You must first possess British citizenship to qualify for a passport. There are various paths to citizenship. The most typical is referred to as “naturalization.” You may submit a request for a passport once you have obtained nationality.
When requesting your first passport, you should be prepared to go to an examination and provide answers to inquiries aimed at confirming your identity.
Also keep in mind that, under some conditions, obtaining British citizenship will not automatically provide you with a permanent residency.
Applying for citizenship
Obtaining a British identification requires having British citizenship. For instance, if you are an EU national and have resided in the UK for at least six years, you may be qualified to apply to become natural and obtain British nationality.
The requirements for the naturalization application are:
- You must satisfy the residence criteria.
- You need to have lived in the UK for at least six years.
- You must have exercised your Democratic Rights while in the UK.
- The Living in the UK Assessment must be passed.
- You must adhere to the “good character” standard.
- A valid English language test must also be passed.
These are determined based on how often you leave the UK and where you plan to move after submitting your application
It includes not having any recent or major criminal convictions, being bankrupt, or being affiliated with those who are thought to have “poor character.”
Timeframe required
The processing of requests will take six weeks. For a price, quick services are offered, but they only apply to extensions and substitutions.
Cost
A British passport now costs 72£. Standard extensions, modifications, or substitutes also cost £72.
For upgrades and replacements, high-priority services could cost between £97 and £114.
Apply for a child’s British passport
Any minor under the age of 16 who is not already listed on their parent’s travel document must possess their own. A kid passport typically lasts for five years, and the bearer may use it until the term ends or after turning 16 years old.
Steps necessary for approval
The actions listed below are necessary for your passport and citizenship requests to be approved.
- Pass the interview
You should prepare to be invited to undergo an examination with the Identification Office if you are over 16 and seeking your first British citizenship.
The meeting’s goal is to reduce identity deception. To confirm the identification, candidates must respond to questions related to personal details. Normally, the interview lasts 30 minutes.
- Show that you can speak English
Before you may apply for citizen status, you must demonstrate that you can speak English. Only those under the age of 18 or those above the age of 64 are excluded from this condition. Those who are disabled are also exempt from demonstrating their proficiency in English.
- Clear the UK life exam
Before applying for citizenship, you must complete the Living in the UK Assessment. The test includes inquiries about employment, the law system, and other aspects of living in the UK. Before applying, you can take the test whenever you like.
- Describe your history of residence in the UK
Usually, you have to provide proof of your residence in the UK. Even if you’ve demonstrated your status earlier, such as when you applied for “permanent residence,” you still need to do so. The amount of time you must demonstrate may vary depending on your circumstances.
- Verify your moral character
Before you can seek citizen status, you often need to demonstrate your moral character. The Home Office considers several factors to make this determination, including unpaid taxes, bankruptcy, or a major or recent criminal record. It’s critical to be truthful and to include all pertinent information in your request.
