NATIONALITY

Being a UK National brings a number of benefits, such as unrestricted entry to the UK , free movement within the EEA and the right to vote in UK elections. After being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) it is usually possible to apply for UK Nationality.

Because of its commitment to multiculturalism, the UK allows dual nationality. This means that applicants can become a UK National without necessarily giving up citizenship in their original country of nationality. However, they will need to check this with their own government.

Although there is no requirement for ILR holders to obtain UK nationality, it is often advisable to become a British Citizen to ensure they are completely free from British Immigration control.

There are several ways to obtain British Nationality. These include the grant of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Marriage/Civil Partnership with a UK National, Registering a child as a British national, and through the Right of Abode in the UK .

DO I QUALIFY FOR A NATIONALITY VISA TO THE UK?

The Free Nationality Eligibility Assessment is designed to instantly determine if you are eligible to apply for a UK Nationality. It uses criteria set by the UK Border Agency and is the most comprehensive and technologically advanced online Migration Assessment tool available.

NATIONALITY VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

This basic requirement for obtaining Nationality is that the applicant has lived legally in the UK for five (5) years and held Indefinite Leave to remain for one (1) year. For the Spouse or Partner of a UK citizen the residence requirement may be reduced to three (3) years.

Applicants may then be eligible to apply for Nationality provided they meet the rest of the criteria in relation to health, good character, knowledge of life in the UK and evidence of English language ability.

Marriage

If applicants are married to, or in a Civil Partnership with a UK National, they may be able to apply for citizenship on the basis of their marriage/civil partnership.

If applicants have been granted ILR and have been living legally in the UK with their British Spouse or Civil Partner for at least three (3) years, they may be eligible to apply for British Nationality provided they meet the rest of the criteria in relation to health, good character, knowledge of life in the UK and evidence of English language ability.

Registration of a child

Children born before 31 December 1982 in the UK may be automatically British.

Children born in the UK after 1 January 1983 may be registered as a British citizen if either parent is a British citizen or settled in the United Kingdom when the child is born.

Some children born outside the UK may be entitled to British citizenship dependent on certain factors.

Some children under the age of 18 years living in the UK can be registered as British citizens in certain circumstances.

NATIONALITY VISA ENTITLEMENTS

British Citizenship is the envy of much of the world. UK citizens enjoy the rights and freedoms of a thriving peaceful democracy, with a growing economy to match. The British government provides extensive rights and entitlements to its citizens.

Regardless of how applicants obtain British Citizenship the entitlements and responsibilities of citizenship are the same. Upon grant of their application, they will have UK Nationality also known as UK Citizenship.

They will be entitled to a UK passport, have the right to stand and vote in local and national UK elections, have rights to travel, reside and work within other EEA member states and no longer be subject to any type of UK immigration control.

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