The UK government has outlined the various routes through which foreigners can qualify for British citizenship and eventually become citizens of the country.
According to information published on the UK government’s British citizenship website, individuals who meet the requirements under more than one category are encouraged to select the route they prefer when submitting their application to become a British citizen.
UK explains routes to becoming a British citizen
The government also explains that foreigners whose applications for British citizenship are successfully approved will be required to attend what is known as a citizenship ceremony.
Below are the different ways a foreigner or any other eligible person can become a citizen of the UK.
1. By birth
Being born in the UK does not necessarily mean that a person must apply for British citizenship. The UK government explains that, depending on the circumstances surrounding the individual’s birth, the person may automatically be recognised as a British citizen.
2. Citizenship by marriage
A foreign national may also become a British citizen by being married to a British citizen. However, to qualify under this route, the applicant who is the spouse or partner must have lived in the UK for the three years immediately before submitting the citizenship application.
The route also comes with specific requirements that must be met. Among them is the condition that the spouse or partner must either have settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
3. Irish citizen
According to the UK government, an Irish citizen may also be eligible to apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for approximately five years.
4. If you’re stateless
A person who is not recognised as a citizen of any country may also have the right to register as a British citizen, according to information provided on the UK government’s website.
5. Citizenship after renunciation
Individuals who have previously renounced their citizenship may also be eligible to become British citizens, provided they complete the required process and meet the conditions set by the UK.
6. If you’re a Commonwealth citizen
The UK government states that a Commonwealth citizen may qualify for British citizenship if they have a parent who arrived in the UK before 1973, have lived in the UK for an extended period, and have not spent more than two years outside the country.
7. By descent
A person who was born outside the UK may also be eligible for British citizenship if they have a parent who was born in the UK.
