When delving into the intricacies of British citizenship, it’s crucial to seek guidance from the top immigration law firms Manchester offers. The expertise of immigration law firms makes navigating the residency requirements more manageable.
Eligibility For British Citizenship:Â
To become a British citizen, you must have lived in the UK for at least five years. There is no easy way out here, love. You must have had one of these rare tickets for at least a year.
- Indefinite leave to remain
- Status of settlement (yes, the EU Settlement Scheme version works too!)
- Permission to enter the UK indefinitely (fancy language for permission to live there permanently)
Also, you must be over 18, show proof that you have lived in the UK for exactly five years before the Home Office gets your application, show off your English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic language skills, ace the Life in the UK test, and swear you’re a good person. No figures who are sneaky are allowed!
Residency Requirements:Â
Please don’t start the clock yet. To be eligible, you must have lived in the UK for at least five years without breaking visa laws. Sorry, but your time as a diplomat, member of the military, or family member doesn’t count!
Staying In, Going Out:Â
If you’ve been enjoying the sun or drinking tea elsewhere, here’s what you need to know. You have not spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the last five years or more than 90 days outside the UK in the previous 12 months. Not only will having a criminal life not help you, but it is also against the law to break UK immigration laws.
Application Timeline: 5 Years in the UK
The Home Office won’t throw confetti at you unless you’ve lived in the UK for exactly five years before they get your British citizenship application. Didn’t make the train? You might get a second chance if there are good reasons, like being sick or getting too many leave orders.
Example Scenario:Â
Let’s say you send in your application on June 20, 2022. But if you took off on June 10, 2017, and got back on June 25, 2017, you’re out of luck! Don’t press that apply button until June 24, 2022. Mate, dates are essential!
Financial Crunch:Â
The cost of applying to become a British citizen is £1510. They will also take your fingerprints and a picture, but don’t worryâthat’s on the house. Just follow their directions after you’ve applied.
Post-Application Permission:Â
You won’t have to worry if you have settled or indefinite leave to stay. That’s enough for you to wait until lots of British citizenship candy falls on you. To keep in mind, though, no permission, no party.
EU Settlement Scheme DeadlineÂ
Did you miss the June 30, 2021, deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme? Do not be afraid! Some people still have a chance, as long as they have a good reason for being late.
Born in the UK?Â
Friends who were born in the UK, hold your horses. Just because you were born in Britain doesn’t mean you’re a British citizen. You may need to prepare for the application process if you want to change your name or move with your family.
Love Marriage: A Shortcut?
Are you thinking about achieving British citizenship by riding the wave of a lover or civil partner? You have to have lived in the UK for three years and have either indefinite leave to stay or settled status. You don’t have to wait around to get your British citizenship ticket.
12 Months Post-Status
If you’re happily settled, enjoy it for a year before you try to become a citizen. Not able to reach the EU Settlement Scheme by the due date? Sure, if you have a good reason, you could still open some doors with a creak.
Permanent Residence for the Family:Â
Having family in the country could help you stay there permanently. You might be, too, if your spouse, child, or other dependent family member is settled. Take the Life in the UK test, show off your English skills, and stay for two to five years. Make sure you meet the relationship and financial standards.
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