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Nationality law can be complex and confusing at times and specialist advice may be needed. Establishing if a person has British citizenship already or whether they can naturalise or register as a British Citizen is very important because of the implications it has for a person’s immigration status in the UK.
Am I eligible to apply for British citizenship?
Statutory criteria determine if you are British or are eligible to apply for British citizenship.
If you were born in the UK, you are not necessarily automatically British. It depends on when you were born and your parents’ circumstances.
If you were born outside of the UK, you may still be British. It depends on when and where you were born and your parents’ circumstances.
You may be British already or eligible to apply if you:
- Have a British parent
- Have another type of British nationality
- Are not recognised as a citizen of any country (stateless)
- Have previously given up your citizenship (renounced)
- Are a Commonwealth citizen
What is naturalisation?
Naturalisation is the application process by which you can apply to become a British citizen. Statutory criteria such as residence and good character requirements have to be met. A valid application has to be made with supporting evidence.
If your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to attend a Citizenship ceremony to receive your Certificate of Naturalisation. After this, you can apply for a British passport.
What is Registration?
Registration is the application process by which children and some categories of adults can apply to become a British citizen. Again, statutory criteria have to be met and a valid application has to be made with supporting evidence.
Our Fees
In accordance with rules published by the SRA, as of December 2018 all firms offering this type of work must publish details of prices and personnel undertaking the work. Please see our dedicated fees page for more information.
How can our solicitors help with citizenship and nationality?
Our specialist personal immigration team in Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields can advise on eligibility for British Citizenship (nationality) including applications to register children. We can help with choosing the most suitable application for your circumstances and advise on challenging decisions if an application is refused.
You can talk to us by telephone on 0191 232 9547 or contact us by email at immigration.enquiries@davidgray.co.uk
Alternatively, you can book an appointment and visit us at one of our North East offices:
Newcastle:
56 Westgate Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5XU
South Shields:
142 Fowler Street, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE33 1PZ
