British Citizenship
After you have acquired indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom, you may wish to apply to become a British Citizen.
How do I become a British citizen?
In all cases other than where you are married to a British citizen, you are
entitled to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen six years after you have entered the UK, provided that you have held ILR for at least one year.
Although there are exceptions to some criteria, the most important points to satisfy are as follows:-
- That you hold ILR, and have normally done so for one year.
- That you have not been outside the UK for more than 450 days over the 6 year period, including not more than 90 days in the last twelve months.
- That you were in the UK on the date six years prior to the date your application is received by the Home Office.
- That your tax and national insurance affairs in the UK are up to date.
If you are married to a British citizen, you may apply for British citizenship after you have lived in the UK for three years, provided that you hold ILR at this time.
Do I need to contact the authorities of my home country?
Different countries have different laws in this regard and it would be advisable to contact Breytenbachs regarding your circumstances.
