Shabana Bukhari 
In this blog we will set out the essential documents required for a successful British citizenship application. Ensuring that you have everything in order no matter if you are applying for citizenship through birthright, naturalisation, or descent. Explore these different routes here: British Nationality: Exploring Citizenship Options. We will discuss why these documents are necessary when applying and then provide a checklist.
Why do I need supporting documents?
You need supporting documents because this is what the Home Office bases your suitability and credibility on when applying for British citizenship. They are evidence that applicants meet the criteria discussed in previous blogs. Submitting the correct documents are key because if you fail to do this your application may be rejected or returned unprocessed, costing you time and money. With this checklist you will receive successful results quickly.
Checklist of essential documents for British Citizenship
Note that these documents must be translated into English or Welsh if they are not already in those languages.
Proof of identity:
- Passport.
- Birth certificate – especially necessary if you are applying for British citizenship by birthright.
- Driving license.
- BRP Card.
- Home Office travel document or entitlement or ARC Card.
Note that if you booked the ‘Life in the UK Test’ using certain documents as proof of identity than you must use these same documents when making your British citizenship application.
Proof of residency:
To make sure an applicant has not exceeded the permitted number of days outside the UK you must provide 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 include 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 month AND no more than 450 days in the last 5 years.
- Recent pay slips or P60s must be provided which include your tax reference.
- A letter from either your educational establishment or employer stating when you began your studies/work.
Proof of status:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate if you are married to a British citizen.
Mandatory tests:
- Following your successful completion of the ‘Life in the UK Test’ you will receive a pass notification letter from the Home Office which you must submit.
An applicant needs to show ONE of the below as part of the English language requirement:
- English language certificates from Home Office approved list here: Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). The qualification must be at least level B1 CEFR from this SELT list.
If you already have this qualification that was accepted as part of an application for ILR you must provide this previous certificate.
- UK Degree certificate.
- Degree certificate that was either taught or researched in a majority English speaking country. There must also be an Academic Qualification Level Statement from UK NARIC confirming that this degree is equivalent to a UK qualification.
- Degree certificate that was NOT taught or researched in a majority English speaking country. The same proof as discussed above is required.
You may be exempt from the above English language requirement either if you:
- Are a national of the Home Office’s list of English-speaking countries. A passport is needed to prove this; or
- Over the age of 65 and suffers from a long term mental or physical health condition then a doctor must complete a Home Office form to confirm this.
Referee information:
Referees are people that can verify your identity. You will need both of their full names, dates of birth, job title, addresses for the past 3 years, contact number, email address and passport number.
Other documents:
- Proof that you hold ILR when applying under the naturalisation route.
- As part of the ‘Good Character’ requirement you may produce evidence that you have never breached any immigration laws and not broken any laws or gone bankrupt. The latter can be proved through bank statements.
- National insurance number.
- Any previous applications.
FAQs about British Citizenship Application Documents
How can Henleaze Law help?
Henleaze Law can tell you which necessary documents you have forgotten to include and how the Home Office will exercise its discretion when examining your application.
Am I exempt from taking either the ‘Life in the UK Test’ or securing the English language requirement?
Yes, you may be exempt if you are over the age of 65 and suffer from a long term physical or mental health condition.
Summary
To access the many benefits of gaining British citizenship ensure that you submit all the necessary documents discussed in this blog.
Please contact our expert team of immigration lawyers at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for legal assistance. We will tailor our advice to your needs for the strongest possible application and ensure you have all the documents the Home Office needs.
