Immigration and Asylum
British citizenship is a separate decision from settlement. Before applying, it is worth checking the residence dates, absences and personal history against the nationality requirements. SJS can help assess eligibility for naturalisation, identify the documents needed and prepare the application when the timing is right.
Understanding your next steps
The relevant qualifying period depends in part on whether you are married to a British citizen. Settlement, the date it was obtained and physical presence on the relevant date can all matter. We review the history before selecting an application date.
Travel, immigration compliance and the good character requirements need careful attention. Tell us about convictions, penalties, tax issues and previous immigration problems so we can identify what needs to be disclosed and explained. Leaving out a difficult fact can create further problems.
Language evidence, the Life in the UK test, referees and identity documents may be needed. We can explain the relevant requirements and any exemption that should be checked. The application should use a consistent account of names, dates and travel history.
A clear way forward
Provide your current status, previous permissions, settlement date, marital status and travel records for the relevant residence period.
We review the requirements, potential difficulties and any evidence still needed, including tests, referees or explanations.
We agree the work and prepare the application with you. We explain what happens after a decision, including any citizenship ceremony and passport steps.
Planning ahead
We will explain our legal fees for the agreed work. Home Office application charges, tests, translations and a later passport application are separate. Check the implications before applying because a refusal can be costly.
The exact application date can matter, including where you were at the start of the qualifying period. Leave time to reconstruct travel dates and obtain evidence. A passport application follows a separate process after citizenship is established.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
No. Settlement allows you to live here without a time limit, subject to its rules. Citizenship usually requires a separate nationality application and different eligibility checks.
No. The ordinary requirements differ for someone married to a British citizen. Other conditions still apply, so the earliest date should be checked against your full history.
They can. Residence and absence requirements apply, and any available discretion depends on the circumstances. Provide accurate travel dates before choosing when to apply.
Not automatically in every case. Their place and date of birth and other circumstances may create a separate entitlement or application route, which should be checked individually.
General information about UK immigration. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham
