A Guide to Obtaining UK Citizenship Through Marriage
For many spouses of British citizen navigating the path to obtaining citizenship can feel daunting. This comprehensive guide aims to give a view of the process, while also providing actionable steps, key requirements, and helpful resources to make the dream of becoming a citizen viable.
Setting the Foundation(Eligibility)
Before going further, let’s ensure you meet the core criteria for applying for British citizenship through marriage:
Age: You must be 18 years or all older(obviously).
Marital Status: You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
Residency: You must have been physically present in the UK for at least 3 years before the date of your application.
Absence Limits: During the 3-year qualifying period, you cannot have spent more than 270 days outside the UK. In the 12 months before applying, your absences should not exceed 90 days.
Immigration Compliance: Your immigration history must be squeaky clean, with no breaches of UK immigration laws.
Essential Documents
Now that you’ve confirmed your eligibility, it’s time to assemble your document. These are what’s expected of you
Proof of Identity: Valid passport, birth certificate, driving license.
Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate. Evidence of cohabitation for the past 3 years (joint bills, tenancy agreements, bank statements).
Financial Resources: Proof of adequate income to support yourself and any dependents without recourse to public funds.
Accommodation: Evidence of suitable accommodation in the UK for you and your family.
English Language: Proof of English language proficiency through an approved test if English is not your first language.
The Application Process
Pre-Qualification Check: Use the online eligibility checker on the GOV.UK website to ensure you meet all the criteria before investing time and money in the application.
Application Form: Fill out the online application form on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Be patient and meticulous, double-checking all your information.
Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee which currently stands at £1,335(jan 26, 2024).
Biometric Appointment: Attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your fingerprints and photo.
Document Submission: Upload digital copies of your supporting documents through the online portal or submit them at your UKVCAS appointment.
Decision and Ceremony: You’ll receive a decision within 6 months (on average). If successful, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony to pledge your allegiance to the Queen and officially become a British citizen.
Additional Resources:
GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-spouse
UK Visas and Immigration: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
Immigration Advice Service: https://iasservices.org.uk/
Remember, this guide is a starting point, and accurate, up-to-date information should always be obtained from official government sources.
