The Good Character Requirement caseworker guidance is a long and detailed document, so here is a simple overview explaining the main points. The guidance explains to the caseworker whether they should consider approving or refusing your application depending on the issues you have declared. The caseworker guidance can offer insight into whether you will likely be refused if you apply.
The Good Character Requirement is a critical standard applied by the UK Home Office to assess whether an individual aged 10 or over qualifies for British citizenship (or any UK visa extension). This page simplifies the detailed guidance into an actionable overview, ensuring you understand the process and expectations.
In 2024, the good character requirement was changed, eliminating the minimum period you had to wait after the date of judgment before you could apply for naturalisation. For example, you used to have to wait 3 years after receiving a fine before applying. The new rules state you can now apply at any time after the date you receive any judgment, but UKVI can now hold anything you have done against you for the rest of your life. Therefore, there is no longer an expiry date on UKVI’s ability to hold anything against you to justify refusal under the good character requirement.
In reality, this means you can apply at any time, must declare ALL issues, show they have been resolved (if possible), and address each issue to the caseworker. We always recommend you show you are sorry for your actions, have learned from the mistake(s) made, and will not allow issues of this nature to happen again. It is also good to highlight these are the only issues you have had in your life. The older the issues, the better, and it is not good to show you have received multiple judgements over time for the same issue. The caseworkers never like to see a negative pattern of behaviour over a period suggesting you are not learning from your mistakes.
The good character requirement assesses whether an applicant respects the laws, values, and societal norms of the UK. The evaluation considers various factors, including past behaviour, criminality, financial soundness, and contributions to society.
Key elements include:
The Home Office will weigh up all these factors when considering whether an applicant for a visa satisfies the good character requirement.
Applicants are unlikely to meet the good character requirement if they:
Custodial Sentences:
Non-Custodial Sentences:
Persistent Offenders:
Serious Offenses:
Failure to Disclose
Breaches of immigration law, including overstaying, illegal working, or evading immigration control, are considered violations of good character. However, the Home Office may exercise discretion for minor or historical breaches.
Other concerns include:
Financial irresponsibility may result in refusal. Key considerations include:
Examples of dishonesty that can lead to refusal:
Association with known criminals, gangs, or individuals involved in organised crime may result in refusal.
Applications will be refused for individuals involved in:
Activities that bring an applicant into disrepute or risk public order (e.g., rioting, violent disorder, or hate speech) may lead to refusal.
Children aged 10 or over must meet the good character requirement, but mitigating factors are considered. Examples include:
The Home Office evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis. Applicants may offset negative factors with evidence of rehabilitation or positive contributions to society, such as:
Long periods of lawful behaviour since the offence.
Participation in rehabilitation programs (e.g., for substance misuse or anger management).
Engagement in community work or charitable activities.
Navigating the good character requirement can be challenging. At First Migration, we:
• Provide expert guidance on preparing your application.
• Help you address past issues such as criminal records or financial concerns.
• Ensure full compliance with Home Office requirements.
If you have questions about the good character requirement or need help with your British citizenship application, why not use the contact form on this page to contact a First Migration Naturalisation Expert? Our team of immigration law experts is here to make the process seamless and successful.