The Final Application.

You have been a migrant. Now, become a citizen. We guide you through the British Nationality Act 1981 to secure your irrevocable status.

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The Two Legal Routes

  • Section 6(1) - The Standard Route

    You must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least 12 months before you apply.

  • Section 6(2) - The Spouse Route

    You do not need to wait 12 months after ILR. You can apply the day you receive your settlement decision.

The Statutory Limits.

Your travel history is now measured against strict caps. One day over can lead to refusal.

 

Total Absence

  • Section 6(1) (Standard): Max 450 Days (in 5 Years)

  • Section 6(2) (Spouse): Max 270 Days (in 3 Years)

Final Year Limit

  • Section 6(1) (Standard): Max 90 Days (in final 12 months)

  • Section 6(2) (Spouse): Max 90 Days (in final 12 months)

The "Day 1" Rule

  • Section 6(1) (Standard): Must be physically in UK on Day 1 of Year 5

  • Section 6(2) (Spouse): Must be physically in UK on Day 1 of Year 3

The "Discretion" Note:

Exceeded these limits? The Home Office may exercise discretion for absences up to 480 days (standard) or 300 days (spouse), but only if well-argued. We draft specific representations to explain excess absences due to work or compelling compassionate grounds.

The "Referees" Requirement

  • The Professional Referee

    Must be a professional of any nationality (e.g., Accountant, Director, Solicitor).

  • The British Referee

    Must be a British Citizen (aged 25+) or a professional.

  • The Connection

    Both must have known you personally for 3 years. They cannot be related to you or each other.

"Good Character" is Not Automatic.

Unlike visa rules, the Nationality Act demands you be of 'Good Character.' This is a subjective test based on the 'Balance of Probabilities.'

We Audit Your History For:

  • Criminality: Custodial sentences of 12+ months usually lead to mandatory refusal.

  • Financial Health: Bankruptcy, liquidation, or unpaid Council Tax can trigger a character refusal.

  • Deception: Any past visa refusals for deception/non-disclosure are scrutinized for 10 years.

The Strategy: We do not hide flaws. We disclose them with context to control the narrative.

Naturalisation FAQs

  • Yes. Unlike visa applications, your passport is not retained, and travel does not withdraw the application. However, you must ensure you have a valid BRP to re-enter the UK.

  • Generally, no. If you passed the test for your ILR settlement application, you can re-use the unique reference number. You do not need to sit it again unless you lost your certificate details.

  • The UK allows it, but your home country might not (e.g., India, China, Singapore). We advise checking with your embassy before applying, as acquiring British citizenship might automatically revoke your current passport.

  • The standard service standard is 6 months. There is no 'Super Priority' service for Naturalisation.

Do You Meet the Requirements?

The rules are rigid, but your strategy doesn't have to be. Use our free assessment to see if you qualify.

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