Introduction
Are you thinking about applying for British citizenship? This simple guide will help you understand your rights and whether citizenship is the right choice for you. From assessing your current status to exploring the benefits of becoming a British citizen, we’ll cover everything you need to know. If you need assistance along the way, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to help you navigate the process and resolve any legal concerns. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK.
If you’re considering applying for British citizenship, it’s important to first understand your current rights and whether citizenship is the best option for you. Many people already have the right to live and work in the UK without needing to apply for citizenship. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate this process.
Do You Already Have British Citizenship?
You might not need to apply for citizenship if you automatically became a British citizen at birth. Here are a couple of scenarios where this applies:
- If one of your parents was a British citizen when you were born.
- If you were born in the UK and at least one of your parents had settled status, indefinite leave to remain, or permanent residence at that time.
You can check your citizenship status on the GOV.UK website.
Do You Have the Right to Live and Work in the UK?
You may already have the right to live and work in the UK if you fall into one of these categories:
- You have ‘settled status’ from the EU Settlement Scheme.
- You have ‘indefinite leave to remain’.
- You are an Irish citizen.
- You are a Commonwealth citizen with ‘right of abode’.
If you find yourself in one of these situations, you can stay in the UK indefinitely without needing to apply for citizenship. However, you can still apply for citizenship if you wish.
Special Considerations for EU Citizens
If you have settled or pre-settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme, you already have the right to live and work in the UK. If you missed the application deadline of June 30, 2021, you might still be able to apply late if you have a valid reason. Check the GOV.UK website for more information.
What Rights Do You Gain as a British Citizen?
Becoming a British citizen comes with several benefits:
- You can apply for a British passport.
- You gain the right to vote in elections.
- You can leave the UK for as long as you want without losing your right to return.
- If your children are born outside the UK, you can apply for British citizenship for them.
Dual Citizenship: Can You Keep Your Current Nationality?
Before applying for British citizenship, consider whether you can maintain your current nationality. Some countries do not allow dual citizenship, which means you might have to give up your original passport. Check with your country’s consulate or embassy to understand their rules.
Costs and Application Process
Applying for British citizenship can be expensive. The application fee is typically £1,580 for adults and £1,214 for children. Additional costs may include:
- £50 for the Life in the UK Test.
- £19.20 for sending your fingerprints and photo.
- Around £150 for an English test, if required.
It’s important to note that if your application is denied, you won’t get most of your money back.
Preparing Your Application
Gathering the necessary documents and evidence for your application can take time. You’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge of British history and culture through the Life in the UK Test, and potentially prove your English language skills.
You usually have to wait one year after receiving settled status or indefinite leave to remain before applying for citizenship, unless you are married to a British citizen.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether to apply for British citizenship is a significant choice that depends on your unique circumstances. Take the time to assess your current rights and consider the benefits of citizenship. If you decide to move forward, ensure you have all the necessary documents and understand the costs involved.
For personalized guidance and assistance with your legal questions, try Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
For more info, check out some of our related articles:
