If you are married to a British citizen, then you may be a British citizen. That means you can stay in the UK permanently, travel around, vote, and even apply for a British passport. Here’s how you can apply for British citizenship by marriage, what you need to be, and how to do that.
Is It Possible To Be A British Citizen Through Marriage?
There is British citizenship for married British citizens if you are married to a British citizen. But marriage doesn’t get you there. Others will also need to be met, like where you can live, language skills, and character.
Which are the Qualifications For Britain Citizenship By Marriage?
You have to be in the following position to be a British citizen by marriage:
- Age: Minimum 18 years old.
- Marital union: You must be married to or in a civil partnership with, a British national.
- Permanent residence: You will have lived in the UK for some time (please see below).
- Permanent Residency: You will need to be on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled.
- Sprache: You need to meet the English language (check below).
- Life in the UK Test: You have to clear this exam that teaches you about British history, culture, and laws.
- Good character: You don’t have to have a criminal record or immigration problems.
English Language Requirements
To be a citizen you have to demonstrate that you are an English speaker. This can be verified by sitting an approved B1 or above English language test or by a degree in English. Australians and others from the USA, Canada, Australia, etc need not fulfill this requirement.
Permanent Residence Requirement
You will need ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) if you are applying for citizenship, that is permanent residence in the UK. And if you’re married to a British citizen, you can apply for citizenship immediately after you have ILR, without having to wait 12 months (as other applicants may have to).
Residency Requirements
You should have lived in the UK for at least 3 years as the spouse or civil partner of a British national. That’s faster than the standard 5-year time frame for other applicants. In those 3 years, you can’t have been outside the UK for more than 270 days, and you can’t have violated any immigration regulations.
What to Do If You Want British Citizenship by Marriage?
How to apply for British citizenship by marriage:
- Double Citizenship Check: Some countries do not allow dual citizenship, check if your home country allows it.
- Submit an Online Application: For naturalization, you will have to submit an online application.
- Apply for British Citizenship, Fee: Applying for British citizenship costs a fee.
- Biometrics: You need to visit a UKVCAS service point to give biometrics (fingerprints and photos).
- Justify It: Send documents showing that you are an American, a resident of Canada, married, and speak English. These can be uploaded online or handed in at your biometric visit.
- The majority of people go through an immigration lawyer to make sure that the application is fully prepared and complete.
How Long Does It Take To Be Granted British Citizenship by Marriage?
Then you can get a decision on your application in about 26 weeks (about 6 months). : If you qualify, you will be called to a citizenship ceremony. You’ll be sworn in as a loyalist at the ceremony, awarded your citizenship certificate and you will become a British citizen.
Can I Get a British Passport Once I Am Married?
So yes, if you are British then you can apply for a British passport.
Are My Kids Ever Going to Be British Citizens?
You will not baptize your children as British citizens automatically because you become British as a married man. But if your child is born outside the UK and you are British, then they might be British. If you have a British citizen daughter or son who is born in the UK, she/he will be a British citizen.
Is It Possible to Gain British Citizenship After The Death of My Loved One?
Your spouse or civil partner cannot be married into British citizenship if he or she is deceased. But there may be alternatives to immigration that are available to you. It is always a good idea to get in touch with an immigration attorney so you know your options.
Britons can become British citizens if they marry, which is great news for many people wanting to settle down in the UK with their partner. With proper knowledge of the requirement and the correct workflow, you can have more chances of success. Good luck with the citizenship application!
