British Citizenship & Naturalisation
“Leonard solicitors are the best in Southampton. I used their services for many years and they never let me down. Specifically, Lee Ann Harvey always has good news because she is professional and a perfectionist.”
Immigration Solicitors for British Citizenship Applications
You can apply for citizenship if you have lived in the UK for three years (if married to a British Citizen) or five years or more and have held Indefinite Leave to Remain for 12 months. Our immigration solicitors are experts with 30 years of experience helping people achieve British Citizenship. The journey from arriving in the UK to receiving your Indefinite Leave to Remain can be long but rewarding, and applying for citizenship is the final hurdle. Becoming a British Citizen allows you to remain in the UK with the same rights as UK citizens. Our Immigration Solicitors will work with you and your family from the start of your application, making sure you have the best chance of success.
Even if you are short of the 5-year threshold, we can still help you prepare your application in time for when you are. Additionally, our experience in immigration matters has given us the know-how to deal with even the most complicated applications. We recommend staying in the UK as much as possible, where the Home Office can refuse applicants who have spent more than 450 days outside of the UK (within a 5-year period). In cases where the Home Office has unfairly refused your application, we can advise you further and appeal their decision.
What it takes to be British
To become a British Citizen, applicants must go through what is called Naturalisation. This requires a lot of commitment, and applications typically take between 6 and 8 months depending on your case. Our specialist British Citizenship Solicitors can support you along this journey, eliminating any issues that the Home Office may identify.
Generally, applicants for British Citizenship require:
- To be aged 18 years or older
- A record of living in the UK continuously for at least 5 years (3 if married to a British citizen)
- Indefinite Leave to Remain status for at least 12 months
- Speak good English, Gaelic or Welsh (known as knowledge of the English language)
- A clean criminal record and are not bankrupt
- Evidence that you will continue to live in the UK after you obtain citizenship
- You have passed a Life in the UK test (known as knowledge of life in the UK)
Applicants must also have spent less than 450 days outside of the UK within the past 5 years, and less than 90 days within the past year before they can apply.
If you are successful in your Naturalisation period, you will be invited to a Citizenship Ceremony where you will officially become a British citizen.
What you can do as a British Citizen
Under the British Nationality Act 1981, you have the right to:
- Apply for a British Passport
- Permanently work and live in the UK
- Overseas protection
- Vote in general elections and UK referendums
- Be elected as Member of Parliament
Why Leonard Solicitors?
Our dedicated Immigration Lawyers have vast experience helping people achieve British citizenship. As a matter of fact, Leonard Solicitors have dealt with Immigration matters for over 30 years, forging our excellent reputation with migrants and the Home Office. Whatever type of visa or circumstance you came to the UK on, we have the expertise on making your application successful. We help both individuals and families, including young children where we prepare all your applications together.
Leonard Solicitors’ diverse team of Immigration Lawyers provide advice in plain English, but can also speak:
- Polish
- Russian
- Ukrainian
- Urdu
- Punjabi
- Hindi
- Farsi
What you can do as a British Citizen
Under the British Nationality Act 1981, you have the right to:
- Apply for a British Passport
- Permanently work and live in the UK
- Overseas protection
- Vote in general elections and UK referendums
- Be elected as Member of Parliament
Why Leonard Solicitors?
Our dedicated Immigration Lawyers have vast experience helping people achieve British citizenship. As a matter of fact, Leonard Solicitors have dealt with Immigration matters for over 30 years, forging our excellent reputation with migrants and the Home Office. Whatever type of visa or circumstance you came to the UK on, we have the expertise on making your application successful. We help both individuals and families, including young children where we prepare all your applications together.
Leonard Solicitors’ diverse team of Immigration Lawyers provide advice in plain English, but can also speak:
- Polish
- Russian
- Ukrainian
- Urdu
- Punjabi
- Hindi
- Farsi
