Nationality

Becoming a citizen of the country in which you live not only allows you to show your commitment to Britain, but also only permits you to take a full part in the life of the community. Britain permits you to hold more than one nationality; so opting for citizenship does not mean you need to give up your original passport - unless of course your own country requires you to.

Obtaining citizenship is not difficult, and for many people the time you need to live here before you can qualify is not long. There are two main ways to qualify, and to apply for 'naturalisation' as a British citizen. In both cases you must first be granted indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK. One route depends on being married to someone who is already British, and the other, which has a longer qualifying period, depends simply on the length of your residence here. There are detailed rules about the length of time you have lived here, how long you can be away and still qualify, and where you intend to live in future.

In both cases you will need to pass a test, designed to show that you speak enough English, and that you know something about life in this country. Your record will also be checked to see whether you are considered to be 'of good character'.

There are special rules about citizenship applications for children.

Becoming a citizen by naturalization is, for most people, a straightforward process, but nationality law is specialized and can sometimes prove complicated. In Britain, particularly, because of its history as a colonial power, the laws about nationality status are as complex as anywhere in the world. Difficult questions sometimes occur for people born abroad who have a claim to British nationality through their parents.

Lawrence Lupin solicitors have a friendly team of experts across the field of immigration law, and can help you with any queries you may have concerning the nationality of children, about applying for citizenship, or about tracing British nationality status from parents and grandparents.

If you would like to take advantage of our expert immigration, asylum, or nationality law advice, then contact us now. Lawrence Lupin Solicitors 020 8733 7200