British Citizenship by Marriage

Applying for British Citizenship by Marriage

If you are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British national, you do not automatically become a British citizen yourself. You will need to submit your British citizenship by marriage application to the Home Office, provided you fulfil the applicable eligibility requirements.

If your spouse/civil partner is a British national, you may apply to become a citizen in the UK through naturalisation if you:

• Are 18 years of age or over
• Have lived in the country for at least three years prior to your application (you will not be able to include any time spent in the UK as a diplomat, member of a diplomat’s staff or household, or member of visiting armed forces)
• Have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK, or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or indefinite leave to enter the UK (i.e. permission to move to the UK permanently from abroad)

In addition, you will also have to fulfil the general criteria for the naturalisation route to British citizenship, such as meeting the language and character requirements and passing the life in the UK test. You should also not be convicted of breaking any UK immigration laws.

Moreover, you should not have spent, unless your spouse/partner works abroad for the UK government or any linked organization, more than 270 days outside the UK during the three years prior to your application and more than 90 days in the last 12 months.

How do I get British Citizenship through Marriage?

To apply for British citizenship through marriage, you can fill in the form AN online or apply via post. It is also possible for an agent or representative to apply on your behalf.

After you have submitted your paperwork and paid your application fees, you will need to book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. Here your fingerprints and photos will be collected, and you will be able to scan and submit a copy of your documents.

If you don’t wish to make your UK citizenship application online, you can send your form, your documentation and your paper payment slip to the UKVI or to the Governor of the territory if you are in a British Overseas Territory.

When to Apply for British Citizenship As a Spouse

To apply for UK citizenship by marriage, it is mandatory to be physically present in the UK for at least three years prior to the date on which the Home Office receives your citizenship application.

It is worth noting that the application receipt date will vary depending on how you choose to apply. If you are applying online, the Home Office will receive your application on the same date. However, it will take longer if you apply by post.

The Home Office usually rejects any citizenship by marriage application that does not meet the three-year criteria. However, they may consider your case if there are special circumstances, such as:

• You were unable to live in the UK at the start of the three-year residency period due to compelling health reasons or travel restrictions (e.g. COVID-19 restrictions)
• You were asked to leave the country during the residency period, but the decision was later overturned

Eligibility Requirements for British Citizenship by Marriage

British citizenship through marriage is the settlement route for those who are married to or in a civil partnership with a UK national or settled person.

To qualify, you must also meet the following British citizenship requirements:

• Be aged 18 or older at the time of your application
• Have lived in the UK for 3 years before your application
• Be able to demonstrate your “good character”, meaning that you have not broken any UK law
• Hold indefinite leave to remain (ILR), leave to enter the UK or EU-settled status.
• Be proficient in the English language or prove adequate knowledge of English by passing an accredited language exam
• Pass the Life in the UK test to show your commitment to British customs
• Have two referees to endorse your application.

Residency Requirement for British Citizenship by Marriage Application

The residency requirement is one of the key criteria to qualify for British citizenship by marriage. To fulfill this requirement, you must be able to prove to the Home Office that:

• You have lived in the UK for at least three years before the date of your application
• You were in the UK exactly 3 years before your citizenship application was received
• You have lived more than 270 days outside the UK during the 3 years before your application
• You have not lived more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months before your application. 

Note that you cannot include any time you spent in the UK when you were exempt from immigration control. For instance, if you lived in the UK as a diplomat, a diplomat’s family member or staff, or a member of a visiting armed forces. 

Additionally, you can apply for British citizenship by marriage as soon as you obtain indefinite leave to remain. This is unlike other ILR holders who must wait 12 months to naturalise as a citizens.

However, if you live outside the UK because your spouse or partner works for the British government abroad, you will be exempt from the residency requirement. 

Good Character Requirement for British Citizenship by Marriage

All applicants for British citizenship who are 10 years or above must meet the good character requirement. Demonstrating good character means you have complied with UK laws and upheld your responsibilities as a resident since your arrival in the country.

To be of good character, you must not:

• Have received a severe custodial sentence
• Have received a non-custodial sentence or out-of-court disposal in the last 3 years before your application.
• Be a persistent offender
• Have been involved in acts of terrorism or international crimes. 
• Have committed an immigration offence, such as entering the UK illegally. 

Language Proficiency Requirement for British Citizenship Through Marriage

You must also prove your knowledge of English unless you:

• Are below 18
• Are above 65
• Have a severe mental or physical health condition that prevents you from proving your language proficiency.

To demonstrate your knowledge of English, you can use a Secure English Language Test (SELT), which was passed at a B1, B2, C1 or C2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. Otherwise, you should present an academic award taught or researched in English. 

Life in the UK Test Requirement for British Citizenship

The Life in the UK test is a key requirement for British citizenship applications. It is designed to assess whether applicants have a sufficient understanding of British history, values, culture, and everyday life.

The test questions are based on the official Life in the UK handbook. It includes 24 multiple-choice questions which you must complete in 45 minutes. To pass the test, you must answer at least 18 questions correctly. 

To take the Life in the UK test, you must book it online through the official UK government website and sit it at an approved UK centre. To book the test you need to pay £50.

Furthermore, you will be exempt from the Life in the UK test as part of your British citizenship requirement if:

• You are less than 18 and above 65
• You have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from taking the test.
• You took and passed the test as part of your indefinite leave to remain application.

What is the Sound Mind Requirement?

Regardless of your current immigration status, you must be of sound mind to qualify for British citizenship. This means that you must be able to understand what becoming a citizen of the UK entails and that you are aware of the steps you are taking.

The Home Office may exempt some applicants from this requirement only in specific circumstances, for example, if being granted British naturalisation is in the applicant’s best interests.

If you are completing a citizenship application on behalf of your spouse who is not of sound mind, you will need to attach a letter stating your position as legal representant of that person and adequate documentation explaining his or her mental condition.

Referee Requirement for British Citizenship Applications

You must also provide details of two referees familiar to you and can endorse your citizenship application. 

Referees are typically required to meet specific Home Office criteria for your application to be successful. These requirements include the following:

• Both referees must have known you for at least 3 years. 
• One of your referees must be a professional, such as a civil servant, a member of a professional body, or a minister of religion.
• Your other referee must be a British citizen with a British passport. They must either work in a professional role or be at least 25 years old. 
• Your referees must not be related to you or related to each other
• Your referees must not have had a criminal conviction within the last ten years.
• Your referees must not be a Home Office employee or your legal representative. 

If You Have Pre-settled Status

If you are an EEA (the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) national (or their family member) holding a pre-settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for British citizenship, if you can prove that:

• You or your eligible family member have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020
• You have lived in the UK legally and continuously for five years prior to the date of your application. During that qualifying time period, you must have been:
  • Working in the UK or looking for work (for up to three months), or
  • Studying in the UK, or
  • Self-sufficient

In addition, you will have to meet the language and good character requirements and pass the Life in the UK test, and prove that you intend to continue living in the UK. You must not have broken any UK immigration laws during the qualifying period.

Please note that during these five years, you must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during those five years and more than 90 days in the last 12 months prior to your application.

Do I Need to be a Settled Person to become a British Citizen?

To qualify for British citizen through marriage, you must have lived in the UK for at least three years before the date of your application and you must be a settled person.

Before you apply for citizenship in the UK, you must have one of the following:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR)
• EU Settled Status
• Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK (that is the permission to move to the UK permanently from abroad)

As part of your citizenship application, you will be asked to provide proof of your permanent residence status.

How Much Does it Cost to Apply for British Citizenship as a Spouse?

It costs £1,605 to apply for British citizenship by marriage. Additionally, you need to pay £130 for citizenship ceremony.

You must also take other citizenship fees into account while applying, including the cost of providing biometric information, the cost of your English test and any professional translation for your documents that are not already in English or Welsh.

How Long Does it Take to Acquire British Citizenship by Marriage?

After you have submitted your request to the Home Office, you will usually get an answer within 6 months. However, it may take longer for the UKVI to process your British citizenship case if you fail to provide adequate supporting documents, or if you made any mistake while completing your forms. It is important to respond quickly to any requests from the Home Office for further information to avoid further delays to your application.

If your situation changes during your application (for example, if you divorce your partner), you must contact the UKVI as soon as possible.

British Citizenship by Marriage Application Form

For all British citizenship applications through the naturalisation route, including the ones by marriage, you must fill in Form AN. If you are applying online, you will have to apply through the Home Office website. If you are applying by post, you can download the latest version of Form AN, the paper form to be used by those applying on or after 29 January 2025, from the same website.

Before you are filling in the form, either online or the paper version, we recommend you to read the Guide AN, to ensure that you understand the criteria for naturalisation before submitting your application so as to minimise the risk of a refusal. You can also take professional help from an agent or representative who is registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), such as IAS, or from solicitors or barristers registered with one of the following organisations:

• General Council of the Bar
• Law Society of England and Wales
• Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
• Faculty of Advocates
• Law Society of Scotland
• General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland
• Law Society of Northern Ireland

Application Process for British Citizenship by Marriage

You can apply for British citizenship by marriage online or by post. Also, you can handle your application yourself or use an agent or representative, such as an immigration lawyer.

Applicants living in the Channel Islands, on the Isle of Man or in a British Overseas Territory at the time of their application cannot apply online; they will have to apply by post.

Here is a step-by-step process for completing your British citizenship by marriage application:

Complete the Application Form

To apply online, visit the UK government website, create an account, and complete the online application form. If you are applying via post, download and complete the form. Some vital information you must provide with your online or offline application form includes:

• Personal information
• Contact details
• Parents’ details
• Partner’s details
• Residence information
• Employment details
• Information on all absences from the UK
• Permanent residency status
• Referees information
• Declaration by applicant

Prepare the Required Documents

If you apply online, you can scan and upload your supporting documents into the online service or have them scanned at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) centre when you attend your biometrics appointment. 

You should include your supporting documents with your application form for postal submissions.

The required documents for British Citizenship by marriage can vary slightly depending on your situation, but they typically include the following: 

• A valid passport, birth certificate, or travel documents for identification
• Spouse or Civil Partner’s passport
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Evidence of indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status 
• Results of an approved English Language Proficiency test like IELTS or a qualification taught in English
• A passed Life in the UK test result
• Proof of residence in the UK in the last 3 years with documents such as
  • Mortgage statements
  • Tenancy agreements
  • Tax documents
  • Council tax bills
  • Employment letter
• Travel documents proving absences from the UK in the last 3 years.

Pay the Required

The application fee for British citizenship by marriage is £1,605 application fee. Online applicants must pay using a credit or debit card, while postal applicants should complete the payment slip and submit it by post.

Other associated fees for British citizenship by marriage applications include:

Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment

You must book and attend a biometric appointment at the UKVACS centre, where you will submit your fingerprint scan and a digital photograph of your face.

After submitting your application, you can book the biometrics appointment online. If you apply by post, the Home Office will send you a biometric enrolment letter stating that your biometrics are needed.

Await a Decision

It usually takes the Home Office up to six months to process a citizenship-by-marriage application. If you made an online application, you’ll receive a decision by email, while decisions for postal applications will be sent via post.

Attend the Citizenship Ceremony

If your application is successful, you must book and attend a citizenship ceremony within 90 days of receiving the Home Office’s decision. 

The ceremony typically takes place at a local council. It involves reciting an affirmation or swearing an oath of allegiance to the United Kingdom. The Home Office may refuse the application if you do not attend the citizenship ceremony unless you have a genuine reason, such as a medical emergency.

You will receive a naturalisation certificate at the citizenship ceremony and can apply for a passport afterward.

Required Documents for British Citizenship by Marriage Application

Here’s a list of supporting documents you will be required to submit along with your citizenship by marriage application. The Home Office, however, may ask for additional documents depending on your circumstances.

• Identity documents, such as your biometric residence permit (BRP), national identity card, Home Office travel document, photo driving licence, bank card, etc.
• Evidence of knowledge of the English language
• Life in the UK test score and certificate
• Documents such as your passport(s), letter from your employer(s) or educational institutions proving that you were physically present in the UK three years ago
• Evidence of freedom from immigration restrictions (e.g., passport, Home Office letter permitting you to remain in the UK indefinitely, 16-digit unique application number if you have been granted settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, etc.)
• Your spouse’s or civil partner’s current passport or naturalisation/registration certificate showing that they are a British citizen (send a copy of their current passport in case you are applying by post)
• Your marriage or civil partnership certificate
• For applications made on the basis of marriage to (or civil partnership with) a British citizen in Crown or designated service, a letter from the relevant employer confirming date and place of recruitment, position held, and the extent to which it would be in the employer’s interests for the application to be granted

British Citizenship by Marriage Application Advice

If you are married to a British citizen, and you cannot wait to settle in the UK, our team of immigration lawyers is happy to help you on your journey towards gaining British citizenship status. Based on your circumstances, your dedicated immigration lawyer will assess your case and investigate all your options to naturalise as a British citizen.

Your dedicated IAS immigration lawyer will assess your eligibility and ensure that you hold all the necessary documentation. To support your case, we will also write a Letter of Representation and complete your application forms to the highest standard.

Call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or make an enquiry online to receive advice on your British citizenship by marriage application.

What Happens After I Get my British Citizenship Certificate?

As soon as you receive your British citizenship certificate, you must submit your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to the Home Office within 5 working days.

Do not forget to attach a note explaining the reasons why you are returning your permit. If you fail to send your BRP back within this time frame, you will be fined up to £1,000.

Once you become a British citizen, you will not be allowed to enter the UK using your BRP. You can use your certificate of citizenship until you receive your passport.

If you do not wish to apply for a British passport, you can request a certificate of entitlement.

Do I Need to Attend a Citizenship Ceremony if my Application is Successful?

Those who acquire British citizenship by marriage or otherwise, and are 18 or over, are required to attend a citizenship ceremony at the end of their application process.

Your ceremony must be booked within three months of receiving an invitation from the Home Office. The event will be organised by your local council, and you are usually allowed to take up to two guests.

It costs £130 to attend a group ceremony, while private events may cost more, depending on your local council’s regulation.

If you are outside the UK, you can ask the embassy or consulate in the country where you live if you can have your ceremony there.

Common Challenges with British Citizenship by Marriage Applications and How to Overcome Them

There are several challenges applicants face that can derail the process, delay the processing of their application, or lead to an unsuccessful application. Here are some of these challenges and how to overcome them:

Demonstrating Continuous Residence

Sometimes, proving that you meet the residency requirement may be challenging. For instance, if you and your spouse resided with a relative at some point in the qualifying period, you might not be able to use a tenancy agreement or utility bill as proof of residence.   

In such cases, you should gather accepted copies from relevant institutions, such as medical records from a doctor. If you are applying with children, you can submit documents from their school. 

It’s essential to keep accurate records of your travel history, including passport stamps and travel tickets, to prove any absences from the country during the qualifying period.

Overcoming Criminality and Past Immigration Violations

When applying for citizenship, you should declare major past immigration violations or criminal offences to the Home Office. However, a criminal record does not always mean you are ineligible to apply for British citizenship by marriage. 

The Home Office has a rehabilitation period for most crimes unless they are severe. For instance, you can apply for citizenship if your crime is non-custodial and three years have passed since it occurred. 

For custodial crimes less than 12 months, ten years must have passed since you committed the offence. In comparison, crimes between 12 months and 4 years require a 15-year rehabilitation period before you can apply for citizenship. The Home Office grants no rehabilitation time for crimes with custodial sentences lasting over four years; your application would be outrightly refused.

Discuss your situation with our immigration lawyers to explore how to overcome a criminal or immigration violation. Call +44 (0)333 414 9244 to speak with a lawyer.

Meeting the Life in the UK or English Language Requirement

The Life in the UK and English proficiency tests are mandatory requirements for your UK citizenship by marriage application. If you score low on any of these tests, you must retake them. Register on time and follow the respective test-day conventions to avoid missing the tests.

Alternatively, you can explore possible exemptions. For instance, if you have a medical condition that prevents you from preparing for the tests, you can present a doctor’s letter or other medical evidence to support your claim and be exempt from the test requirement.

What If My Citizenship Application Is Rejected?

If your British citizenship by marriage application has been refused by the Home Office, the decision letter sent to you will explain the reason(s) thereof. Although you do not have a legal right of appeal or review, you may ask for your application to be reconsidered if you have sufficient grounds to believe that the decision was not based on law, policy or procedure.

While the Home Office is likely to reopen citizenship applications if the proper procedure was not followed by their personnel, they will not reconsider an application if the applicant did not timely respond to their enquiries unless there were exceptionally compelling circumstances.

Moreover, no reconsideration will be done on the grounds of the following:

• Long residence, where the statutory requirements are not met
• Convenience of holding a British passport for business or other reasons, but the requirements were not met
• Cultural reasons or reasons connected with ancestry
• Past service in the armed forces

If you want the Home Office to reconsider your application, you will need to fill up Form NR, and send it along with an appropriate fee to the following address:

Department 73
UK Visas and Immigration
The Capital
New Hall Place
Liverpool
L3 9PP

Reasons for Application Rejection

The Home Office may reject an application for citizenship by marriage for reasons such as:

• Criminal history
• Incorrect or missing documentation
• A sham marriage or civil partnership
• Not satisfying residency requirements
• Previous immigration violation
• Delayed or lack of response to the Home Office’s further information requests
• Failure to meet the eligibility requirements
• Home Office error

Overturning a UK Citizenship By Marriage Application Rejection

If your application is refused, you cannot submit a formal appeal. Instead, you can request a reconsideration from the Home Office if you think they committed an error during the application review. Mistakes could include situations where the Home Office;

• Have not decided on the application with the correct requirements or criteria
• Refused your application without affording sufficient time to respond to or complete enquiries
• Rejected your application on criminal grounds that was overturned in an appeal court, or there was a case of mistaken identity
• Refused your application without considering a response to an enquiry you duly provided
• Failed to consider relevant documents or information to the application

You must obtain, complete, and submit “Form NR Reconsideration of decisions to refuse British citizenship.” This form allows you to explain why you think the authorities should reconsider the decision. Submit the request within three months of receiving the refusal letter to ensure it gets maximum attention. 

Also, include strong evidence that can support your claim. For instance, if your application was rejected on suspicion that your marriage is a sham, you can submit more jointly owned spousal documents that prove your relationship.

When filing a reconsideration request, it is advisable to consult an immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure you have a higher chance of approval.

Benefits of British Citizenship by Marriage: What You Gain After Approval

If your application for British citizenship by marriage is successful and you have obtained your citizenship certificate, here are some benefits that will come with your new status:

UK Passport

You can apply for a UK passport, which allows visa-free travel to over 180 countries, making travel easier and more convenient. Your UK passport also allows you to establish your identity as a British citizen globally.

Right to Vote in UK Elections

Obtaining British citizenship by marriage grants you the right to vote in UK elections and ensures you have a say in electoral decisions. It also allows you to contest elections in the UK. 

Protection Against Deportation

With British citizenship, the Home Office will not deport you even if you commit a crime or violate immigration restrictions unless in exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances mainly entail being involved in serious criminal activities that make deportation conducive to the public good.

No Need to Renew Your Status 

As a British citizen, your status is permanent and does not require renewal, unlike visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) holders. The only document you’ll need to renew is your British passport, which is valid for ten years. Additionally, there’s no risk of losing your citizenship if you leave the UK for an extended period, a restriction that typically applies to visa or ILR holders.

Can I Apply for a British Passport if I am Married to a UK National?

You cannot apply for a British passport until you are naturalised as a British citizen. Once you receive your British citizenship certificate, you can apply for your first adult British passport. If you hold a British child passport, you can still use it until expires, even if you are aged 16 or over.

An adult passport is valid for ten years and can be used to demonstrate your status as a citizen of the United Kingdom. It is also accepted as your identification document when travelling abroad.

If you naturalise in the UK and obtain your passport, you will be free to leave the country and re-enter at any time without the need to apply for a Visa.

The cost of applying for a standard British passport is £94.50 to apply online, while you will be charged £107 for a paper application. Fees may vary if you are submitting your forms from abroad.

Will My Children Get British Citizenship Too if I Get Citizenship in he UK?

If your British national spouse/partner is the other parent of your children, your children will automatically gain British citizenship. Likewise, if you had permission to live in the UK permanently when your child was born in the country, they would automatically become a British citizen.

Otherwise, you may be able to apply for their citizenship, depending on where they were born and your immigration status when they were born. If you are applying for British citizenship yourself, you may apply for your child’s citizenship at the same time provided they fulfil the applicable conditions.

Given the complexity of the British citizenship and immigration rules, you are strongly recommended to seek legal help to understand whether your children are already British citizens, or you have to apply for their citizenship. Call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 today to speak with our UK immigration specialist lawyers.

Can I Apply for British Citizenship by Marriage if my Partner has Died?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply for citizenship if your British partner died before you submit your forms.

However, if you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain, EU settled status or permanent residence status, you may be eligible for British nationalisation through other immigration routes. Reach out to an immigration expert for tailored advice.

How can IAS help with British Citizenship by Marriage?

Applying for British Naturalisation can be very complex and often very stressful. At IAS, our team of specialist lawyers are dedicated to helping relieve this stress.

We can:

• ensure that you have all of the appropriate documents needed for the application;
• confirm that you meet the requirements for British Citizenship;
• make sure that you have adequate proof of your marriage or civil partnership;
• make sure that all the information on your application form is filled out to the highest standard and that the chances of your Naturalisation application being accepted are maximised; and
• prepare you for your Life in the UK test, which you will need to pass in order to proceed with your application.

Get in touch by calling +44 (0)333 414 9244 or making an enquiry online to speak with an immigration lawyer about your application for British Citizenship by marriage.