From EU Settled Status to British Citizenship

Are you an EU citizen who has obtained EU Settled Status in the UK? Congratulations! You've taken an essential step toward securing your future in this country. But what comes next? For many, the natural progression is to become a British citizen. In this user-friendly guide, we'll walk you through the process of obtaining British citizenship after obtaining EU Settled Status.

Understand the Basics

Before diving into the application process, let's make sure you meet the basic requirements:

• You must have lived in the UK continuously for at least 5 years.
• You should have held Settled Status (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain under the EU Settlement Scheme) for at least 12 months.
• You must be over 18 years old.
• Demonstrate good character, including a clean criminal record.
• Prove your knowledge of English
• Pass the Life in the UK test.
• Have the intention to continue living in the UK.

Check Your Residency

To meet the 5-year residency requirement, you should have lived in the UK without any significant breaks. You should also make sure your time outside the UK doesn't exceed 450 days during the past 5 years or 90 days in the last year. Keep records of your travels to make this step smoother.

Special Circumstances

If you're married to a British citizen, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship immediately, without waiting for 12 months of Settled Status. Special circumstances may also apply if you've faced health issues or travel restrictions during the 5-year period, or if you were told to leave the UK but that decision was later overturned.

Gather Documents and Prepare for Tests

Before applying, ensure you have the necessary documents, such as proof of Settled Status, identity documents, evidence of your life in the UK and documents confirming you have successfully passed life in the UK test and your knowledge of English.

Submit Your Application

You can apply for British citizenship online or by post. The application fee is £1,580. When applying online, your application date is the same as the date of submission. If you apply by post, it may take longer. Double-check your application to avoid any errors that could lead to delays.

Attend a Citizenship Ceremony

If your application is successful, you'll receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony. This is a memorable event where you'll pledge allegiance to the UK and receive your certificate of British citizenship. There is a fee of £80 to attend a group ceremony.

Apply for a British Passport

Once you've become a British citizen, you can apply for a British passport, which will make travel and identification easier. We understand that the process of applying for British citizenship can be complex, and you may have questions along the way. That's why we're here to provide you with expert guidance and support throughout your application journey.