For many people who have lived and worked in the UK for a long time and would like to live there permanently, gaining British citizenship is a great goal. You will have the chance to apply for British citizenship and a British passport after a specific amount of time now that you have indefinite leave to remain in status.
Many people find applying for a British passport after indefinite leave to remain a difficult procedure; therefore, to prevent being refused a British passport, you want to make sure that your application process goes as smoothly as possible.
Advantages of Having a British Passport
As the British passport is one of the most respected in the world, British nationals have fantastic travel options everywhere. Having a UK passport makes it simple to travel for longer lengths of time overseas and provides on-arrival visa travel opportunities in more than 180 countries globally.
You can vote, run for public office, and enjoy free access to the National Health Service, as well as unrestricted working privileges throughout the United Kingdom and exciting employment options abroad if you are a British citizen.
Applying for a British passport after indefinite leave to remain: Requirement, Eligibility
After getting indefinite leave to remain status, you must meet a number of requirements before you can apply for UK citizenship. Please be aware that unless you are married to a British national, you are not eligible to apply for British citizenship right away.
When can I apply for a British passport and citizenship?
You have to wait at least a year after being granted indefinite leave to stay before you can seek to become a British citizen. To apply for a UK passport, you must first become a citizen.The following is the most easiest way to explain the procedure:
- Get permission to stay indefinitely.
- Hold off for a year.
- Before applying for citizenship, make sure you have all the required paperwork, completed the appropriate exams, and provided proof of residency.Make an application for and receive British citizenship.
- Attend the ceremony for your citizenship.
- Apply for a passport to the UK.
Getting one as soon as possible is a smart idea because it is one of the most powerful passports in the world and can make travel easier than using your country of origin’s passport.
Being a British citizen and being married to a UK citizen:
After getting ILR status, spouses of British nationals are eligible to seek citizenship. Additionally, they can become citizens after just three years of residency in the UK. You have to:
- Have lived in the UK for three years before the application date, or more.
- During the three-year residency, the individual must not have been away from the UK for more than 270 days.This shows that over the three years you stayed in the UK, you did not travel abroad for more than 270 days.
What Limitations Apply to Getting a British Passport?
You cannot apply for a passport until after your citizenship ceremony if you have applied for citizenship and hold ILR. Citizenship ceremonies are limited to individuals who are at least eighteen years of age.
Getting a UK passport is typically a straightforward process, but if you are experiencing problems with UK or international legislation, things could get complicated.
The following situations would result in your application being rejected or limited:
- In the past, the government has paid for your return to the UK, and you have not reimbursed them.
- You have been granted bail.
- The United Nations or European Union has issued a travel restriction order for you.
- You have an arrest warrant and have committed or are accused of committing a major crime since becoming a citizen.
- You are not allowed to travel because of a UK court order.
Conclusion:
Applying for a British passport after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain requires meeting residency and good character requirements. You must first apply for British citizenship before proceeding with your passport application. Navigating UK visa and immigration rules can be complex, but My Legal Service’s experienced immigration solicitors provide expert guidance, ensuring a smooth and successful application process. Contact us today for professional assistance.
Dilawar Mughal is an accomplished author with a passion for storytelling. His works span various genres, from thrilling mysteries to heartfelt romance novels. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for character development, Sana Fatima weaves engaging narratives that captivate readers and transport them to new worlds.
