com
- Text Message Service: UK +447944132344
- WhatsApp Message: Please click on WhatsApp Icon on botton right of your screen
Guidance and Travel Rules pending British Nationality Pending Application with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Can I Travel Abroad While My British Citizenship Application is Pending? | UKVI Travel Rules
Planning to travel outside the UK while waiting for your British citizenship decision? Many applicants wonder: “How long can I stay outside the UK while my British nationality application is pending with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)?”
The short answer is yes, you can travel abroad, but there are critical rules, deadlines, and underlying visa restrictions you must follow to avoid jeopardizing your application. Below, we break down everything you need to know about post-application travel, UKVI processing timelines, and protecting your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Key UKVI Travel Rules for Pending Citizenship Applications
1. No Automatic Withdrawal of Your Application
Unlike standard UK visa or settlement (ILR) applications, leaving the UK while a British citizenship (naturalisation or registration) application is pending does not automatically withdraw your application. You are free to cross the border without canceling your submission.
2. Post-Application Absences Do Not Count Against Residence Limits
Many applicants worry about the strict 450-day and 90-day absence limits required for naturalisation. Fortunately, any travel outside the UK after the Home Office receives your citizenship application does not count against your pre-application continuous residence limits.
3. You Must Attend Critical Milestones in the UK
While you can travel, your presence is legally required in the UK for two mandatory steps:
- Biometric Appointment: This must typically be completed within 45 days of receiving your UKVI notification.
- Citizenship Ceremony: Once approved, you must book and attend your ceremony within 90 days of the approval date.
The Official Legal Sources & Entry Exemptions
It is important to understand the official legal framework governing these decisions. Unlike standard immigration applications, which are automatically withdrawn under Paragraph 34K of the UK Immigration Rules if you leave the UK, British citizenship applications are completely exempt.
This exemption exists because nationality applications are governed under the British Nationality Act 1981 rather than standard UK immigration control. As confirmed in the official Home Office Guide AN, you maintain a full right of travel while your application is pending, provided you do not break the “Future Intentions” requirements outlined in UKVI Caseworker Guidance.
Protect Your Underlying Immigration Status (ILR & EUSS)
Even though the Home Office allows you to travel, your legal right to re-enter the UK depends entirely on your current immigration status. You must return to the UK well before your underlying status lapses.
The 2-Year ILR Expiry Rule
If you hold standard Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), your status will automatically lapse if you stay outside the UK for more than 2 continuous years. If your citizenship processing takes longer than expected and you cross this 2-year threshold abroad, you will lose your ILR and have no legal right to re-enter the UK for your ceremony.
(Note: If you hold Settled Status via the EU Settlement Scheme, this limit is extended to 5 continuous years).
The “Future Intentions” Risk
To grant British naturalisation, UKVI requires you to demonstrate an intention to make the UK your principal home. Spending the entire waiting period abroad without a clear, temporary justification (such as a brief holiday or short business trip) can cause the caseworker to question your future intentions. They hold the discretionary power to refuse your application on these grounds under the UKVI Nationality Policy Guidance.
Post-Ceremony Passport Restrictions
The moment you attend your citizenship ceremony, your ILR or Settled Status legally ends. You cannot re-enter the UK using your foreign passport combined with your old ILR. You will need to apply for and use a British passport or a certificate of entitlement to travel back into the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the maximum time I can stay outside the UK after completing my biometrics?
A: There is no specific maximum number of days set by UKVI. However, you must return within 90 days of receiving your application approval to attend your citizenship ceremony, and you must ensure your total consecutive absence does not cause your underlying ILR (2 years) or Settled Status (5 years) to lapse.
Q2: Will my application be canceled if I leave the UK while it is being processed?
A: No. Because citizenship falls under the British Nationality Act 1981 rather than the UK Immigration Rules (Paragraph 34K), leaving the UK does not trigger an automatic withdrawal of a British nationality application.
Q3: Do my holiday days spent abroad while waiting for a decision count towards the 450-day limit?
A: No. The 450-day absence limit (or 270 days for spouses of British citizens) only applies to the qualifying period before you submit your online application. According to the Home Office Guide AN, travel after submission does not impact this specific pre-application requirement.
Q4: Can I travel back to the UK using my BRP card after my citizenship ceremony?
A: No. Your biometric residence permit (BRP) and ILR status become invalid the moment you make your oath at the citizenship ceremony. To re-enter the UK after this milestone, you must obtain a British passport.
Need Professional Immigration Assistance? Contact ZR Visas Team
Navigating UKVI rules, statutory exemptions, and safeguarding your “future intentions” requirement can be complex. If you are planning an extended trip abroad while waiting for your British nationality decision, avoid costly mistakes by getting expert support.
Contact our ZR Visas Team today for professional immigration advice tailored to your unique circumstances. Our experienced specialists will ensure your travel plans align perfectly with UKVI regulations.
Got a question, contact us
Should you need to ascertain that you are British National or not or if you have any other question, please contact us for advice. Alternatively, read FAQ’s or send us a quick message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We aim to respond all queries within 1 working day.
Send a message on WhatsApp. This is the quickest way to get answer to your queries. We normally respond promptly during working hours.
