When my ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application has been approved last year, I then started to research how to apply for British citizenship. After much consideration, we decided to apply. This process is optional since ILR status allows immigrants to live and work in the country indefinitely under certain conditions.
The online application form can be found in the official website of GOV.UK. I started answering the online form in November but took me 2 more weeks before I finally submitted my application and had my biometrics in December.
Before completing the form, if possible, ensure to identify 2 referees ahead of time as part of the requirements of this application. You will need their details (see below) to complete the application form:
- Given Name
- Family Name
- Sex
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Have they lived at this address for 3 years? Y/N
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Profession
- Does your referee have a British Passport? Y/N
- Passport Number
- How does the referee know the applicant?
It took me 2 weeks to find 2 referees, add the details on the application form and get the signed declaration forms.
Once the online form has been completed, a checklist will be generated as a guide. In my opinion, this application is the easiest from all the applications I’ve applied. The requirements required were less compared to my previous visa applications.
Requirements:
- Complete the Online form
- Current Passport
- IELTS Life Skills B1 Certificate
- Proof of living in the UK for 3 years. I provided my P60 statements as proof I was in the UK for the last 3 years.
- 2019 P60
- 2020 P60
- 2021 P60
- UK Marriage Certificate
- 2 Referee Declarations (For further details, refer to the instructions when applying.)
- A person of any nationality with a ‘professional standing’, see GOV.UK list of accepted professions.
- A person who is a British passport holder and either a professional person or aged over 25.
- Proof of British citizenship of spouse. I provided my husband’s passport.
- Current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
After submitting my application, I booked a biometrics appointment. And then, it was waiting time.
After receiving my positive application result, I was advised to contact the local council I selected when I filled in my application. The citizenship ceremony in my local council takes place once a month so I had to wait for another month to take the oath and receive my naturalisation certificate.
Timeline:
- Submitted Online Application: 07 December 2022
- Biometrics: 12 December 2022
- Citizenship Decision: 06 February 2023
Fees:
- Application Fee: £1,330
- Biometrics Fee: £132
- Document Checking: £48 (optional)
- SMS Fee: £2 (optional)
I just had the oath taking last week, and received my certificate which is one of the requirements to apply for the British passport. So proud to complete all visa applications by myself!
If there is anything I can help, feel free to post your comments or send me messages. xx
Hello, ate, i have been in the country for 11 years na po. I am single, i have indefinite leave to enter. But when i applied for my brp to transfer my visa. it says there settlement “ no time limit”
Nong pumunta ka po ba dto kasal kana or single pa?
Nalilito po kasi ako.
Sabi nila pwede na ako mag apply for citizenship.
If you could guide me po. I would be grateful
Author
Hi Camille, thank you for dropping by! Can you message my Facebook page? I’d like to get more info so I can help. The current requirements on British citizenship can be found on this website:
https://www.gov.uk/british-citizenship
If you meet the requirements, you should be eligible. If you have an ILR status, I think you can na. Check out this link https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain
Hope this helps. x
Hi! Just want to ask if yung Philippine passport po is needed to stay with the home office while ongoing decision or processing? Or do they return the Philippine passport back to you after biometrics? Thank you
Author
Hi, thank you for visiting my blog! They didn’t take my passport during sa application. However, please note na once your citizenship has been approved, you are no longer a Filipino. Kailangan niyo pong mag-apply to reacquire Filipino citizenship. Ito po ang aking experience https://tiffanywanders.com/reacquired-my-philippine-citizenship/
Hope this helps.x
Hi. Did you also submit the Life in the UK test? Or just the B1 certificate?
Author
Hi thank you for checking my blog. Both Life in the UK test (reference number) and English test (B1 certificate) are required. For the Life in the UK test, you only have to enter the reference number on the form. However, for the English test you have to submit the certificate. Hope this helps. Goodluck!
Hi, I just got my ILR approval. Do I need to wait for my new BRp before I can apply for citizenship or can I use my old BRP? Thank you 🙂
Author
Hi, congratulations! You will need to wait for your new BRP card prior to submitting your application. You may start filling in the form now but not submit until you have your new BRP card since you will need need to provide details on the form. Hope this helps. 🙂
Hi, I just got my ILR approval. Do I need to wait for my new BRP to apply for citizenship or can I use my old BRP card? Thanks 🙂