You need to take the Life in the UK test as part of your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK.
British Citizenship Guides & Insights
British citizenship gives the right to hold a British passport and to live in the UK free of immigration control. Most adults become citizens by naturalisation; children of British citizens, and some children born in the UK, can register. These guides cover eligibility, the residence and good character requirements, the application and referees, timelines and the citizenship ceremony. Start with the guides, or browse the full list of insights below.
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Complete guide
British citizenship: naturalisation & registration
Who qualifies, the requirements and the routes.
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Most read
British citizenship referees: the rules
Who can act as your referee and the profession rules.
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How to apply
Form AN: completing the naturalisation application
A step-by-step guide to the application form.
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All British Citizenship guides
Common questions about British citizenship
How long after settlement can you apply for British citizenship?
Most applicants wait 12 months after being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain before naturalising. The exception is the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen, who can apply as soon as they hold settled status, provided the residence requirement is met.
What are the main requirements to naturalise as British?
An adult applicant needs settled status, a qualifying period of UK residence, good character, and passes in the Life in the UK Test and the English language requirement. The residence period is generally five years, or three years for the spouse of a British citizen. Children usually apply by registration rather than naturalisation.
Can you hold British citizenship alongside another nationality?
The UK permits dual and multiple nationality, so becoming British does not by itself require giving up another citizenship. Whether the other country allows its citizens to hold a second nationality is a matter for that country's law, and should be checked before applying.
How Whytecroft Ford can help
The Whytecroft Ford immigration team prepares naturalisation and child registration applications, from checking the residence and absence record to reviewing the good character position and assembling the supporting evidence. To discuss a citizenship application with our team, call 0208 757 5751 or use the contact form.
The material in this article is provided for guidance and general information only and is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice upon which you should rely. In particular, the information should not be used as a substitute for a full and proper consultation with a suitably qualified professional. UK Immigration Rules are subject to change. Please do contact the Whytecroft Ford team if you require further advice.