Shabana Bukhari 
Are you considering the journey to British citizenship? If so, you’re about to embark on a path that offers numerous benefits, from the right to live permanently in the UK to the freedom to travel to 190 countries without a visa. However, navigating the complexities of citizenship applications and eligibility requirements can be daunting. That’s where a trusted citizenship attorney comes in. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the four crucial factors that can unlock the benefits of British citizenship with the help of a ‘Citizenship Attorney Near Me.’ Whether you’re new to this process or seeking to resolve a prior application rejection, understanding these factors will set you on the right course. Let’s delve into the world of British citizenship and the expertise of dedicated attorneys who can make your journey smoother.
What are the benefits to gaining British citizenship?
There are many benefits to gaining British citizenship:
- 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.
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.
What can citizenship attorneys help you with?
Naturally, citizenship attorneys can help you with British citizenship applications and advise on the relevant eligibility requirements. For instance, aiding you in booking your English language or ‘Life in the UK Test’.
If you have previously made a citizenship application but the Home Office rejected it, then citizenship attorneys can help.
Factors to bear in mind when hiring a citizenship attorney.
First Factor: Accreditation
The first factor to bear in mind when hiring a citizenship attorney is their accreditation by a professional body. As solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) who enforce high ethical standards within the legal profession and have the powers to also remove a solicitor’s accreditation for not doing so. It means as a client you are receiving advice from those who are constantly scrutinised and watched over meaning the advice received will be of a high standard.
If you wish to enquire about whether a certain top rated immigration solicitor which you have found on a list is accredited follow this link: SRA | Solicitors Register | Solicitors Regulation Authority. Type the name of the solicitor in and it will show you whether they are registered and for how long they have been registered for.
Second Factor: Consistent Communication
The second factor to consider is whether the citizenship attorney you are researching or thinking of going with provides their clients with consistent communication.
From the day you first enquire into their services and have a meeting, a communication method should be decided on. This can be suited to the clients need, for instance they may need to use remote forms of communication as they live abroad or too far away from visiting the office in person.
Then throughout your application or appeal process top rated immigration solicitors will keep you informed and involved throughout. This is to your best interests because they will either be contacting you to provide important updates or to ask you to submit certain documents as evidence.
Third Factor: Client Satisfaction
The third factor to bear in mind is whether a citizenship attorney has high rates of client satisfaction which will be based on excellent reviews from previous clients.
Client satisfaction will suggest that the citizenship attorney has put their client first and ensured they are comfortable throughout the entire process. For instance, they will be clear from the start about their fees and so there should be no hidden fees later down the line. They should also make sure clients understand all the aspects of their application, for instance eligibility requirements and keeping to a time limit for the most streamline application process.
But most importantly they will be able to get successful results for their client which is great assurance for you!
Fourth Factor: Extensive Expertise
The fourth and final factor to consider is whether the citizenship attorney has extensive experience in all aspects of British immigration law.
They should have the most up to date knowledge of any changes to this area of the law and certain routes which other solicitors do not have.
Additionally, they will have expertise on how the Home Office scrutinises applications and what things they are looking for. Therefore, including certain key evidence could change the success of your application and so knowing this is key.
Finally, especially if you have a complex case that involves appeals to an immigration tribunal a citizenship attorney in your area will be able to handle the preparation of evidence bundles and court representation.
How to locate a citizenship attorney near you.
Locating a citizenship attorney near you is easy!
Simply search on your internet browser for immigration attorneys near you and all of these will be able to provide support with British citizenship applications. Ensure however that you read their respective reviews to ensure that you are getting the best citizenship attorney in your area to provide you with advice.
However, it is extremely important that you do not just look at attorneys near you as immigration advisors are just as good. The only difference is the way in which they are regulated. As stipulated above, attorneys in England and Wales are regulated by the SRA. Whereas advisors are regulated by the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner). To find a highly rated immigration advisor in your area follow this link: Find an immigration adviser: Search for an adviser – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Input your postcode and see which advisors are closest to you. You can select distances from your address, such as 5 or 10 miles depending on how far you are able to travel to meet your advisor in person.
Also, as advisors do not have the status that solicitors usually have their fees are often lower as a reflection.
Follow this link to see immigration advisor near you has the capacity to offer you all levels of advice: home.oisc.gov.uk/adviser_finder/finder.aspx. In ascending order of advice, L1 means ‘Initial Advice’ which is just a quick meeting and very brief information about applications can be given. L1 advisors cannot complete applications for you. Or if you are appealing to an immigration tribunal, they cannot aid you in this undertaking. However, L2 ‘Casework’ advisors can aid you in completing applications. L3 ‘Advocacy and Representation’ advisors are even able to represent you in court.
Therefore, you should not overlook top rated immigration advisors as they often provide the same services as solicitors do.
FAQs about ‘Citizenship Attorney Near Me’
How long does an application for British citizenship take?
Home Office processing times for British citizenship by naturalisation applications are estimated on their guidance to take 6 months.
Am I able to travel overseas once submitting my British citizenship application?
Yes, you can travel overseas once submitting your application for British citizenship. But ensure that you are meeting the continuous residence requirement discussed above. Also, you must provide biometric information within 45 days from submitting your application so ensure that you are able to be in the UK to undertake this task.
How much does an application for British citizenship by naturalisation cost?
It costs £1,330 and a fee of £80 must also be paid for a citizenship ceremony if your application is successful.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic I believe that I am unable to meet the strict residence requirement. Does this mean that my British citizenship application is likely to be refused?
Not necessarily. The Home Office when reviewing applications understand the impact that Covid-19 has had on travel restrictions and therefore our team at Henleaze can review your individual situation and advise on whether your application is likely to be accepted.
Is it possible to lose British citizenship?
Yes. The Home Secretary can remove it if the application was untruthful and inaccurate.
Is it possible to have triple citizenship?
Yes. The laws in England state that multiple, also known as triple citizenship is permitted. However, the only restriction on this is if the other country’s laws permit triple citizenship.
Summary
In this blog readers have been led through the basics of what benefits comes with British citizenship and how to locate a citizenship attorney in your area.
Please contact our expert team of immigration lawyers at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for legal assistance with British citizenship application. We will discuss what is the best citizenship application for you, for instance by decent, birth or naturalisation.
