Naturalisation — become a British citizen

We confirm eligibility (ILR or Settled Status), calculate residence & absences (5-year or 3-year spouse route), check English and Life in the UK, address good character, and file a clean, decision-ready application

Why apply with UK Legal Solutions

Clarity on eligibility, a tidy evidence plan, and a concise legal cover — from first check to decision

Precise eligibility check

  • We confirm ILR/Settled Status, calculate residence and absences (5-year or 3-year spouse route), and flag risks early.

Evidence that fits

  • Tailored checklist with acceptable substitutions if something’s missing — no messy uploads or guesswork.

Strong legal cover

  • Concise representations addressing absences, English/Life in the UK, good character, tax and identity consistency.

What you typically need ( Core criteria )

✓ Age 18+

✓ ILR or Settled Status held

✓ Qualifying residence met (5 years; or 3 years if spouse route)

✓ English at B1 (or exempt)

✓ Life in the UK Test passed (or exempt)

✓ Good character requirements satisfied

Day counts & supporting evidence ( Residence & absences )

We calculate absences, reconcile travel records, and advise mitigation if you’re close to the limits.

✓ Passport stamps & travel bookings

✓ HMRC / employment or study records

✓ Tenancy, council tax, or utility summaries

Tip: Timing can matter. If you’re near the thresholds, we’ll check the best filing date.

How it works

Step 1 - Route & qualifying dates

We confirm your route (5-year standard or 3-year spouse), settlement status, and exact qualifying dates.

Step 2 - Evidence & absences

We audit documents, calculate day counts, reconcile travel evidence, and flag any risks early.

Step 3 - Tests & character

We confirm English (B1) and Life in the UK, and address good-character or tax points with clear explanations.

Step 4 - Draft, submit & biometrics

We complete forms, prepare a concise legal cover letter, submit your application, and guide biometrics/ID checks.

Step 5 - Decision, ceremony & passport

On approval, we help with the citizenship ceremony and your British passport application.

Documents checklist

A focused, decision-ready bundle tailored to your route. We’ll confirm exact evidence and acceptable substitutions

Identity & status

  • * Current & expired passports (all nationalities held)
  • * BRP or eVisa proof of ILR / Settled Status
  • * Previous visas / Home Office letters (if relevant)
  • * Two referees’ details (meeting Home Office criteria)

Residence & absences

  • * Travel history (stamps, bookings, itineraries)
  • * HMRC, employment or study records covering the period
  • * Tenancy, council tax or utility summaries
  • * Marriage/civil partnership evidence (if using 3-year spouse route)

Tests & character

  • * English language (B1) certificate or exemption
  • * Life in the UK test pass (or exemption)
  • * Explanations for cautions/convictions/fines (if any)
  • * Tax compliance evidence where applicable

Common issues we solve

We identify risks early, explain them clearly, and provide evidence-backed solutions so your application is decision-ready.

Absences near the limit

  • We calculate day counts precisely, reconcile travel evidence, and advise optimal filing dates or mitigation where appropriate.

Good character & tax checks

  • We assess cautions/convictions, fines, insolvency or tax queries and present concise explanations with supporting evidence.

Identity & name changes

  • We align names across passports, BRP/eVisa, Life in the UK, English tests and civil records (deed poll/marriage certificates).

Referees & photos

  • We ensure referees meet Home Office criteria and that photo/referee forms are completed correctly to avoid delays.

Previous refusals

  • We review refusal reasons, obtain history where possible, and address each point directly with stronger evidence.

Evidence gaps & substitutions

  • Where standard documents are missing, we propose acceptable alternatives (employer/GP/school letters, bank/tenancy proof).

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically once you meet the residence and absence rules (5 years total, or 3 years if married to a British citizen) and any English/Life in the UK requirements.

Contact & Location

Get in Touch

We offer in-person consultations at our UK offices, available by appointment only.

Our Sheffield Office Address

422 Pitsmoor Road
Sheffield S3 9AY
United Kingdom

Other UK Offices

  • Birmingham
  • Bradford

To schedule your consultation or ask a question, please contact us:

Book your consultation today for expert guidance on all your immigration matters.

Our Sheffield Office Address:

422 Pitsmoor Road
Sheffield S3 9AY
United Kingdom

UK Immigration Helpline is a trading name of UK Legal Solutions Ltd, operating as a trading style of Haleys Solicitors, which is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) Ref: ER164151. UK Legal Solutions Ltd collaborates with a network of independent regulated immigration advisors, solicitors and barristers across England and Wales. By submitting an enquiry through this website, you provide consent for your information to be securely shared with one or more participating advisors or firms for the sole purpose of responding to your enquiry. This website is designed, developed and maintained by UK Legal Solutions Ltd.

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