Understanding the British Naturalisation Requirements
Not all of the requirements for naturalisation are immediately clear and understandable, so we’ve taken a closer look at some of these below.
The Future in the UK Requirement for Naturalisation
Under this requirement you will need to confirm your intention to continue residing in the UK in the event of a successful application.
This requirement is typically satisfied by self-declaration, providing there are circumstances that raise doubts about your intention. Such circumstances could include:
- Having a partner who currently lives or plans to live outside the UK.
- Recently being absent from the UK for a period of 6 months or longer.
Where such circumstances occur, you will need to provide supplementary evidence to demonstrate that the UK is your permanent home and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
The Good Character Requirement for Naturalisation
The British Nationality Act 1981 includes a legal requirement stating that individuals seeking to naturalise as British citizens must possess good character. This entails adhering to UK laws and demonstrating respect for the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
It is important to be truthful on your application and consistent with previous applications. Where there are any potential issues, it is important to supply supplementary evidence to address the issue. Verification checks are conducted to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. This could involve checks with different government departments, such as HMRC to ensure you’ve been paying taxes.
The Sound Mind Requirement for Naturalisation
The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that you possess the ability to comprehend the consequences of your decision to become a British citizen through naturalisation. There is flexibility to consider exceptions to this requirement in specific situations where it is deemed advantageous for the applicant. For example, if you are submitting an application on behalf of an individual who lacks mental capacity and for whom you have caregiving responsibilities, you can provide pertinent information regarding the person’s medical condition and your role as their caregiver during the application process.
The Life in the UK Test Requirement for Naturalisation
Meeting the life in the UK requirement entails successfully passing the Life in the UK Test, which tests your understanding of British customs, traditions, laws, and the political system. As the Life in the UK Test is a requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you should have already passed the test. The same test can also be used for your naturalisation application. You will need to provide the reference number indicated on your pass certificate as part of the application process. In general, it is not necessary to physically submit the certificate itself.
The English Language Requirement for Naturalisation
In order to meet the language requirements for naturalisation, you must have sufficient speaking and listening proficiency in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic. This requirement is separate from the Life in the UK requirement, and both must be fulfilled.
To satisfy the language requirement, you have the following options:
- Home Office approved English language test: You can provide an English language qualification from the Secure English Language Test list, at B1 CEFR level or higher. Only qualifications from this list will be accepted as evidence of meeting the B1 level English requirement. When applying, make sure to clearly state the test number, as there is no need to physically submit evidence of any English language test taken after April 6, 2015. You should include the unique reference number (URN) on your application form. Test results are valid for two years from the test date.
- UK degree certificate: If you have a UK academic qualification equivalent to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree, taught in English, you are not required to provide a formal speaking and listening qualification. However, you need to provide your degree certificate.
- Degree certificate from an English-speaking country: If your degree was taught or researched in a majority English-speaking country, you are not required to provide a formal speaking and listening qualification. However you need an Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) to confirm its equivalence to a UK qualification. For degrees from non-majority English-speaking countries, you require both an AQUALS and an English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) from Ecctis showing that your degree was taught in English.
- UK postgraduate diploma or graduate diploma: Postgraduate diplomas from UK universities, such as PGDip, PG Dip, PgD, or PgDip, are acceptable as an alternative to an English language test. However, professional diplomas without an undergraduate degree requirement cannot be considered.
- Passport from a majority English-speaking country: If you are a national of a country on the majority English-speaking country list (e.g., USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand etc.), you are not required to provide a formal speaking and listening qualification. Details on the full list of majority English speaking countries are available in our knowledge centre.