Info@lawsentis.com
10 Barley Mow Passage, London, England, W4 4PH
Icon-facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Telegram
Book A Free Call

Naturalisation

Payments
Consultation
Visa Application
Immigration
Business Support
Visa Processing Pitfalls

Naturalisation Citizenship

 Becoming a British citizen through naturalisation is both a legal and personal milestone. It grants you full rights in the UK, including the ability to vote, travel without restriction, and enjoy the protection of British law. It also reflects your long-term commitment to making the UK your permanent home. Naturalisation remains the most common way for adult foreign nationals to acquire British citizenship.

At LawSentis, we provide a complete overview of the process, including the 2025 rule changes, eligibility requirements, documents, and how our expert team can guide you every step of the way.

What is naturalisation?

Naturalisation is the legal process by which a non-British adult becomes a British citizen. It is not automatic-you must apply to the Home Office and meet a set of requirements covering residence, language ability, good character, and integration into UK life.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible to apply if you:

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Have lived lawfully in the UK for at least 5 continuous years
  • Have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Settled Status, or Indefinite Leave to Enter for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen)
  • Meet the English language requirement
  • Have passed the Life in the UK Test
  • Meet the good character requirement
  • Have not exceeded permitted absences from the UK

Special rule for spouses and civil partners of British citizens:
If you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you can apply as soon as you receive ILR or Settled Status-you do not need to wait 12 months. 

key changes in 2025

From 22 July 2025, important updates apply to naturalisation applications:

  • English language requirement raised from B1 to B2 CEFR level
  • Greater scrutiny of genuine residence and integration, including work, tax, and family life evidence
  • Enhanced good character checks, with automatic refusal if an applicant entered the UK illegally or by unsafe routes (such as small boats), regardless of later lawful residence or ILR

Absence limits:

  • No more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5-year qualifying period
  • No more than 90 days outside in the final 12 months
  • Exceptions may be granted if absences were due to overseas work for a UK employer, compassionate or medical reasons, or major disruptions such as travel bans

Strong supporting evidence is required if you exceed the thresholds.

English language and life in the uk test

English requirement

  • Current: B1 CEFR level
  • From 22 July 2025: B2 CEFR level
  • Prove by taking an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), or through exemptions (degree taught in English, age over 65, or qualifying medical condition)

Life in the uk test

  • 24 multiple-choice questions
  • Minimum pass mark: 18 out of 24
  • Covers UK history, culture, society, and law
  • Certificate is valid for life

Good character requirement

Applicants must show they are of good character, with checks covering criminal, immigration, and financial history.

From 2025, anyone who entered the UK illegally or by unsafe means is automatically disqualified from naturalisation, regardless of current status or time in the UK.

Required documents

You will need to provide:

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
  • Proof of ILR, Settled Status, or Indefinite Leave to Enter
  • Evidence of residence (tax returns, bills, bank statements)
  • English language test certificate or exemption proof
  • Life in the UK Test pass certificate
  • Two referees’ details (one must be a professional, neither can be a relative)
  • Proof of residence exactly 5 years before the application date

All documents should be clearly labelled and uploaded digitally

When to apply

You can apply once you:

  1. Have held ILR or Settled Status for 12 months (unless married to a British citizen)
  2. Were physically present in the UK 5 years before your application date
  3. Have passed the Life in the UK Test and B2 English requirement (if applying after July 2025)

We recommend preparing at least 3–6 months in advance to allow time to gather documents and pass required tests.

After submission

  • You will receive a confirmation email
  • You must attend a biometric enrolment appointment
  • The Home Office will process your application (average 6 months)
  • If approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony and receive your certificate of naturalisation
  • You can then apply for your first British passport

Refusals

Applications may be refused if you:

  • Exceed absence limits without valid reasons
  • Apply too early
  • Fail the English or Life in the UK Test
  • Provide incomplete or invalid documents
  • Do not meet the good character requirement

If refused, you may request reconsideration or reapply once issues are resolved.

How LawSentis can help

At LawSentis, we understand that applying for British citizenship is more than just a legal formality-it’s a major life step. Our IAA-regulated advisors provide:

  • Eligibility assessments and timing advice
  • A tailored document checklis
  • Application preparation and submission
  • Guidance for passing the Life in the UK Test and English exam
  • Uploading and formatting support for UKVCAS
  • Communication with the Home Office on your behalf
  • Expert legal representations where required
  • Reapplication support in case of refusals

We also support family applications, ensuring a smooth transition to citizenship for spouses and children.

Ready to apply?

At LawSentis, we have helped hundreds of clients successfully secure British citizenship. Our approach combines expertise, care, and precision to give your application the strongest possible chance of success.

Contact us today to begin your naturalisation journey with confidence.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.

Book a free call back

Naturalisation is the process of applying to become a British citizen after holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status.

Usually 5 years, but if you are married to a British citizen, you can apply after 3 years of residence with ILR or Settled Status.

Yes, you must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement (usually B2 CEFR ).

Children do not apply for naturalisation. Instead, they can be registered as British citizens if eligible.

The Home Office usually takes around 3–6 months to decide, though it can vary depending on case complexity.

Let’s Discuss & Start Visa Consultations

Expert guidance on visas, settlement, citizenship, and asylum — just a message away.

Whatsapp Now
🇬🇧 English 🇷🇺 Русский