In 2022, it costs £1,330 to make an application to naturalise as a British citizen. This includes the fee for the citizenship ceremony. In recent years the UK government has not increased the mandatory fee of £1,330 but this is subject to a review.
Total time to naturalize: 18.5 months to 24 months
This is because some U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices handle applications much faster than others (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).
USCIS charges a filing fee of $725 to apply for citizenship. However, if you have very low income, you may qualify to apply for citizenship for free, or at a discounted rate of $405.
There were 170,692 applications for British citizenship in 2020, with only 9,116 rejected or refused. This gives a refusal rate of just over 5.3%, slightly down on 2019's figure of 5.5%.
Check how much it costs to apply
You usually pay £1,330 to apply for adult citizenship or £1,012 for children. If you're applying for citizenship as an adult you'll also have to pay: £50 to do the Life in the UK Test. £19.20 to send your fingerprints and photo to the Home Office.
After you've applied
You'll usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take longer. It may take longer than the usual 6 months to get a decision because of coronavirus (COVID-19). This will not affect the decision. You'll be told if you need to provide more information to help with your application.
Unless you are married to a British citizen, you will need to wait 12 months from the date your ILR was granted to apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen.
You'll usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take longer. It may take longer than the usual 6 months to get a decision because of coronavirus (COVID-19). This will not affect the decision. You'll be told if you need to provide more information to help with your application.
Proof of identity: This could be your passport, driving licence, birth certificate, Home Office travel document or even a credit card statement issued to you within the last six months. Your biometric residence permit (if you have one) Evidence of your pass in the Life in the UK test.
3 Year Route To Naturalisation
Although there are many visa applications in this route it is the fastest way of becoming naturalised as a British Citizen within the UK visa system.
Yes, once you have applied for British Citizenship, you can travel outside the UK while your application is being considered.
Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) is allowed in the UK. This means you can be a British citizen and also a citizen of other countries. You do not need to apply for dual citizenship.
If British citizenship is refused or withdrawn, you'll be entitled to a refund of the citizenship ceremony fee, as this is only payable if you're actually required to attend.
If you do not live in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or a British Overseas Territory, you can apply online. You can get help to make your online application if you are in the UK and you do not have the appropriate access, skills or confidence to complete an online immigration application form.
You may qualify for a fee waiver if your household income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time you file. Check the current poverty levels for this year at Form I-912P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Fee Waiver Requests.
The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.
You may file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, 90 calendar days before you complete your permanent residence requirement if your eligibility for naturalization is based upon being a: Permanent resident for at least 5 years; or. Permanent resident for at least 3 years if you are married to a US citizen.
In general, Caribbean countries are considered to be easy countries to get citizenship. They usually offer citizenship in three to six months, on the condition that you make the qualifying investment and meet the other criteria.
As a British national it is important to know what type of nationality status that you hold as your rights will vary depending on the status that you hold. Generally, British citizenship is the only nationality that allows you to live and work in the UK without being subject to immigration time restrictions.
Voting and citizenship
Your UK citizenship will not be affected if you move or retire abroad.
Do you need a lawyer to apply for UK citizenship? The process of applying for UK citizenship is a long and extremely complicated process so the help of a specialist immigration lawyer is essential.