Make the UK Your Permanent Home with Naturalisation and Citizenship

Our UK Citizen Support Service is committed to assisting individuals in their journey towards British citizenship. We understand the significance of becoming a British citizen, and we are here to guide you through the process with expert advice and support. Whether you have lived in the UK for several years or are a parent applying for your child’s citizenship, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Do you need a UK visa?

Try our simple and easy to use questionnaire to find out which UK visa you may be entitled to.
Eligibility Criteria

To apply for British citizenship, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, which include the following:

  • You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years before the date of your application. During this time, you should not have broken any UK immigration laws.

  • You must have had one of the following immigration statuses for the last 12 months:

  • Indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

  • 'Settled status' (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme').

  • Indefinite leave to enter the UK (permission to move to the UK permanently from abroad).

  • You do not need to wait for 12 months if you are married to a British citizen.

  • You must be over 18 years old.

  • You must prove that you were physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives your application. Additionally, you should not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the 5 years before your application, with no more than 90 days spent outside the UK in the last 12 months.

  • You and your partner must have the intention to live together permanently in the UK.

  • You must prove your knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic and have passed the life in the UK test.

  • You should have the intention to continue living in the UK.

  • You must demonstrate good character as per the naturalization guidance.
Meeting Residency Requirements
Meeting the residency requirements is crucial. You must have lived continuously in the UK for at least 5 years and not have broken any UK immigration laws. If you have indefinite leave to enter or remain, the Home Office typically does not check if you broke any immigration laws before obtaining this status.

It's important not to exceed the allowed absences from the UK during the specified periods. Ensure that you meet the residency and absence requirements to qualify for British citizenship.

In some cases, your application may be considered even if you were not physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office received it. Special circumstances, such as health reasons or travel restrictions, may be taken into account.

Applying for Your Children:
If you are a parent, you must apply separately for your children. You can apply to 'register' your child for citizenship if they were born either:

  • Outside of the UK

  • Inside the UK before you were granted indefinite leave to remain.

    Becoming a British citizen is a significant milestone, and our UK Citizen Support Service is dedicated to helping you achieve it.

    We provide expert guidance, assist with documentation, and offer support throughout the application process.
  • Why Choose Holmes & Partners Ltd?

    We are a small, local firm based in Leeds who work with clients worldwide. Our small size means we can offer a tailored, personal approach to all our clients, focused around their needs. At Holmes & Partners Ltd, our team are all experienced in visas and immigration, many on a first-hand basis, and so really are experts in their fields. We can take care of the entire visa process for you, as well as offering support and advice whenever you may need it, leaving you free to enjoy your time studying in the UK. Our services are charged on a fixed fee rate, so there are no hidden extras or nasty surprises when it comes to paying the bill.
    Orage Icon

    Get in touch today!

    Get In Touch Today!

    Our skilled and friendly team are ready to answer all of your questions and to fully support you during your visa application process. Contact our team today for advice and support.