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British Citizenship and Nationality
At OTS Solicitors we understand how important it is for our clients and their families to finally settle and make the UK their permanent home. If you are thinking of applying for British Citizenship, our Specialist British Citizenship team will provide the best immigration advice and representation to assist you to become a British citizen.
There are several ways to become a British citizen. Some individuals may be born as British citizens, other will need to be registered as British, but most commonly individuals that have resided lawfully and settled in the UK will need to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.
Application for British Citizenship
If you have obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain, or Permanent Residence, you may be entitled to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. This will be subject to meeting certain requirements such as your age, residence, character and assessments. Our team of immigration solicitors will assist you to show that you meet the following requirements:
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You are over 18 years old at the point of applying
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You will continue to live in the UK
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You have passed the 'Life in the UK' Test
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You will need to show that you have, as a minimum and depending on your immigration status resided in the UK for 5 years and in possession of ILR for at least 12 months
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You will need to show that in the last five years you have not been outside the UK for more than 450 days and 90 days within the last 12 months
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You have had indefinite leave to remain for the last 12 months
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You will need to show that you have not broken any immigration laws in the UK
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You are of a good character and sound mind
Life In The UK Test
All applications for naturalistation are subject to you having passed the ‘Life in the UK’ test and this will need to be evidenced as part of your application. We can advise and help you locate the appropriate test centre and to prepare for the test.
Windrush Generation
Our immigration lawyers have been at the forefront of managing the Windrush generation scandal, having assited a number of individuals and families and being called on by the media to provide further assitance and guidance to the wider public affected by the destructive nature of the Home Offices policies.
Our immigration lawyers and senior solicitors continues to work with clients that have faced the damaging consequences of the Home Office's hostile environment policy and its continued perseverence of bringing immigration figures down to tens of thousands. The scandal has shown that the Home Office continues to see many migrants as just numbers and not as hard working families and individuals who have contributed hugely to the wealth and culture of the country.
If you are a member of the Windrush generation, or require expert immigration advice, please contact our office for an appointment on 0203 959 9123.
Dual Nationality
In the UK, once you have obtained your British citizenship you will be entitled to hold both your British and any other nationality as a dual national. However, holding dual nationality is prohibited by some countries. Our Specialist British Citizenship team will assess if your country prohibits dual nationality, and we will assist you to contact your embassy or consulate to ensure that you do not stand to lose your citizenship following a successful application for British citizenship.
To discuss the requirement for British citizenship our Specialist British Citizenship team will be able to help you. Please contact the OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
For a more detailed discussion regarding your case, or to book an appointment with a member of our Individual Immigration team, please call us now on 0203 959 9123
British Citizenship and Nationality Success Stories
Our client, Dr W, is a Sri Lankan citizen. She came to the UK as a student and later on secured an Employment in the UK. Due to the nature of her Employment and the work she was carrying out, she had been required to travel and carry out work outside of the UK on regular basis. This had resulted in our client accumulating more absences from the UK than is acceptable under the residential requirement rules for the application for naturalisation as British Citizen.
Our client approached OTS Solicitors seeking advice on the requirements for naturalising as British citizen and the chances of success of such an application, considering her particularly difficult circumstances. After the initial consultation with Dr Lusine Navasardyan, where the client received comprehensive immigration advice on the requirements for naturalisation as British citizen and in particular, the points of difficulty of her case –the excess absences, our client was encouraged to apply for naturalisation. Our client was advised that there were arguments in support of her case and received a thorough explanation on how we intended to tackle all the issues in her application.
Grounds of a successful application
Upon the application being submitted, no issues were encountered in meeting the general requirements, except that in the last five years she had considerably more absences than the allowable amount. What was even more important, she had excessive number of absences in the last 12 months before the application. This would have usually resulted in an decision to refuse the application under Paragraph 4.1.2 of the Nationality Instructions, Annex B. However, we addressed this issue within our legal representations arguing the excessive absences where unavoidable due to the nature of her career, and that her work was extraordinary beneficial to the UK. We have relied on the desertion vested in the Secretary of the State to waive certain requirements to be met when applying for British Citizenship We further worked with the client to aid her in gathering the necessary evidential support for our arguments in the legal representations. On these grounds, and coupled with the appropriate evidence collated and presented within our representations, our client’s case for British Citizenship was successful.
This case was a success due to the application carried out by OTS lawyers
Acting for Kenyan national in a Court of Appeal case in relation to a human rights Application on both Article 3 and Article 8 of the European Convention on human rights. The Appellant fears return on account of his imputed political opinion and a challenge has been mounted with a view to Ordering the Secretary of State to reconsider the Appellant’s human rights and Asylum protection claim and to make a new decision in the best interest of the Appellant’s British children in the UK. The proceedings have been settled and the Respondent Secretary of State has admitted to conceeding that the previous immigration Appeal hearing was decided in error of the law. The Home Office have therefore addmitted that the case should be sent back to the previous court and have also confirmed the evidence that should be considered which they nor the court considered in unfairly refusing the clients case the first time. Home Office has also agreed to pay client's full legal costs subject to review.
Your Questions & Our Answers about British Citizenship and Nationality
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 0203 959 9123 or contact us here: https://otssolicitors.co.uk/contact
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 0203 959 9123 or contact us here: https://otssolicitors.co.uk/contact
Hello Saffoora,
Thank you for your enquiry below with OTS Solicitors.
My name is Neeru, I work within the immigration team here at OTS.
As the matter is complex we require some more information from yourself to establish exactly why your brother in law’s application for British Citizenship has been refused.
In order for us to help you, we kindly request that you call us to discuss the matter further so that we can understand what has happened and what legal options are available to your brother in law.
Our contact details are: 0203 959 9123 or info@otssolicitors.co.uk
We look forward to hearing from you,
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your grandchildren will not automatically be eligible for naturalisation as a British citizen, because the right can only pass one generation for children born outside the UK. However, depending on you particular circumstances we can explore other options.
I suggest you arrange an appoitnment with one of our immigration specialist to discuss your matter. Please call us on 0203 959 9123 or contact us here: https://otssolicitors.co.uk/contact
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 0203 959 9123 or contact us here: https://otssolicitors.co.uk/contact
Thank you for your enquiry. Please find a brief response to your questions below.
1. Can I move abroad after sending my citizenship application? I would like to study a second masters in Switzerland for a year right after submitting my application and then return to live in the UK.
Yes, you can travel to Switzerland for a year after you have submitted your application for British citizenship. According to Home Office processing times, it can take up to 6 months or longer for them to make a decision on your case. You should bear in mind that if your application, for some reason, is refused, your absences for the qualifying period will be taken into account when you re-apply for citizenship. However, once you have been granted British citizenship there is no restriction on the number of days you are allowed to spend outside of the UK.
2. I will have 522 days out of the country in the past 5 years before submitting my application, clearly more than the 450. Is there any leeway on this? Particularly as 110 of those days were for studying abroad and 27 were for business travel.
We would make a request for the dates of when you left and re-entered the UK and the reason(s) for your absences to calculate the number of days in accordance with the requirements. The Home Office are entitled to apply discretion depending on the circumstances surrounding your excessive absences.
The relevant section of the Home Office guidance that is applicable to you states that,
Where the applicant has absences of between 480-900 and otherwise meets the requirements you must only consider exercising discretion where the applicant has established their home, Employment, family and finances in the UK, and one or more of the following applies:
• at least 2 years residence without substantial absences immediately prior to the beginning of the qualifying period.
• the excess absences were an unavoidable consequence of the nature of the applicant’s career, such as a merchant seaman or Employment with a multinational company based in the UK with frequent travel abroad.
• exceptionally compelling reasons of an occupational or compassionate nature to justify naturalisation now, such as a firm job offer where British citizenship is a statutory or mandatory requirement.
We can apply for naturalisation and request for discretion to be exercised in your favour, upon further and detailed consideration of your individual circumstances.
For more information, please contact us on 0203 959 9123 or info@otssolicitors.co.uk
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 0203 959 9123 or contact us here: https://otssolicitors.co.uk/contact
Applicants for British citizenship will often have to satisfy what is known as the ‘good character requirement’. Good character is not defined in statute, but Home Office guidance provides a number of factors to consider when assessing an applicant’s good character. These factors include, amongst other things, criminality, financial soundness, and immigration matters. Included in immigration matters is non-compliance with immigration requirements. Home Office guidance states that “an application will normally be refused if, within the previous 10 years (before the date of decision), the person has not complied with immigration requirements…” The Home Office may well consider that exceeding the number of permitted working hours constitutes non-compliance with the immigration requirements of your previous tier-4 visa.
When making their assessment, decision makers must take into account all aspects of a person’s character including positive and negative factors. It is also possible for exceptional grants of citizenship to be made where applicants would otherwise fail to satisfy the good character requirement, so it is not a foregone conclusion. However, as mentioned above, where the Home Office determine that an applicant has failed to comply with immigration requirements within the preceding 10 years, their application will normally be refused.
If you wish to discuss your matter further, you can call us on 0203 959 9123 or contact us here: https://otssolicitors.co.uk/contact
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 0203 959 9123 or contact us here: https://otssolicitors.co.uk/contact
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 0203 959 9123 or contact us here: https://otssolicitors.co.uk/contact
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your enquiry. I am happy to inform you that here at OTS Solicitors, we are able to assist you on the matter however we would require some further information before we can proceed to advise you. In order to establish whether your wife will be eligible to apply for British Citizenship will be dependant on a number of factors such as the year that she was born in and the nationality of her parent/s at the time of her birth amongst other requirements that need to be satisfied before one can begin to proceed to apply for British Citizenship.
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 0203 959 9123 or contact us here: https://otssolicitors.co.uk/contact
Thank you for your enquiry.
The cost of your citizenship application will depend on the complexity of your case.
I suggest you book an appointment with one of our immigration solicitors to discuss this.
You can call us on 0203 959 9123 or contact us here: https://otssolicitors.co.uk/contact
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 02039599123 or email us on info@otssolicitors.co.uk
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 02039599123 or email us on info@otssolicitors.co.uk
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Your enquiry is being reviewed by our team and one of our solicitors will contact you shortly.
In the meantime, you can also call us on 02039599123 or email us on info@otssolicitors.co.uk
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your question.
For non-custodial sentences, a naturalisation application will normally be refused if you submit an application within 3 years of your conviction.
Our solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss your matter further.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Many thanks for your question regarding nationality.
From the information provided, you should be in a position to apply to naturalise as a British citizen.
Our solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Many thanks for your questions.
You will be required to apply for Permanent Residence first, providing you have been a qualified person for at least 5 years in the UK. There are various other requirements you will need to meet for Permanent Residence. Once you acquire Permanent Residence, you can apply to naturalise as a British citizen.
We will contact you shortly to discuss this matter further.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Many thanks for your question.
As an EEA National, you would have been required to acquire Permanent Residence prior to making a naturalisation application.
We will contact you shortly to discuss this matter further.
Thank you for your enquiry. You may be able to make an application for citizenship in the UK however, this will depend on your circumstances and whether you meet the requisite requirements. We would need to have further information regarding your fine in 2015 in order to fully advise. Please kindly contact our offices on 020 3959 9123 and we would be happy to discuss your matter in further detail during an initial consultation.
Dear Sir/Madam
Many thanks for your question.
You may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship providing you meet the relevant requirements. You will first be required to have Permanent Residence. You should be eligible to acquire Permanent Residence providing you have been a qualified person in the UK for at least 5 years and have been continuously resident in the UK for at least 5 years.
Our immigration solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss the options available to you.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for the question. As you are a British Citizen and your partner is married to you, she may be eligible to apply to naturalise as a British citizen without waiting a year after she has acquired Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Our solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss this further.
Dear Madam,
Many thanks for your question.
You may need to contact the Home Office to request an extension of time to submit a valid English Language Test certificate. If this is not accepted, you will need to retake the test and submit a new naturalisation application.
We will contact you shortly to discuss this further.
Dear Sir,
We would advise that without exceptional circumstances to justify a deviation from the usual policy it would be better to wait until 10 years has passed from you regularising your immigration status prior to applying for British Nationality. Please note that you can lose your Permanent Residence if you stay out of the country for 2 years or more.
Our immigration solicitors will contact you shortly
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your British nationality enquiry. As you were born in the UK in 1995 to parents with settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a British passport. We will require further information from you in order to advise you on your options.
Our immigration solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear sir,
Many thanks for your British nationality enquiry. We will require further information from you in order to assess whether you are eligible for British nationality. Our immigration solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear Madam,
Many thanks for your British Nationality enquiry.
From the information provided, your children should be eligible to claim British citizenship as they were born to a father that is British otherwise than by decent.
In any event, we will require further information to advise you. Our solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your immigration enquiry.
You may now be eligible to apply to naturalise as a British citizen as you acquired Permanent Residence over one ago. The Home Office may exercise their discretion in regard to your absences, and thus approve your application.
Our solicitors will contact you to discuss this matter further.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Many thanks for your British nationality enquiry. We will require further information in order to assess whether you are eligible for a British passport.
Our solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss your matter further.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your British Nationality Enquiry.
Your children may be eligible for British Citizenship. We will need to asses your residence in the UK and whether you are British by decent or British otherwise than by decent.
Our solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss your matter further.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your British Nationality requirement.
From the information you have provided you may be eligible for British Citizenship by decent as your mother was a British Citizen otherwise than by decent.
Our immigration Solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss this matter further.
Dear Madam,
Many thanks for your enquiry.
From the information you have provided, your son may be in a position to apply for British Citizenship. Both you and your son’s father seem to be British citizens by decent as you were both born outside of the UK. Your son may however rely on his father’s previous residence in the UK and his status to meet some of the requirements of Section 3 of the British Nationality Act 1981.
In any event, we will require further information in order to establish whether your son is in a position to submit a British Citizenship application.
Our immigration solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear Madam,
Many thanks for your enquiry.
You may be able to apply for British citizenship based on Section 2 of the Nationality Act 1981. Your mother was born in the UK in 1962, thus she should be able to prove that she is British otherwise than by decent. In any event, we will need further information form you to advise you.
Our solicitors will contact you to discuss this matter further.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your enquiry.
I note the information you provided and your interest in obtaining information with regards to your application for naturalisation. Please note that the questions on the application form help the caseworker to assess whether or not the applicant has met all of the requirements for citizenship, which include the good character requirement. This requirement is not restricted to the applicant's criminal history both inside and outside of the UK, but covers the history of their general behaviour, and whether or not they have complied with the requirements of other government departments during the whole of their time in the UK.
Where an applicant cannot provide details of their Employment history, they should provide details of their tax history. Caseworkers may contact HMRC to verify the information submitted, but it is up to the applicant to ensure that they provide all of the required evidence to support their application, or it is likely to be refused. However, if you need further assistance with the whole application in general the best way to proceed would be to meet us in person at our offices and speak to one of our solicitors.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your British Nationality enquiry.
From the information you have provided, your mother may be British otherwise than by decent. In this case, she may be able to pass her British Nationality to you, making you a British Citizen by decent.
In any event we will need further information from you in order to advise you.
Our immigration Solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Many thanks for your immigration enquiry.
From the information you have provided, you may be in a position to apply for British citizenship. We will of course be required to establish whether your mother is British by decent or British otherwise than decent.
Our immigration solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss your British nationality matter further.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Many thanks for your question.
You were born in the UK to a British Father in 1987. This may mean that you are eligible for British Citizenship. You will of course be required to prove your relationship with your father. From the information provided, you may find this difficult.
Our immigration Solicitors will contact you shortly to discuss your matter in more detail.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your immigration enquiry.
For your British passport application, you are required to insert the date you entered the UK. If you cannot remember the exact date, the month and the year is generally permitted.
An immigration solicitor will contact you shortly.
Dear Madam,
Thank you for your question.
It is possible for you to apply for citizenship on this basis and there are cases where such an application has been made successfully in our experience.
We are able to assist you with your application. The main concern is submitting sufficient and adequate evidence to show your continuous and lawful residence.
Our immigration solicitors will contact you shortly.
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your immigration enquiry.
You are generally required to complete the application form and answer all questions. You may have to wait for your child to get his British passport prior to applying for a spouse visa for your wife. If your child is a British citizen, you will only be required to show the financial requirement for your wife.
A solicitor will contact you to discuss this matter further.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your enquiry.
A solicitor will contact you to discuss your British Citizenship application.
Thank you for your enquiry. Based on the information you have provided, it would appear that you have a complex Nationality matter which needs to be explored in its entirety. Please call us on 02079369960 to discuss your matter in detail and we can advise accordingly.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your immigration enquiry.
We will need additional information from you in order to advise you on your eligibility for British Citizenship.
A solicitor will contact you shortly.
Thank you for your enquiry.
You’ll be asked to provide your fingerprints and photo (‘biometric information’) as part of your application, once you submit your application.
In regards to your passport photographs, your referees are not required to sign the back of your photographs unless you are also submitting a passport application along with your Naturalisation application.
Someone will be in touch with you to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consult with our immigration Solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Dear Madam,
Thank you for your enquiry. Your entitlement to nationality in this case would not be through your grandfather directly and would depend on the nationality of your parents. I would need further information to confirm whether you have an entitlement to British nationality.
A solicitor will contact you shortly to discuss your matter further.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your enquiry. We will need further information from you in order to advise you on your naturalisation application.
A solicitor will contact you shortly to discuss your matter further.
Thank you for your question.
We will require further information from you before we can advise you on your matter.
A solicitor will be in touch with you shortly.
Please note: this answer does not constitute legal advice. We must have your formal instructions to provide legal advice.
Best wishes,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
We will require further information from you before we can advise you on your matter.
A solicitor will be in touch with you shortly.
Please note: this answer does not constitute legal advice. We must have your formal instructions to provide legal advice.
Best wishes,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
Your are generally required to wait at least 12 months from the date you acquired Indefinite Leave to Remain before applying for Citizenship.
Someone will be in touch with you to talk with you about your options.
Please note: this answer does not constitute legal advice. We must have your formal instructions to provide legal advice.
Best wishes,
OTS Solicitors
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your enquiry.
As your father was born in the UK he will automatically be a British citizen in the majority of cases. As such it is likely that this nationality has been passed on to you. However, I would need to obtain a little more information to confirm whether you have an entitlement to British nationality.
We will contact you shortly to discuss your matter further.
Best Regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your enquiry.
You may be able to re-apply for naturalisation, however, it is important for us to consider the refusal letter before we can advise any further. We will also need to take detailed instructions from you with regard to your police caution and establish how we can address this were you to qualify to make a new application. At this stage, we strongly suggest you attend a consultation at our office in order for us to assess your matter in detail.
We will contact you shortly to discuss your immigration matter.
Dear sir, you may not be automatically entitled to British Citizenship as you were born after 1st January 1983, however, if you have met the residency requirements in the UK, you may qualify for naturalisation as a British Citizen.
Dear Madam, thank you for your citizenship enquiry with OTS Solicitors. Your query raises complex issues which would be happy to address with you. In order to achieve the best resolution to your query, a legal advisor from OTS shall be in contact you with shortly.
Dear Sir, in order to establish whether you may have a claim to British Citizenship, you would need to explore your father’s eligibility to British Citizenship as former member of a UK Colony. To proceed further with your matter, one of our immigration advisors who specialise in British Citizenship shall be in touch shortly.
Thank you for your enquiry.
Based on the information that you have provided me it would appear that you and your brother have British nationality by descent. However, in order to evidence this you would need to apply for either a British passport or a certificate of entitlement of your right of abode in the UK. The position for your wife and child is more complicated. I would need more details with respect to your child to find out if they would be able to register as a British national. From what you have told me your wife would not have any entitlement to British citizenship by virtue of her marriage to you. However, as your dependent and potentially the mother of a British national there are likely to be a number of routes to settlement in the UK open to your wife. As your matter is quite complex I would suggest that you arrange an initial consultation by Skype or telephone so that we can discuss your matter in more detail and I can provide you with specific legal advice and lay out your options in respect to your and your family’s options.
Dear Elena,
Thank you for your immigraton enquiry.
It would be helpful to meet with you to get some further details from you in relation to your enquiry in order to give you the appropriate legal advice. However, on the basis of what you have advised it would appear that the issue with your original application is not necessarily a procedural error but that the Home Office have not accepted the evidence that you have provided as sufficient evidence that you are in the country. Although a bank statement may indicate that you are in the country, alone this well not necessarily be sufficient evidence. If this is the case then it may not be possible to address the matter with a reconsideration request and it may be necessary to submit a fresh application for naturalisation. Furthermore, as you rightly pointed out there is no timescale for a reconsideration to be dealt with so it could be a significant period of time before you get a response to your request and it is possible that the Home Office may refused to reconsider my application. If you are able to come in to our office and bring the documents that you submitted with your previous application and the letter with the reasons for refusal of your application I will be able to go through these and give you detailed advice as to the best route to you obtaining British naturalisation in your case.
Dear Madam, in order to ascertain whether your children may be eligible to register as British Citizens or apply for a British Passport, it would proof useful for one of our immigration advisor to arrange a telephone consultation with you. One of our immigration advisors will be in touch to arrange a consultation with you.
Dear Madam, your query regarding your husband’s eligibility for British Citizenship raises some complex issues and we are unable to provide comprehensive advice based on the information provided thus far. One of legal advisors who specialise in citizenship and spousal enquiries will be in touch shortly to arrange a consultation to discuss your query further.
Dear Sir, from the information provided above, you may possibly be eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry visa. Nonetheless, a member of our British Nationality advisors shall contact you to discuss your eligibility for Adult Registration as a British Citizen and your eligibility for a UK Ancestry visa.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your enquiry.
The requirements under the European Regulations regarding absences are standalone to UK domestic legislation. This means that you would have to comply with the requirements of British Nationality rules which also include stating your absences for the past 5 years. We would be happy to assist you should you require our service in this matter.
Thank you for your enquiry.
It is difficult to confirm whether your previous conviction will negatively impact your application. However, we will require additonal information to assess this.
Please note it is important to disclose all convictions when making an application to the Home Office for settlement. The Home Office may consider previous conviction when looking at the good character requirement.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consult with our immigration Solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you for your enquiry.
We note that you currently hold Indefinite Leave to Remain and as such you will not be required to make an application for permanent residency. You may be eligible to apply for naturalisation depending on how long you have held Indefinite Leave to Remain.
We will contact you shortly to discuss your matter further.
Thank you for your enquiry.
You may be eligible to apply for Naturalisation, providing you meet all the relevant requirements.
We will need additional information to asses this. Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration Solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon
Thank you for your enquiry.
We will need additional information to asses this. Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration Solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you for your enquiry.
You are permitted to apply for Naturalisation one year after acquiring your Permanent Residence status. Claiming benefits in this period may affect your application for Naturalisation and therefore we need to assess your situation in more detail before we can advise.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration Solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you for your enquiry.
We will need to assess whether your absences will be overlooked by the Home Office and this will depend on the reasons you give for your absences. Please note at this stage, you will be asking the Home Office to exercise discretion in your application in light of your absences. If you chose to stay abroad, it is unlikely that you will qualify for naturalisation.
We will need additional information to asses this. Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration Solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you for your enquiry.
You may be eligible to apply for naturalisation in November 2017 as you acquired PR in November 2016. Of course we will need to assess your circumstances to ensure you qualify.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consult with our immigration Solicitors. Please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you for your enquiry.
You may be eligible to register as a British citizen in the UK. From 6 April 2015, s65 of the immigration Act 2014 amended the British Nationality Act 1981 to provide for the registration as a British citizen, by right, subject to the good character requirement, for all these who missed on being a British citizen at birth because their mother was not married to their father.
We will need instructions from you to estabalish whether we can make an application on your behalf to Register as a British citizen.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your enquiry.
In order to Naturalise in the UK (under the 5 year residence route), an applicant must have lived in the UK lawfully in the last five years, must have held ILR for at least 12 months prior to the date of the application, must not have been absent from the UK for more than 450 days in the last 5 years and must not have been absent for more than 90 days in the 12 months before the date of the application.
Of course, there are exemptions for absences and we can advise you in detail during a consultation. We charge £150+VAT for a consultation which will last one hour.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your enquiry.
Your child may be eligible to register as a British citizen in the UK.
We will need further instructions from you to establish whether we can make an application on your son’s behalf to Register as a British citizen.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note this answer cannot be taken as legal advise until we have full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consult with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look foward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you for your enquiry.
Your enquiry raises very complex issues under Nationality Law. The obvious assumption would be that the child is British as the child's biological parents are British. However, you lack evidence of the fact that the parents are British. It may be that the child needs to be registered as a British citizen and as such there is a designated application for this.
In any event we will need full instructions from you before we can determine the best course of action in this matter.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your enquiry.
You will be eligible to apply for Naturalisation IF you meet the following requirements:
- Aged 18 or over;
- Of good character;
- You must have the intention to make the UK your permanent home;
- You must meet the knowledge of English and Life in the UK requirement;
- You must meet the residency requirement.
You must have lived in the UK for 5 years before the date of your application for Naturalisation. In those 5 years, you must not have spent more than 450 days outside of the UK and no more than 90 days outside of the UK in the last 12 months before the date of the application.
As you are an EU citizen, you must have had Permanent Residence in the UK for the last 12 months.
If you meet the requirements of Naturalisation now, we suggest you submit an application immediately to avoid any future complications as a result of Brexit.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your enquiry.
You will be eligible to apply for Naturalisation IF you meet the following requirements:
- Aged 18 or over;
- Of good character;
- You must have the intention to make the UK your permanent home;
- You must meet the knowledge of English and Life in the UK requirement;
- You must meet the residency requirement.
You must have lived in the UK for 5 years before the date of your application for Naturalisation. In those 5 years, you must not have spent more than 450 days outside of the UK and no more than 90 days outside of the UK in the last 12 months before the date of the application.
As you are an EU citizen, you must have had Permanent Residence in the UK for the last 12 months.
If you meet the requirements of Naturalisation now, we suggest you submit an application immediately to avoid any future complications as a result of Brexit.
The fact that you receive benefits should have no effect on an application for Naturalisation as you have already obtained Permanent Residence in the UK over a year ago.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your enquiry.
The British Nationality Act 1981 governs the requirements for obtaining British Citizenship. It is a complex area of law and we must take detailed instructions from you before we can advise you as to your options.
You cannot obtain British citizenship simply by birth in the UK.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your enquiry.
It is important for us to know what your immigration Status was at the time your son was born in the UK in order for us to provide you with an answer to your question.
If at the time of your son's birth you were either a British citizen or held Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, the your son is entitled to British Citizenship by BIRTH - as per section 1 of the British Nationality Act 1981.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to see how we can help you further.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, you father may have to reach the age of 65 years before he can be exempted from the Life in the UK and English language test. Someone will be in contact shortly to discuss any options that may be available to him.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
Your son may be eligible for British Citizenship if he was born in the UK after 1 January 1983 and 1 of his parents was a British citizen or settled here at that time. Alternatively, he may meet the criteria if neither of his parents were British citizens or had Indefinite Leave to Remain but he lived in the UK until he was 10 years or older and spent no more than 90 days outside the UK for each of the first 10 years of his life.
Someone from our office will be in touch with you shortly to discuss these and other possible options.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. We would need to talk with you further about your circumstances to help you. Someone from our office will be in touch shortly.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. It is likely the most important aspect of your application regarding your minor criminal conviction is that you make full disclosure. If you don't you may risk having your British Citizenship revoked at a later date. We can assist you with you application and draft a covering letter explaining your circumstances. Someone will be in touch with you shortly to discuss this.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
To assist you we would need to know what type of visa your boyfriend is planning to apply for. If you are thinking of applying for a visa for an unmarried partner, there are certain financial thresholds you normally need to meet including:
-An income of £18,600 (from the sponsoring partner). This increases if you have children.
-evidence that you have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for the past two year.
-you have suitable accommodation for you both to live in
There are other criteria which need to be met. Someone will be in touch today to discuss how we may be able to help you should you choose to instruct us.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
Government guidelines state that if you were born in the UK after 1st January 1983, you may be eligible for British Citizenship (and hence a passport) if your mother or father was a British Citizen or 'settled' in the UK (ie had Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence). As you were born prior to July 2006, your father’s British nationality will normally only pass to you if he was married to your mother at the time of your birth.
Someone will be in touch with you shortly to discuss your options.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
In some cases, the Home Office will not normally take into account Fixed Penalty Notices unless the applicant has had more than one fixed penalty notice in the last 12 months before applying. However, we would need to talk with you further and find out more facts regarding your situation before we could make any comments about your judicial review question. Someone from our office will be in touch with you shortly.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your email. It is likely that with a PR Card you can leave and enter the UK without any problems, however, to confirm this we would need further information. You may also want to consider applying for British Citizenship to solidify your residency in the UK permanently.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. We need to have more information as there does seem to be some confusion.
Please contact our office to talk to one of our advisers
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
.
Thank you for your question.
We would require more information to assist you. Please get in contact with us to make an appointment.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
You may be able to apply for the decision not to award your son British Citizenship, or you could wait and apply under the following route:
"Any person who has lived in the UK until they were 10 years old
A person born in the UK on or after 1 January 1983 and neither of their parents was a British citizen or settled at the time of their birth, can apply to register as a British citizen if they are under the age of 18. The general requirements are they must be:
-10 years old or older
-Have lived in the UK until they were 10
-If older than 10 years old, they must show that they are of “good character” for an explanation of what good character means, please see the detailed paragraph below.
-They must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in each of the first 10 years of their life
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question.
As you had ILR before your son was born (and are therefore classed as a Settled Person) and his was born after 1st January 1983 (and I am assuming he was born in the UK) then it is likely that he is eligible for a British passport as he would be classed as a British National.
Please call our office so we can find out more about your situation and advise you.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. One of the criteria for applying for British Citizenship is that the applicant must be of 'good character'. The Home Office will consider a criminal record when assessing an applicants 'character' and may refuse British Citizenship if the applicant has a criminal record. However, as the offence you committed is relatively minor and you did not receive a custodial sentence, you may be successful in your application if you apply again, especially given that six years have passed (provided you have not received any other convictions in that time). Our immigration solicitors can assist you with your application for British Citizenship and ensure a strong case for approval is made, despite the previous refusal.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. Because you are married to a British Citizen you may be able to apply for British Citizenship straight away but you do need to have been in the UK for three years in total before applying.
Other qualifying criteria for obtaining British Citizenship include:
You are over 18 years old at the point of applying
You will continue to live in the UK
You have passed the 'Life in the UK' Test
You will need to show that you have not broken any immigration laws in the UK
You are of a good character and sound mind
Our immigration solicitors can assist you with making an application for British Citizenship and ensuring you submit the relevant supporting documents.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. As you were born before 1st July 2006 then it may be possible that you could apply for British Citizenship by descent through your British-born father.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. We would need to know more about your situation. One of the criteria for obtaining naturalisation is ‘being of good character’; therefore, we will need to discuss your situation in-depth to work out a strategy to see if a successful future application can be made.
Please note, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contact us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. Your son may be eligible for British Citizenship by descent as you acquired your British Citizenship otherwise than by descent. Please call our office as we will need further information to advise you accurately including your son’s date of birth.
However, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form on our website.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. If your wife was a citizen of the Republic of Ireland on 31th December 1948 and made a claim to remain a British subject, then she may already be a British Citizen. If this does not apply then she would need to have lived in the UK for five years (three years if married to a British citizen) and applying for naturalisation. This is relatively straightforward provided the residence requirement is met. She may need to obtain a Permanent Residence Card before applying. The cost of British Citizenship at present is £1,236.
Although, this answer cannot be taken as a legal advice until we have your full instructions. The answer provided above is for information purposes only, if you would like to proceed to full legal advice and consultation with our immigration solicitors, please let us know your availability for an appointment by contacting us on 0207 936 9960 or through our Contact Form on our website.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
OTS Solicitors
Dear Sir/Madam,
By way of introduction, my name is Jay Marshall, and I work under the supervision of the principal immigration solicitor at OTS Solicitors. Thank you for your email on the 31st May, which I have read today.
This is just a quick courtesy email to inform you we help you in your enquiry regarding your citizenship. Albeit, this is something that we routinely deal with, so I would suggest that we arrange a consultation to discuss how we can help you in answering your enquiries.
May I kindly ask that you confirm your availability for an appointment with us next week?
Following our meeting, if you would like us to represent you, we will deduct the consultation fee at the end of your case.
If you would like to proceed in this way, please confirm your availability for a meeting next week.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Dear Sir / Madam
Thank you for your question.
Your query has been forwarded to the relevant department and our immigration lawyers will be in touch with you within 24 hours to explain how to proceed for the best outcome in your immigration case.
Kind regards
OTS Solicitors
Thank you for your question. Your case raises certain complex matters which our specialist immigration solicitors, who are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority would be confident to advise you on. We would be able to offer you assistance as part of a one-off consultation or otherwise as part of our full representation service. Your British Nationality query has been forwarded to the relevant department and our immigration lawyers will be in touch with you today to explain how to proceed for the best outcome in your immigration case.
Thank you for your question. Your case raises certain complex matters which our specialist immigration solicitors, who are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority would be confident to advise you on. We would be able to offer you assistance as part of a one-off consultation or otherwise as part of our full representation service. Your immigration query regarding your dependency or otherwise British Citizenship and Indefinite Leave to Remain has been forwarded to the relevant department. Our immigration lawyers will be in touch with you today to explain how to proceed for the best outcome in your immigration case.
[This question has also been answered by our lawyers privately by e-mail]
[This question has also been answered by our lawyers privately by e-mail]
