{"id":596,"date":"2018-02-10T20:19:59","date_gmt":"2018-02-10T20:19:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/?p=596"},"modified":"2018-02-10T20:19:59","modified_gmt":"2018-02-10T20:19:59","slug":"become-a-british-citizen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/2018\/02\/10\/become-a-british-citizen\/","title":{"rendered":"Become a British citizen"},"content":{"rendered":"<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\">Check if you can apply<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/becoming-a-british-citizen\/if-your-spouse-is-a-british-citizen\"><u>If your spouse is a British citizen<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/becoming-a-british-citizen\/how-to-apply\"><u>How to apply<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/becoming-a-british-citizen\/where-to-send-your-application\"><u>Where to send your application<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/becoming-a-british-citizen\/after-youve-applied\"><u>After you\u2019ve applied<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/becoming-a-british-citizen\/citizenship-ceremonies\"><u>Citizenship ceremonies<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/becoming-a-british-citizen\/after-your-citizenship-ceremony\"><u>After your citizenship ceremony<\/u><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><!--more--><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">1. Check if you can apply<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">There are different ways to become a British citizen. The most common is called \u2018naturalisation\u2019.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation if:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">you\u2019re 18 or over<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/chapter-18-naturalisation-at-discretion-nationality-instructions\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">you\u2019re of good character<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">, for example, you don\u2019t have a serious or recent criminal record, and you haven\u2019t tried to deceive the Home Office or been involved in immigration offences in the last 10 years<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">you\u2019ll continue to live in the UK<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">you\u2019ve\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/english-language\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">met the knowledge of English<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/life-in-the-uk-test\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">life in the UK<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0requirements<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">you\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/chapter-18-naturalisation-at-discretion-nationality-instructions\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">meet the residency requirement<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">And you must usually have:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">lived in the UK for at least the 5 years before the date of your application<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">spent no more than 450 days outside the UK during those 5 years<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">had\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/settle-in-the-uk\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">settlement (\u2018indefinite leave to remain\u2019)<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0in the UK for the last 12 months if you\u2019re from outside the\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/eu-eea\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">European Economic Area (EEA)<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">had permanent residence status for the last 12 months if you\u2019re a citizen of an EEA country &#8211; you need to provide a\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/eea-registration-certificate\/permanent-residence\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">permanent residence document<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">not broken any immigration laws while in the UK<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">There are different requirements if your\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/becoming-a-british-citizen\/if-your-spouse-is-a-british-citizen\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">spouse or civil partner is a British citizen<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You can\u2019t include any time spent in the UK when you\u2019re exempt from immigration control (for example, as a diplomat or member of visiting armed forces) as part of the 5 years.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">Read the full\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/guide-an-naturalisation-as-a-british-citizen\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">guidance notes<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0and the\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/booklet-an-naturalisation-booklet-the-requirements\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">requirements booklet<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0before applying.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\"><b>You may be able to apply to\u00a0<\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/register-british-citizen\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\"><b>become a British citizen by \u2018registration\u2019<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\"><b>\u00a0in certain circumstances.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">There will be no change to the\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/collections\/uk-leaving-the-eu-what-you-need-to-know\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">rights and status of EU nationals living in the UK, nor UK nationals living in the EU<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">, while the UK remains in the EU.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Children under 18<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You can apply on behalf of a child under 18 if they meet the eligibility criteria. They don\u2019t have to pass the Life in the UK Test.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">Read more about citizenship for children under 18 in\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/application-to-register-child-under-18-as-british-citizen-form-mn1\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">Guide MN1<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Fees<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">Read about the different\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/fees-for-citizenship-applications\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">fees for citizenship applications<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><b>2. If your spouse is a British citizen<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">If you\u2019re married to, or the civil partner of, a British citizen, you can apply for citizenship if:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">you\u2019re 18 or over<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">you\u2019re of sound mind, you\u2019re able to think and make decisions for yourself<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/chapter-18-naturalisation-at-discretion-nationality-instructions\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\"><u>you\u2019re of good character<\/u><\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">, for example you don\u2019t have a serious or recent criminal record<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">you\u2019ve\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/english-language\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\"><u>met the knowledge of English<\/u><\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/life-in-the-uk-test\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\"><u>life in the UK<\/u><\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0requirements<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">you\u2019ve been granted indefinite leave to stay in the UK (this means there\u2019s no specific date that you have to leave) or permanent residence if you\u2019re an EEA national (and you have a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/apply-for-a-uk-residence-card\/permanent-residence-card\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\"><u>permanent residence card<\/u><\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0or document that shows you have permanent residence)<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">you\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/chapter-18-naturalisation-at-discretion-nationality-instructions\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\"><u>meet the residency requirement<\/u><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Unless your spouse or civil partner works abroad either for the UK government or for an organisation closely linked to government, you must usually also have:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">lived in the UK for at least the 3 years before your application is received<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">spent no more than 270 days outside the UK in those 3 years<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">not broken any immigration laws while in the UK<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">Read the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/guide-an-naturalisation-as-a-british-citizen\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\"><u>guidance notes<\/u><\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0and the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/booklet-an-naturalisation-booklet-the-requirements\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\"><u>requirements booklet<\/u><\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0before applying.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">3. How to apply<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">There are 3 ways to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">make an individual application<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">use the Nationality Checking Service (NCS)<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">use an agent or representative<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Make an individual application<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">You must fill in\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/application-to-naturalise-as-a-british-citizen-form-an\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">Form AN &#8211; application for naturalisation as a British citizen<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">Read the\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/guide-an-naturalisation-as-a-british-citizen\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">guidance notes<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0and the\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/booklet-an-naturalisation-booklet-the-requirements\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">requirements booklet,<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0which tell you how to fill in the form and what other documents you need to provide.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Apply using the\u00a0NCS<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">The\u00a0NCS\u00a0is run by local councils and they can help you make your application.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/collections\/nationality-checking-service\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">Check if your local council has an\u00a0NCS<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Apply through an agent or representative<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">An agent or representative is a private company or individual that can help you with your application and give you advice.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">Check if an agent or representative is registered with the\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.oisc.gov.uk\/\"><span style=\"color: #005798;\">Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You can also use some solicitors or barristers that aren\u2019t registered with the\u00a0OISC. These include:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">General Council of the Bar<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Law Society of England and Wales<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Chartered Institute of Legal Executives<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Faculty of Advocates<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Law Society of Scotland<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Law Society of Northern Ireland<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Fees<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">Read about the\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/fees-for-citizenship-applications\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">fees for citizenship applications<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Biometric information<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You must also provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo). This costs \u00a319.20.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">The Home Office will tell you when you need to provide your biometric information. Your biometric information is only held until you\u2019ve attended a\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/becoming-a-british-citizen\/citizenship-ceremonies\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">citizenship ceremony.<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">4. Where to send your application<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Send your application form, fee and any supporting documents to:<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">UKVI<br \/>\nDepartment 1<br \/>\nThe Capital<br \/>\nNew Hall Place<br \/>\nLiverpool<br \/>\nL3 9PP\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Channel Islands or the Isle of Man<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Send your application to the Lieutenant Governor.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">British overseas territories<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Send your application to the Governor of the territory.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">All other countries<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Send your application to UK Visas and Immigration:<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Department 1<br \/>\nUK Visas and Immigration<br \/>\nPO BOX 306<br \/>\nLiverpool<br \/>\nL2 0QN\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Fees<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">Read about the different\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/fees-for-citizenship-applications\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">fees for citizenship applications<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">5. After you\u2019ve applied<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You\u2019ll get a letter confirming your application. It can take up to 4 weeks for you to get the confirmation.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">A decision about your application will usually be made within 6 months &#8211; some applications can take longer.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You\u2019ll be told if you need to give more information to help with your application. You should also contact UK Visas and Immigration if your situation changes (eg, you move house, get married or are arrested) during your application.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">Nationality contact centre<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"mailto:nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You might be asked to attend an interview where you\u2019ll need to speak without an interpreter.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">6. Citizenship ceremonies<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You\u2019ll be invited to book a place at a citizenship ceremony if your application is successful and you\u2019re over 18.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You\u2019re usually allowed to take 2 guests. You must take your invitation when you go to your ceremony.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">There\u2019s a ceremony fee of \u00a380.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Ceremonies in the UK<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Your ceremony will usually take place close to where you live.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">Citizenship ceremonies are organised by your local council and are usually done in groups.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/organise-citizenship-ceremony-council\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">Book your citizenship ceremony<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0with your council. You can ask for a private ceremony.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Request a ceremony outside the UK<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">If you\u2019re not living in the UK, you can ask to have your ceremony at the embassy or consulate in the country you\u2019re living in.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">If you\u2019re only abroad for a few months, you might be asked to postpone the ceremony until you return to the UK.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">If you\u2019re planning to be away for longer, you might have to prove you\u2019re planning to live in the UK permanently.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">During the ceremony<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You\u2019ll have to make an oath of allegiance (or you can make an affirmation if you prefer not to swear by God) and a pledge. This means you\u2019ll promise to respect the rights, freedoms and laws of the UK.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">At the end of the ceremony you\u2019ll be presented with your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Some local councils sell photographs or videos of the event.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">When you don\u2019t need to attend a ceremony<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You\u2019ll need to make an oath or affirmation of allegiance but you won\u2019t need to attend a citizenship ceremony if you\u2019re registering to become a:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000080; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/types-of-british-nationality\/british-overseas-territories-citizen\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">British overseas territories citizen<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000080; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/types-of-british-nationality\/british-overseas-citizen\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">British overseas citizen<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000080; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/types-of-british-nationality\/british-subject\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">British subject<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">7. After your citizenship ceremony<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Once you\u2019ve got your certificate of British citizenship, send your biometric residence permit back to the Home Office.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">You must send your permit back within 5 working days of either:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">going to your citizenship ceremony<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">getting your certificate of British citizenship<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Cut your biometric residence permit (BRP) into 4 pieces and put it in a windowless envelope. Include a note saying you\u2019re returning your permit because you\u2019ve become a citizen. The note needs to include your name, date of birth and the document number (located on the front of the card).<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Naturalisation\u00a0BRP\u00a0Returns<br \/>\nPO Box 195<br \/>\nBristol<br \/>\nBS20 1BT\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><b>You\u2019ll be fined up to \u00a31,000 if you don\u2019t return your permit within 5 working days.<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\">Travelling to and from the UK<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">You must have either a\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/apply-first-adult-passport\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">British passport<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0or a\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/right-of-abode\/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\"><span style=\"color: #4c2c92;\">right of abode certificate<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">\u00a0to enter the UK.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\">You can\u2019t enter the UK using your\u00a0BRP\u00a0or certificate of British<\/span><span style=\"color: #0b0c0c;\"> citizenship.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #222222; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><b>For more information please see the link of the Home office UK government web page below:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000080; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"><span lang=\"zxx\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/citizenship\">https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/citizenship<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Check if you can apply If your spouse is a British citizen How to apply Where to send your application After you\u2019ve applied Citizenship ceremonies After your citizenship ceremony<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":597,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,5,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-home","category-information","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/596","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=596"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/596\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=596"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=596"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.federationifir.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=596"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}