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Writer's pictureTom Morss

How to become a British Citizen

Love the UK so much you want to live here forever? Fantastic news! Here’s a guide on the first steps you’ll need to take to become a Brit. I’ll be referring mostly to the government website www.gov.uk with screenshots, and I’ll try to clarify any confusing language and add any tips, if I can think of any!


FLAG UK


If you wish to become a British Citizen, there are two ways to do this:


1. Marry a British citizen.


If you are married (or plan to get married) to a British person, then the application process is quicker. You don’t have to have lived in the UK for 5 years and you don’t need to have had indefinite leave to remain or settled status for 12 months. You will still have to apply to the Home Office. If you are still single and plan to become a British citizen, I’d start dating now…


2. Apply to the Home Office.

Below are the requirements as listed on www.gov.uk


requirements

3. I’m going to assume that you are eligible to apply for British citizenship so have ticked off the first 5 requirements.


4. Next, you need to “prove your knowledge of English”.


Good news if you’re B1 level or above. If you’re not, sign up for another course and get studying!

Unfortunately, it looks as if having a certificate of your level from a college like UKCE is not enough. You will need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at one of the following centres:


A guick Google (LanguageCert + SELT) quickly brings up a list of prices which start at £150. Make sure you choose the British Citizenship option. If you entered the UK on a student visa or skilled worker visa you might already have this qualification, so definitely check with the centre before you buy anything!


5. You also need to pass the “Life in the UK test”.

Here is the information about this from www.gov.uk:

I’d recommend studying before you take the test. You can buy preparation materials for the Life in the UK test at https://www.officiallifeintheuk.co.uk/shop


6. The last thing you need to prove is that you are “of good character.

Now, I don’t really know what this means in the context of applying for citizenship, but it looks like it involves reading some more forms. These forms are available from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-an-guidance/form-an-guidance-accessible.


7. Now, all you need to do is pay another £1580!


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