Shabana Bukhari 
In this blog readers will learn about the specific requirements for obtaining British citizenship in Swindon, including any additional criteria or local regulations. Specific links for Swindon will be provided where applicants can book necessary tests in their local area.
Eligibility requirements for British Citizenship in Swindon
Prior to discussing the application process for British Citizenship in Swindon, you must meet all the eligibility requirements below. These requirements are the same no matter if you reside in Swindon or not:
- Time spent living in the UK.
For those married to British nationals this must at least 3 years and for the rest of applicants this must 5 years. A record needs to be kept of the time you spent outside the UK to show that this does not exceed the prescribed number of days.
If you are not married to a British national, you must also possess one of the following for 12 months:
- Indefinite leave to remain in the UK (ILR).
- ‘Settled Status’ (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme’).
- Indefinite leave to enter the UK (which is permission to move to the UK permanently from abroad).
- You must be over 18 years old.
- You must prove your (spoken and written) knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.
In Swindon, you can book a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to at least a level B1 CEFR for around £150 which is valid for 2 years. Follow this link to book it through Swindon Borough Council’s official website: Book an English language and Swindon knowledge assessment | Swindon Borough Council.
You are exempt from taking such a test if you have a degree taught in English or are from a majority English speaking country, such as Australia or the USA.
- You must have passed the ‘Life in the UK test’.
This costs £50 and can be booked using this link with one of the five closest test centres to your home address in Swindon: Life in the UK Test: Book the Life in the UK Test – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
When booking the test make sure you have the following documents:
- Email address for your booking confirmation.
- Debit or credit card to pay the £50 online.
- Form of ID.
Use the official ‘Life in the UK Test Handbook’ or purchase the Official Life in the UK Test App by TSO to study.
It is a 45-minute test with 24 questions and to pass you need 75% (18 questions correct).
On the date of your test bring two forms of ID, one which you used to book the test and a document verifying your home address.
Please read our comprehensive guide which includes everything from Henleaze’s 5 essential preparation tips to guidance on the day of the test: British Citizenship Test: Preparation and Tips.
- You must be of good character.
This includes having no criminal record or unpaid taxes.
But also allows you to include positive contributions through evidence of charity work or your occupation itself.
- Provide details of 2 referees.
Referees are there to prove your identity and can be of any nationality.
Both should know you personally for more than 3 years.
They must NOT be your relative; solicitor or agent; Home Office employee.
One must be of ‘professional standing’, follow this link to browse the occupations which come under this category: https://www.gov.im/media/624353/listofreferees.pdf.
Necessary documents for British Citizenship in Swindon
As evidence of your identity, you will need to provide one of the following:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Driving license
- BRP card
- Home Office travel document or entitlement card or ARC letter
You must also provide the following:
- Proof that you have passed the ‘Life in UK Test’.
- English language certificate or any degree information.
- Details of any travel outside the UK including the country, reason for trip and entry/exit dates:
For those married to a British national you must include details of travel to prove that you have not spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months before the date of application AND no more than 270 days in the last 3 years.
For the rest of applicants this includes details of travel in the last 5 years to prove that you have not spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months AND no more than 450 days in the last 5 years.
- Proof that you have never breached any immigration laws through past visas.
- National insurance number.
- Recent payslip which includes your tax reference.
- UK work history for the past 10 years.
- Previous applications.
- Referees’ full names, dates of birth, job title, addresses for the past 3 years, contact number, email address and passport number.
How to apply for British Citizenship in Swindon
Step 1
Make sure you meet all of the eligibility requirements, have in your possession all of the necessary documents listed above and read the application guidance provided by Home Office: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-forms-guide.
Step 2
Apply online for a quicker process: https://visasimmigration.service.gov.uk/product/nationality-an. Upload any necessary documents by scanning them.
Or, if you live in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or a British Overseas Territory, or if you live elsewhere and want to apply by post using a Form AN. Send any necessary documents with your application form.
Step 3
Following your application and email will be sent to you where you must book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).
Application fees for British Citizenship in Swindon
It will cost £1,330 to apply which includes your biometric fee and cost of the citizenship ceremony discussed below.
For a more detailed breakdown of all the costs involved in a British citizenship application please read our blog: British Citizenship Fees: Cost and Payment.
After application
A decision on your application will usually be made within 6 months.
If your application is successful, you must attend a citizenship ceremony where you will make an oath of allegiance and receive your naturalisation certificate. You can book your citizenship ceremony in Swindon through this link: Citizenship ceremonies | Swindon Borough Council.
Read our comprehensive guide on everything to expect before, during and after your citizenship ceremony: British citizenship ceremony: What to expect?.
Return any Biometric residence permit you hold within 5 working days of getting your certificate.
Importantly, to travel outside the UK after getting British citizenship, you’ll need to apply for a British passport or a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode. Make sure you do this and read our blog here on how to apply for a British passport.
Benefits of British Citizenship in Swindon
- The right to live in the UK permanently.
As your status will be ‘permanently settled’ you are free of any restrictions, such as time spent abroad and there is also no need to apply for any more visas to stay in the UK.
- Access to free medical care through the NHS.
The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system which means citizens can access free medical care.
- Right to work and study.
There are no restrictions on gaining permission to work or study through applying for any more UK visas. You may freely do both as a British citizen.
- Right to vote.
The ability to partake in democratic UK elections (whether that be local, national or referendums) is open to all British citizens. Additionally, you may put yourself forward to be a candidate in an election.
- British passport.
Gaining a British passport allows citizens to travel to around 190 countries without a visa.
- Right to claim state benefits.
Citizens can freely claim state benefits which include anything from Child Benefit and a Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to a UK State Pension. For more information on other state benefits that you can claim as a British citizen follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/income-tax/taxfree-and-taxable-state-benefits.
FAQs about British Citizenship in Swindon
What are two important things to think about when applying for British Citizenship in Swindon?
Firstly, consider the amount of time you spent outside the UK during which differs depending on whether you are married to a British national or not.
Secondly, there has been changes to the good character requirements which means that immigration breaches may be disregarded.Are bank statements or household bills suitable evidence to prove that you have been living in the UK?
No, rely on stamped passports, P60s and applicants can also contact HMRC on 0300 200 3300 and ask for a letter including the last 5 years of their employment history.
Do I get my money back if I am refused citizenship?
Yes, you will receive most of the application fee back.
Can I travel outside the UK before I get my British Citizenship in Swindon?
Yes. Ensure however that you do not exceed the maximum number of days you are able to be abroad for according to the residency requirement discussed above.
If my application is unsuccessful, will it affect my current right to stay in the UK?
No. You may still have the right to stay in the UK depending on which visa you are on and whether it needs renewal.
What happens if I fail the ‘Life in the UK’ test?
Although the test is non-refundable you may retake it as many times as you wish if you pay another fee of £50. But you must wait 7 days between each attempt.
Does marriage to a British citizen automatically grant the non-UK spouse citizenship?
No. Instead, applicants must meet the Home Office’s eligibility requirements for naturalisation.
How long on average does an application for British citizenship take?
Government guidance states that on average it takes 6 months for British citizenship processing.
Is it possible to lose British Citizenship in Swindon?
Yes. The Home Secretary can remove it if the application was untruthful and inaccurate.
Summary
To access the great benefits of gaining British citizenship in Swindon follow the eligibility requirements strictly and make sure you pass the necessary tests and living requirements. You can use the embedded links to book English language tests and citizenship ceremonies in Swindon.
Please contact our expert team of immigration lawyers at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for legal assistance. We will review your application for British Citizenship in Swindon and discuss the likelihood of your success. Contact Now!
