Halliday Reeves

Specialist Immigration Solicitors

  • Home
    • About Us
      • Mark Reeves
      • Victoria Guyatt
      • Anthony Brindley
      • Sabiha Riaz
      • Karim Aidross
      • Riffat Malik
      • Louisa Pacitto
      • Eileen Burns
      • Victoria Winton
      • Anna Walker
      • Thomas Bryce
    • Careers
    • Blog
  • PERSONAL IMMIGRATION
    • Spouse, Partner & Family Visas – Immigration Specialists
      • How Many Days Can I Stay Outside UK On Spouse Visa?
      • How To Submit A Spouse Visa Application
      • Spouse Visa Case Study  
    • Visit Visa Immigration Services
    • EEA Nationals (EEA) in the UK
    • Citizenship – Applying For British Citizenship
    • Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) Visa
    • Asylum Immigration Services
    • Family Reunion
  • BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
    • PBS Introduction – Points Based System For Business Immigration
    • Appendix W – Start Up & Innovator
    • Skilled Worker Sponsor Licences
    • Skilled Worker Visas
    • Student Visas (previously Tier 4)
  • Our Services
  • Reviews
    • What to look for when instructing an Immigration adviser
  • Contact

How Long Does UK Citizenship Take?

How long does UK citizenship take?

If you are considering applying for UK citizenship, you will generally need to have been present in the UK for a specified period of time, as well as satisfying a range of other criteria. We take a look at the required timescales as well as how long the application process might take.

As a British citizen, you will have full rights to live and work in the UK as well as to travel and return to the country without restriction. It can also give you the option to bring your family to the country to live with you.

Some individuals may qualify for citizenship because of background or parentage, but for many, an application will be made after living in the UK for a number of years with either settled status or indefinite leave to remain. This is referred to as naturalisation.

At Halliday Reeves, we know how important it is to you to secure citizenship, particularly if you have been working towards this for many years. We specialise in immigration, meaning we have a genuine and in-depth understanding of both the law in this complex area and the way in which the Home Office works.

We can go through your circumstances and check that you are able to apply for UK citizenship. If you would like us to represent you, we will complete the application and ensure that you have the right documents in support. This evidence is crucial to the success of your request for citizenship and it is important not to leave anything out.

If you would like to discuss your situation and whether you are eligible for citizenship, we will be happy to hear from you. To speak to one of our expert immigration solicitors, 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“I think 5 stars are not enough for the service I got… I got my citizenship certificate in two months and this is amazing…. I’m really thankful to Sabiha for her patience, help , time and availability. She has done a wonderful job. Best immigration lawyer. Thanks very much for everything…”

Applying For UK Citizenship By Naturalisation

To be eligible to make a citizen application, you need to:

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Have the intention of continuing to live in the UK
  • Have the necessary standard of English
  • Pass the Life in the UK test
  • Be of good character
  • Have not breached UK immigration rules
  • Satisfy the residency requirements

Residency Requirements For UK Citizenship

To qualify for UK citizenship, you need to satisfy the following criteria:

  • You have held one of the following for a minimum of twelve months:
    • Indefinite Leave to Remain
    • EU settled status
    • EEA permanent residence
  • You have been resident in the UK continuously for the three years leading up to your application and you have not been away from the UK during this qualifying period for more than 270 days if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British Citizen OR for five years and no more than 450 days outside of the UK if not.
  • The number of days you have been out of the UK in the year leading up to your application must not exceed 90

You will need to supply documentary evidence of all of the above points and we can help you identify what paperwork you have that will best establish this.

How Long Does UK Citizenship Application Take?

The length of time to process a UK citizenship application will depend on how busy the Home Office is. Decisions may be received within three to four months, but in some cases it could be six months. The government advise that you will usually receive a decision within six months, but that some applications can take longer.

It can also delay matters if some information has not been provided and you are asked to produce more evidence in support. We can help you with your application to ensure it is as strong as possible and that robust evidence is included, reducing the risk of enquiries or a rejection.

Contact Our UK Citizenship Solicitors

If you believe you are ready to make an application for UK citizenship, we will do all we can to help you secure this. We have a proven track record of success and have secured citizenship for many individuals.

We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert UK citizenship lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.

“Excellent service in all aspects of citizenship”

Make a Free Enquiry

Specialist Immigration Solicitors

  • Over 50,000 Immigration Applications Completed
  • High Quality Advice
  • Trusted Immigration Solicitors Since 2000

READ MORE

Reviews

Amazing & wonderful job

Hannah Wilkinson handled my case and she did an amazing & wonderful job. It was a bit of a journey but Hannah was with me every step of the way, she was very patient, kind, considerate and super informative about all the steps I needed to take. We took the time to prep and submitted my application and I got a quick reply, extra info was needed so we provided it and then my application was successful. So a great thank you to Hannah and Halliday-Reeves !

Amazing & wonderful job

Hannah Wilkinson handled my case and she did an amazing & wonderful job. It was a bit of a journey but Hannah was with me every step of the way, she was very patient, kind, considerate and super informative about all the steps I needed to take. We took the time to prep and submitted my application and I got a quick reply, extra info was needed so we provided it and then my application was successful. So a great thank you to Hannah and Halliday-Reeves !

READ MORE

England & Wales Service

Map of UK

We provide specialist Immigration
law advice to clients across
England & Wales as well as
clients looking to enter these
countries from abroad.
Make a Free Enquiry
Please call us on 0330 1337777 or complete a Free Online Enquiry
and we will soon be in touch with you.

Immigration & asylum Logo Durham University Logo Northumbria University-Newcastle Logo Lexcel Logo Newcastle Eagles Basketball Logo

Authorised & Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA No 67788
Contracted with the Legal Aid Agency | Copyright © 2023 Halliday Reeves | Blog | Privacy Policy | Complaints | Opportunities