Nationality

Citizenship visa for non-British peoples: Being a UK National brings a number of benefits, like unrestricted travel entry to 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 British Nationality. Because of its commitment to multiculturalism, the United Kingdom allows dual nationality. This means that you can become a British National without necessarily giving up citizenship in your country of nationality. However, you will need to check this with your own government.

Although there is no requirement for you to naturalize as British once you have been granted ILR, it is often advisable to become a British Citizen to ensure you 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 UK.

CITIZENSHIP VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
This basic requirement for obtaining Nationality is that the applicant has lived legally in the UK for 5 years and held Indefinite Leave to Remain for 1 year. For the Spouse or Partner of a UK citizen the residence requirement may be reduced to 3 years. You may then be eligible to apply for Nationality provided you meet the rest of the criteria in relation to Health, Good Character, Knowledge of Life in the UK and evidence of English ability.

MARRIAGE:
If you are married to, or in a Civil Partnership with, a British National you may be able to apply for citizenship through your marriage/civil partnership.

If you have been granted ILR and have been living legally in the UK with your British Spouse or Civil Partner for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for British Nationality provided you meet the rest of the criteria in relation to Health, Good Character, Knowledge of Life in the UK and evidence of English 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 living in the UK can be registered as British citizens in certain circumstances.

CITIZENSHIP VISA ENTITLEMENTS:
British Citizenship is the envy of much of the world. British 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 you obtain British Citizenship the entitlements and responsibilities of citizenship are the same. Upon your application being granted you will have British Nationality also known as British Citizenship.

You will be entitled to a British 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.