UK Citizenship by Naturalization for Nigerians

Looking to Obtain UK Citizenship by Naturalization?

With a rich history of assisting numerous Nigerians in their visa applications, our team possesses extensive expertise and experience in navigating the intricate process of UK Citizenship by Naturalization. Count on us to provide invaluable advice, assist with pre-action protocols, handle appeals, and more. As seasoned professionals, we are well-versed in the complexities involved and are dedicated to guiding you towards a successful outcome.

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What is Naturalisation in the UK? An Overview

UK Citizenship by Naturalization is a legal process that enables individuals from Nigeria to acquire British citizenship. Also known as British nationality, this pathway enables Nigerians who meet the eligibility criteria to become UK citizens.

Naturalization grants individuals the same rights and privileges as those who were born in the UK, including the ability to live and work freely in the country. It involves a thorough application process, including meeting specific residency, language, and knowledge requirements.

Dual citizenship is allowed for Nigerians who obtain UK citizenship, enabling them to retain their Nigerian nationality. Dual citizenship provides numerous advantages, including the ability to travel freely between the two countries without the need for visas or extensive immigration procedures.

Requirements for UK Citizenship

Overview

The following are the eligibility criteria for obtaining UK citizenship:

• Naturalisation: If you are over 18 years old and have either moved to the UK or were born in the UK, you might be eligible to apply for British citizenship by ‘naturalisation’.
• Presence in the UK: You must have been physically present in the UK on the specific day that falls five years before your application date.
• Absences from the UK: Your total days of absence from the UK during the five-year period leading up to your application should be, at most, 450 days.
• Compliance with Immigration Laws: You must have adhered to UK immigration laws throughout the entire five-year period.
• Recent Absences: Your absences from the UK in the 12 months immediately preceding your application should be, at most, 90 days.
• No Time Limit Restrictions: You should not have any restrictions on the duration of your stay in the UK, and there should have been no such restrictions in the 12 months before your application.
• Good Character: You must possess good character, meaning you have upheld the law and shown exemplary conduct.
• Language Proficiency: You should have an adequate command of the English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic language.
• The Intention of Residence: Your primary residence is expected to be in the UK if your citizenship application is successful.
• Reference: For your British citizenship application, you must provide the contact details of two suitable referees.
• Residence: You must have permission to live in the UK permanently, such as obtaining indefinite leave to remain, before applying for British Citizenship.

How Do I Prove My Knowledge of English for UK Citizenship?

To prove your knowledge of English for UK citizenship, including the Life in the UK test, you must:

• Provide evidence of passing an approved English language test
• Submit a pass notification letter for the Life in the UK test to demonstrate your understanding of British culture, history, and society

To meet these requirements you must take the language test at an approved test centre and the Englsh language test must result in at least a Level B1 qualification.

The Life in the UK Test

The Life in the UK test will be taken on a computer at an approved test centre. Before starting the test, you can familiarize yourself with the equipment and even complete a short trial test. The test will last up to 45 minutes and consists of 24 questions. It’s important to note that the questions will only cover topics found in the official publication.

Attempting to cheat or exert pressure on test centre staff through bribery, threats, or emotional manipulation will be reported and may lead to prosecution. Any naturalization application based on false results will be rejected.

To pass the test, you need to score 75% or more. Once you pass, you will receive a ‘unique reference number’ required for your citizenship application. The Home Office will use this number to verify your test results.

If you fail the test, you can rebook it multiple times, but each attempt will require payment. You can do so if you need to reschedule or cancel your test. However, you will receive a refund only if you cancel at least 3 days (72 hours) before the scheduled test. Refunds will only be provided for cancellations or rescheduling within 3 days of the test.

Making an Application for British Citizenship

Citizenship applications (form AN) can be made online or by post. For paper applications, sending them via recorded delivery is recommended.

Applicants need to submit a number of documents such as passports and other forms of identity.

If you are unclear about what paperwork is needed for the UK citizenship application for Nigerians then please reach out to IAS for advice to avoid any potential delays or possible refusal.

Biometric Enrollment

As part of the naturalization application process, all applicants are required to enrol their biometric details to verify their identity. It is essential to complete this step within 45 days of submitting your application to ensure its validity.

After submitting your application, you will receive instructions on where and how to enrol your biometric information. In some cases, if you have previously provided biometrics in earlier immigration applications, they may be reused.

For children included in the citizenship application who are under 18 years old, biometric enrolment is also required. Children under age 6 are not required to provide fingerprints but will have a digital photograph taken of their faces. The Home Office only mandates a digitized image of the child’s face for children under 6, although fingerprint recording is not prohibited. There is no upper age limit for biometric information collection.

During the biometric enrolment appointment, children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Cost of Applying for UK Citizenship Application

The cost of British naturalization varies depending on the applicant’s background. As part of the naturalization process, applicants are required to pay specific fees.

For adult citizenship, the cost is £1,709. If applying as a child, the fee is £1,000

In addition to these general costs, adult applicants also need to pay other fees. These include £50 for the Life in the UK Test, £19.20 for biometrics (fingerprints and photo), £130 for the citizenship ceremony, and £150 for the IELTS English test if applicable.

It’s important to note that all fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the citizenship application so it is important to ensure that any application is completed fully and correctly to avoid additional costs.

UK Citizenship Application Processing Times

Naturalisation applications are typically processed within 6 months from the date of submission. During this timeframe, it is requested that you refrain from contacting them for updates. Rest assured that if any additional information is required to decide, they will contact you.

While your application is being processed, you can travel using your valid passport and evidence of your valid ILR or other valid status. It is optional to inform them about your travel plans.

What Happens After I Have Applied for Naturalisation as a British Citizen?

Upon successfully approving your application for naturalisation as a British citizen, your next step will be attending a citizenship ceremony.

During this ceremony, you will be awarded a naturalisation certificate, officially recognizing you as a British citizen. Following the ceremony, you will be eligible to apply for a British passport, further solidifying your status as a British citizen.

Attend a Citizenship Ceremony

If you have been granted British citizenshi you will be invited to a special citizenship ceremony. As an applicant over 18 years old, attending this ceremony is a requirement under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

Please note that these ceremonies are not open to the public. However, you are allowed to bring one guest to share this important moment with you. Usually, the Mayor or Deputy Mayor of the local council where the ceremony takes place will be in attendance.

To secure your place at the ceremony, make sure to book within three months of receiving your invitation from the UK Home Office. On the day of the ceremony, please bring both the written confirmation from the Register Office and the invitation letter from the Home Office.

During the ceremony, you can take an Oath of Allegiance and pledge your loyalty to the United Kingdom. Afterwards, you will be presented with your British nationality certificate, which signifies your new status as a British citizen. Additionally, you will receive essential information regarding your rights and privileges as a UK national.

How Can IAS Help?

Looking to obtain UK citizenship through naturalization as a Nigerian? Need help navigating the complex process. At IAS, we specialize in helping hundreds of Nigerians successfully achieve UK Citizenship by Naturalization.

Our experienced team of immigration experts understands the specific requirements and intricacies involved in the application process. With a proven track record of assisting numerous Nigerians, we have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through every step of the way.

IAS will provide personalized guidance and support, ensuring you have a smooth and efficient journey towards becoming a UK citizen. Our dedicated team will work closely with you, explaining each step in detail and addressing any concerns or questions you may have.

We’ll assist you in preparing all the necessary documentation and fulfilling the eligibility criteria, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

Contact us today for expert advice and support on your UK Citizenship by Naturalization application. Join the ranks of our satisfied Nigerian clients who have successfully obtained their UK citizenship with our help.

To learn more about how we can help you with your UK Citizenship application, please contact us at IAS on +2342013306361 (Lagos, Nigeria Office) or +44 (0) 3316300929 (UK office), or connect with us online.