6 steps towards becoming a UK resident
Who is a UK resident?
Any person residing in the UK for 6 months out of 12 months, having his/her home in the UK and is formally registered with a UK medical practitioner. Also, the United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man as defined by the Insurers.
Criteria for becoming a UK resident
There are 6 major steps towards gaining the UK citizenship.
Step 1: Citizenship Requirements
Step 2: Prepare the application
Step 3: Complete Biometrics
Step 4: Submit Application
Step 5: wait for a decision
Step 6: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony
Step 1: Citizenship Requirements
To apply for a British citizenship via naturalization, there are 5 basic criteria you should fulfill, though there are different criteria for spouses and civil partners of British citizens.
- Presently residing in the UK
- Above 18 years of age
- No criminal record of any committed crime or immigration fraud
- Successfully clear the ‘life in the UK’ test
- Comply with English language requirements
Apart from this the eligible candidates must have lived in the United Kingdom for minimum 5 years (without absence exceeding 450 days). Must have not travelled outside UK for more than 90 days in the last year. EEA nationals to have UK permanent residence or have indefinite leave to reside in the UK.
Step 2: Prepare the application
Following are the three ways for preparing your application for British citizenship
- Submit the application individually by completing the form AN.
- Apply with the help of NCS (National Checking Service)
- Apply with the help of an agent or some representative
Those applying on an individual basis can take help of immigration direct for preparing and submitting your application.
Step 3: Complete Biometrics
Filling up the above application is thereafter followed by providing biometric information which includes photograph and fingerprints. You’ll need to pay an amount for the same. Usually, after submitting your application, the home office intimates you when to submit the biometric details.
Step 4: Submit Application
Once the AN form is completely filled, Application for Naturalization is done. This needs to be submitted along with a fee and required documents. Following is the postal address which you’ll be needing
UKVI
Department 1
The Capital
New Hall Place
Liverpool
L3 9PP
Those applying from overseas must submit the application to the following postal address
Department 1
UK Visas and Immigration
PO BOX 306
Liverpool
L2 0QN
Step 5: wait for a decision
Finally, after submitting your application, you need to wait for a decision which can consume almost 6 months or even more than that. Whatever may be the decision or any further communication, it will be carried out by the UK Visas and Immigration and will be reported to you.
Step 6: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony
On successful approval of your application, you’ll be intimated for the same and will be given an intimation for attending the Citizenship Ceremony. You’ll be required to make an Oath of Allegiance to the UK, at the ceremony. You promise to respect the rights, freedoms, and laws of the UK.
The ceremony finally concludes by presenting you the certificate of British Citizenship.
