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!