Updated on 01 February 2026
British citizenship by naturalisation is governed by the British Nationality Act 1981. The requirements are statutory and strictly applied. As the application fee is non refundable, it is essential to confirm eligibility before submission. Below we answer common questions raised by applicants considering naturalisation.
What does “free from immigration time restrictions” mean?
You are free from immigration time restrictions if you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain, Indefinite Leave to Enter, or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. This means your stay in the UK is no longer limited by visa expiry.
If applying under section 6(1), you must have held settled status for at least 12 months before applying. If applying under section 6(2) as the spouse of a British citizen, you only need to hold settled status on the date of application.
Evidence is usually provided by passport endorsement, eVisa confirmation, or official Home Office documentation confirming settled status.
For the full requirements, visit British Citizenship by Naturalisation.
Will the application fee be refunded if my application is refused?
No. The naturalisation fee is not refunded if the application is refused or withdrawn.
Only the citizenship ceremony element of the fee is refunded if the application does not proceed to ceremony. This makes it particularly important to ensure that residence, absence limits and good character issues are properly assessed before submission.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements for British citizenship by naturalisation, our immigration team can assess your eligibility and advise on the appropriate next steps. Call our team on 0208 757 5751 or use our Contact Form to discuss your application and receive clear, professional guidance.
What is the 90 day rule for British citizenship?
Under the standard five year route, you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the five year qualifying period and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months before applying.
If you are married to a British citizen, the total absence limit is 270 days over three years, with the same 90 day limit in the final 12 months. These limits are strictly assessed, although limited discretion may apply in certain circumstances.
I speak English fluently. Do I still need to take an English test?
You must formally evidence that you meet the language requirement unless you qualify for an exemption. Fluency alone is not sufficient.
You can satisfy the requirement by being a national of a majority English speaking country, holding a UK degree, holding an overseas degree confirmed by Ecctis as equivalent to a UK degree and taught in English, or passing a Home Office approved B1 speaking and listening test.
Applicants aged 65 or over, or those with a long term medical condition preventing compliance, may be exempt.
I have driving licence penalty points. Will this affect my application?
Minor driving offences such as fixed penalty points do not automatically lead to refusal. However, all convictions, cautions and penalties must be declared.
The Home Office assesses good character by reference to criminality, financial conduct, immigration compliance and honesty. Failure to disclose relevant matters can itself result in refusal, even if the underlying offence was minor.
Visit Driving Offences in British Citizenship Applications.
Is the Life in the UK Test Difficult?
The test assesses knowledge of British history, culture, values and institutions. It is based on the official handbook and consists of multiple choice questions.
Most applicants who prepare properly pass without difficulty. You must book the test through the official government website and provide the unique reference number in your naturalisation application.
For more information, visit Book the Life in the UK Test.
Can my manager act as my referee?
One referee must be a British citizen and either a professional person or over the age of 25. The second referee must be a person of professional standing.
Both referees must have known you personally for at least three years and must not be related to you, your representative, or each other. They must also be willing to confirm your identity and character.
For more information, visit Referee Requirements for British Citizenship Applications.
How long does UK naturalisation usually take?
Eligibility for naturalisation usually requires five years of lawful residence, or three years if married to a British citizen. Under the five year route, you must also have held Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status for 12 months before applying.
Once submitted, the published Home Office processing time is up to six months. Many straightforward applications are decided sooner, but times vary depending on individual circumstances.
Visit British Citizenship (Naturalisation) 2026 Timeline Explained.
Can I get a quicker decision?
No. There is currently no priority or super priority service for naturalisation applications.
Decisions are made at the discretion of the Home Office within the standard processing timeframe.
When can I apply for a British passport?
Naturalisation does not automatically issue a passport. After attending your citizenship ceremony and receiving your certificate of naturalisation, you must apply separately for a British passport.
A passport application can only be made once the citizenship certificate has been issued.
What are the new rules for naturalisation?
The government has stated that applications made on or after 10 February 2025 by individuals who entered the UK illegally will normally be refused unless there are compelling mitigating circumstances.
It has also indicated that children will be considered sympathetically. Each case is assessed individually under current policy guidance.
Is UK citizenship going to require 10 years?
At present, most migrants qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years on a route to settlement. The government has proposed extending certain routes to ten years, but these proposals are not yet law.
Applicants who already qualify under current rules may wish to consider applying before any changes take effect.
Can I leave the UK while waiting for naturalisation?
Yes. Unlike certain visa applications, you may travel outside the UK while your naturalisation application is pending.
However, you must ensure you remain contactable by the Home Office and attend any required appointments, including your biometric enrolment and citizenship ceremony if approved.
How We Can Assist
Naturalisation applications are technical and strictly assessed. Errors in residence calculations, absences or disclosures can lead to refusal.
We provide structured support by confirming your eligibility, reviewing absences and immigration history, advising on any risk areas, and checking your application form and supporting documents before submission. Our aim is to ensure your application is accurate, properly evidenced and ready for decision.
Contact our experienced immigration team on 02087575751 or use our Contact Form.
