British Nationality 2024: Your Path to Become British
Are you looking to settle down in Manchester, UK, permanently? If yes, you need to be a permanent UK resident to obtain British citizenship. It is a legal status that allows individuals to stay in the UK for a lifetime and work here while enjoying the rights and responsibilities and access to public services. In fact, you can even take part in the political system of this country.
However, you have to meet some specific criteria set by the UK Home Office to be a permanent British citizen in Manchester, unless you are a Brit by birth. In today’s blog, we will discuss the eligibility requirements and application process for British nationality through naturalisation. Let’s begin.
Everything About Obtaining British Citizenship: Requirements, Eligibility and More
There are different ways to acquire British nationality, whether automatically by birth, descent, and registration or through naturalisation. When it comes to obtaining British citizenship in the UK through naturalisation, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You have to be over 18 with a valid status in the UK, like under EU settled status, indefinite leave to remain, or permanent residence for at least one year. However, if you are a spouse of a British citizen, you can apply for this citizenship status once you have any of this settled status. There is no need to wait for 12 months.
- Meeting residency requirements
- Demonstrating proficiency in the English language
- Proof of having a good character
- Passing the test of ‘Life in the UK’
Otherwise, you can automatically acquire British citizenship and be eligible for it if:
- You were born here in Manchester, UK.
- One of your parents, grandparents, or both are British citizens, even if you were born outside, following the rules of descent.
- British citizenship by registration if you were born after January 1, 1983, you are under 18 and, since your birth, your parents acquired British nationality while you lived here until you were aged ten or older. [Note: You haven’t spent more than 90 days outside the UK during the first ten years of your life.]
Now, let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria to acquire British nationality in Manchester. Such as:
- You have to be 18 years or older.
- Your residency status should be three continuous years in the UK before your date of application. Even if you are absent from Manchester, it should not be more than 270 days, which means not exceeding 90 days in a year.
- Your immigration status must be a minimum of 12 months of indefinite leave to remain or EU-settled status.
- You must have a good character (no criminal record).
- You need to pass the ‘Life of the UK test’ and English language requirements (75% to pass).
- You must comply with all the immigration rules and have the intention of staying in the UK for a lifetime.
Next, let’s move on to the British citizenship application process through naturalisation.
This application process begins with eligibility verification, from passing the test of ‘Life in the UK’ to meeting residency and immigration status to character requirements. Then, the applicant must complete the application form online. Incorrect or incomplete details may cause application rejection without any refund of the application fee. So, make sure you always double-check documents and forms before submitting all your data.
Then, you need to make an appointment to attend a UKVCAS centre to submit fingerprints, supporting documents, and photographs. Here, your biometric details will be verified and reviewed to validate your visa status and ensure there are no criminal, immigration, or civil legal issues.
Once the application is complete, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony to receive a UK citizenship certificate of naturalisation. This processing time may take around six months.
In Conclusion
Need any expert immigration help to acquire British Citizenship for naturalisation in Manchester, UK? Count on us. At Intime Immigration Solicitors, our expert immigration lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience to help applicants understand the requirements and ensure you align with all the rules while overcoming challenges. Call us now or book an online assessment today!
Immigration Solicitors in Manchester – Guiding Your Way Through UK Immigration
Navigating through the UK immigration process can be complicated. Hiring an immigration solicitor in such a scenario can be helpful. Here’s why!
2024 UK Fiance Visa Processing Time: Top 3 Queries Answered
Are you planning to settle with your partner in Manchester, UK, this year? If yes, the best way to make your dream come true is to obtain a fiance visa. It allows you to enter the UK with the condition of getting married within 6 months of your arrival. Make sure you make the application outside the UK. Once you get married, you will be eligible to apply for a spouse visa, permitting you to stay here for the next 2.5 years.
However, when it comes to applying for a fiance visa, applicants often find it confusing, especially regarding the processing time. As a result, we get several queries relevant to visa processing time and visa requirements. In today’s blog, we are going to share some uncommon queries and resolve them to ensure you have a stress-free immigration process. Let’s begin!
Uncommon Queries on Fiance Visa Processing Time 2024:
Usually, the common questions we get from the applicants are either on fiance visa requirements or the detailed process of application. But, this year, we have got some different queries regarding the visa processing time, for instance:
Jane Doe- “Can you tell me what the current processing time is for a UK fiance visa, as I need to plan my travel accordingly?”
Well, the processing time starts when you apply for the visa application and provide the details online or at your nearest visa centre about yourself and your partner settled in the UK. In the necessary paperwork, you need to submit the following:
- Your name and date of birth
- Photocopy of passport and visas
- Details of country outside the UK you live in
- Criminal convictions, if there are any
- Valid details about your relationship, including the time, how you met, how often you see each other, etc.
Then, you have to attend the English test CEFR Level A1 to get a finance visa. It proves that you understand the English language and are eligible to settle in the UK. This overall process may take around 2 to 3 months in standard cases, while for priority cases, that may be within one month.
However, if any issue occurs, causing visa refusal, you may have to go for a visa appeal or apply again for a UK fiance visa.
Maria Wei- “I am eagerly waiting to join my partner there as soon as possible. So, can I know when the UK fiance visa will start?”
It depends on your intended date of travel here, as you have mentioned in the online application form and the decision date of the Home Office. In this case, if the decision comes before your intended date, the visa will be available on the intended date of travel up to the next six months. But, when the decision date is after the intended date, it will be shortly after the decision date.
John Garcia- “I am considering applying for a fiance visa to the UK to meet my partner there. But, I am confused. Will a sponsor keep their original passport when submitting the visa?
Yes, it’s possible. For instance, if your partner is the sponsor here, her physical passport won’t be submitted during the visa process. However, the digital copy or paper copy of the passport will be taken based on the chosen submission procedure.
In Conclusion-
If you have any of these queries, we hope we have solved up to a great extent. Still, if you have any doubts, we recommend consulting our fiance visa solicitors in Manchester, UK. We have years of experience in UK fiance visa and settlement applications. Book a free consultation today for an online assessment, or call us now for any query about UK fiance visa requirements!
Everything You Need to Know about the UK Immigration Law Changes in 2024
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An Easy Breakdown of Long Residence ILR 10-Year Route in the UK (2024 Update)
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Understanding Changes to the UK Spouse Visa and Common Reasons for Denial
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Business Visit Visa Relaxations in Manchester: Top Things You Need to Know
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Indefinite Leave to Remain Application for UK Skilled Worker Visa Holders
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What’s New in the UK Immigration Law Updates in 2024
Immigration laws are always changing and this year has been super crazy. The UK government has made a bunch of big updates to its immigration system.
If we briefly summarise – anyone can find that they increased all the fees for visas and stuff. The Immigration Health Surcharge fee went up by 66%! The UK government also made major changes to the salary requirements for skilled worker visas and family visas. So yes, if you’re planning to move to or live in the UK, you’ll need to deal with all these new rules and higher costs.
Today, We Will Break Down New Immigration Law Updates in 2024
Immigration Health Surcharge Increase :
Well, from February 6, 2024, the UK government hiked up the Immigration Health Surcharge fee. But what percentage? A massive 66%! Yes….. that’s a huge jump. Now what will happen is that, for most Skilled Worker visa applications, people now have to pay £1,035 for each year of their sponsorship, instead of the previous £624 per year.
Higher Salary Requirements for Skilled Workers :
From next spring, the minimum salary requirement for overseas workers is going to increase by nearly 50%. Yes…. you read it correctly. The current cost is £26,200 which will be a whopping £38,700.
This increased amount will definitely make things tough for businesses that need to hire foreign talent due to a lack of local workers.
Removal of the Shortage Occupation List :
The UK government announced that they’re removing the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and replacing it with something called the Immigration Salary List (ISL) in December 2023.
If you wanted to come to the UK for a job listed on the SOL, you could benefit from lower salary requirements, cheaper application fees, and maybe even relaxed skill-level rules. This SOL is created by the UK government, but they takes advice from an independent body called the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) that keeps an eye on migration-related issues.
Now, the government is also removing the 20% discount on the “going rate” salary for shortage occupations.
The MAC will review this new salary list against the increased salary thresholds, which will likely reduce the number of job roles included compared to the previous SOL.
More Updates –
Well, there are more updates too! Like, from January 31, 2024, foreign workers visiting the UK on a Visitor visa can now attend online meetings and work remotely for their overseas employer while in the UK. But they can not be officially transferred or “seconded” to a UK branch or company. And this remote work can not be the main reason for their visit.
There is another update starting March 11, 2024. It says that people coming to the UK on a Health and Care Worker Visa with certain job codes (6145 and 6146) will not be allowed to bring any family members (dependants) with them. But this new rule doesn’t apply to those who were already on this visa before March 11.
There is also a change in UK Family Visas. It says that from April 11, 2024, the minimum income requirement for partners who are applying under this visa is increasing from £18,600 to £29,000 per year. However, it will rise to £38,700 by early 2025.
Lastly, the salary threshold for the Senior/Specialist Worker and UK Expansion Worker visas under the Global Business Mobility category is also updated. It is going up from £45,800 to £48,500.
Bottom Line –
The UK immigration laws are going through many changes. If you are applying for a UK immigration Visa, don’t worry! Intime Immigration Solicitors has got your back.
Our team of licensed immigration solicitors and lawyers is your gateway to making sense of these complex rules. Whether it’s a personal visa or a business immigration matter, we’ll guide you through the whole process.
We’ll ensure you have all the necessary documents on point and meet every single criteria before you hit that “Apply” button.So, what are you waiting for? Visit our website today or give us a call to discuss your UK immigration or visa needs!
Hiring Immigration Lawyers: A Never-ending Debate
The UK immigration laws have always been complex. No wonder you need the best UK immigration lawyers throughout the process when planning to move to this country. However, when it comes to hiring immigration solicitors, there is always a never-ending debate. For some, it is possible to handle the immigration cases alone, while a few think it offers a higher chance of successful immigration.
Are you struggling with the same dilemma? If yes, this blog will assuredly help you find the answer. Let’s begin.
Partnering with the Best Immigration Attorneys: Advantage or Disadvantage?
The UK immigration laws and settlement regulations are full of complexities. In that case, working with an immigration law firm can be advantageous for applicants, especially those who cannot keep pace with the latest UK immigration rules and updates. For instance:
Avoiding costly errors-
Even a simple and minor error in the visa application can cost you a hefty penalty and cause a visa refusal from the Home Office. Having top UK immigration lawyers by your side ensures a smooth immigration application process. These experts have expertise in understanding the complex regulations of the UK and the experience to submit the required documents and complete the applications within the deadlines.
Dealing with and guiding on complex legal matters-
UK immigration laws keep changing, impacting overall immigration proceedings and applications. As a result, you can experience unforeseen legal complexities. Preparing for thoughtful responses alone can be challenging, especially when you have a mere knowledge of the immigration law. UK immigration solicitors not only have experience dealing with procedural complications, but they also guide on such legal matters.
Assisting with case management and strategic planning-
Immigration attorneys have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration rules and regulations. Moreover, they stay updated with the latest changes to help applicants with complex case management and strategic planning if required, such as when applying for asylum or seeking a start-up visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). When you are not that knowledgeable about the rapidly changing rules of UK immigration, you better hire immigration lawyers.
However, despite these advantages, there are some drawbacks as well. For instance, when it is a simple immigration case, such as just filling out the immigration application form or submitting documents, hiring an immigration lawyer might not be imperative. In fact, the costs may outweigh the advantages here.
Still in two minds? Then, take a glance at the feedback of some of our clients that we have shared here. Our customer support team has gathered to record their before and after experience of hiring UK immigration lawyers for the proceedings and applications.
Customer support team: “Can You Tell Us About Your Experience Before and After Hiring Our Immigration Lawyers? Was It Better to Handle the Immigration Process Yourself or with Our Experts?”
“When it was just about filling out the application for UK immigration, I felt no need to hire any immigration lawyer. Later, I was feeling overwhelmed when submitting documents, especially after my visa refusal. Then, I turned to experts for help, and it was great. I felt confident and reassured throughout the process.” – Sarah Patel
“From the beginning, I was struggling to understand UK immigration visa requirements. And, since it was my first time moving to London, I knew I might not handle it alone. So, I hired immigration solicitors. Now, I can say that it was the best decision.” – John Thompson
“At first, I was not much concerned about submitting my immigration application. But, due to rapidly changing UK immigration rules, I hired the top immigration attorneys in the UK, and I was right. They explained everything clearly and gave me confidence. I felt safe. A pleasure to recommend!” –Emily Smith
We hope you understand that the advantages of hiring an immigration lawyer outweigh the disadvantages. Moreover, you can rest assured of a successful immigration journey. Seeking the best immigration attorneys nearby? Count on us. At Intime Immigration Solicitors, we guarantee an error-free immigration process and expert guidance throughout the process.