British Citizenship By Marriage After 3 Years

If you are married to a British citizen, you may be wondering whether this automatically makes you a British citizen too. The short answer is no. Marriage alone does not grant British citizenship. Instead, there is a legal process known as British citizenship by marriage, which begins with a family visa, progresses to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), and finally ends with applying to naturalise as a British citizen.

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To become a British citizen by marriage, you generally need to have lived in the UK for at least three years, be married to a British citizen, and meet specific requirements regarding your immigration status, English language proficiency, and good character. The quality service provided by our immigration lawyers is self-evident from our 5-star Google Reviews.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about applying for British citizenship through marriage in 2025, including the requirements, process, costs, and common mistakes to avoid.

Relationship Requirement

You must be legally married to, or in a recognised civil partnership with, a British citizen. The relationship must be genuine and ongoing, not formed purely for immigration purposes. You will need to provide your marriage or civil partnership certificate with your application.

Immigration Status – ILR or Settled Status

Before you apply, you must hold either:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• Indefinite Leave to Enter
• Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you are on a spouse visa and approaching renewal, you may find our guide on Spouse Visa Extension After 2.5 Years helpful.

Residence Requirement (3 Years)

You must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years before the date of your application. During this time:

• You cannot have spent more than 270 days outside the UK in total.
• You cannot have been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying.
• You must have been physically present in the UK on the exact date three years before your application is submitted.

The KoLL Requirement

Most applicants must meet the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement. This involves:

• Passing the Life in the UK test (24 multiple-choice questions on British history, law, and culture).
• Proving English language proficiency (unless you are exempt).

You may be exempt if you are aged 65 or over, or if you have a long-term medical condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement.

Good Character Requirement

Applicants must meet the good character requirement, which includes:

• Having no serious criminal convictions.
• Not breaching UK immigration laws.
• Being open and honest in your application.

Even minor offences or immigration breaches can affect your application, so it is important to disclose everything accurately.

Sound Mind Requirement

You must understand what applying for British citizenship involves. If you lack mental capacity, someone may apply on your behalf with additional supporting evidence.

The British Citizenship by Marriage Application Process

Applying for citizenship through marriage is a step-by-step process:

Step 1 – Online Application Form

You will need to complete Form AN on the UKVI website. The form asks about your personal history, immigration journey, and your British spouse.

Step 2 – Biometric Appointment

After submitting the form and fee, you must book a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS service centre. Your fingerprints and photo will be taken.

Step 3 – Supporting Documents

You must upload documents such as:

• Proof of ILR or settled status (BRP or EU settlement status letter).
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
• Partner’s proof of British citizenship.
• Life in the UK test pass certificate.
• English language certificate (if required).
• Passports, travel history, and referee forms.

Step 4 – Referees

You need two referees who have known you for at least 3 years. One must be a British citizen over 25 or a professional; the other must also be a professional but can be of any nationality.

Costs and Timeline of the Application

The application involves several costs:

• Home Office application fee: £1,605
• Citizenship ceremony: £130
• Total: £1,735

Other costs may include:

• Life in the UK test: £50
• English language test: around £150
• Biometric enrolment: £19.20
• Translations and copies of documents (if required)

Timeline: Most applications take 3 to 6 months. However, delays can occur if further checks are needed.

What Happens After a Successful Application?

Citizenship Ceremony

You must attend a citizenship ceremony within 90 days of approval. During the ceremony, you will take an oath or affirmation of allegiance and receive your naturalisation certificate.

Applying for Your First British Passport

Once naturalised, you can apply for your first British passport. You will need your naturalisation certificate, passport photos, and proof of your identity and UK address.

Until you have your passport, your naturalisation certificate serves as proof of your citizenship.

What If Your Application Is Refused?

If your application is refused, you do not have an automatic right of appeal. However, you may be able to request a reconsideration if there was an error in how the Home Office handled your case.

Common refusal reasons include:

• Not meeting the residence or character requirement.
• Errors or missing documents.
• Being outside the UK on key dates.

In such cases, legal advice can help you understand whether to reapply or challenge the decision.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Check eligibility first: Ensure you meet the residence, language, and character requirements.
• Prepare documents early: Gather passports, BRP, marriage certificate, test certificates, and proof of residence.
• Choose referees carefully: Make sure they meet the Home Office rules.
• Be accurate and consistent: Match information with past visa applications.
• Allow enough time: Do not rush through the form or biometric appointment.
• Seek professional advice: Complex cases, such as long absences or past immigration issues, benefit from legal guidance.

Immigration Solicitors fees for british citizenship

Our UK nationality lawyer charges a fixed fee between £700 + VAT – £1000 + VAT for our complete legal services in relation to your citizenship application.

Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers For Your UK Visa Immigration Cases?

Looking for trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester or London? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our team is here to make your visa application process smooth, simple, and stress-free.

✅ Experienced Immigration Solicitors: Our team has years of experience and stays up to date with the latest UK immigration rules. We give you accurate and honest legal advice.

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