The UK Government has published official guidance on a new citizenship application route open to four specific categories of British nationals who currently hold a form of British nationality but have not yet attained full British citizenship. This route is available to British overseas citizens, British protected persons, British subjects, and British nationals (overseas). The guidance sets out the eligibility criteria, exclusions, and costs associated with the route.
To be eligible, applicants must fall into one of the four specified categories. However, not all holders of a British nationality status will qualify. The guidance makes clear that anyone who currently holds citizenship or nationality of another country is excluded, as are British overseas territories citizens. This means that individuals with dual nationality or those who are already citizens of another country will not be able to apply through this route.
The financial cost of applying is considerable. Each adult applicant is required to pay a total of £1,670, which comprises a £1,540 application fee and a £130 citizenship ceremony fee. Children's applications are charged at £1,000. There is one additional cost scenario to note: should a child turn 18 at any point while their application is still being processed, an extra £130 becomes payable to cover the citizenship ceremony that adult applicants are required to attend.
Families considering this route should also be aware of a significant limitation: children born outside the United Kingdom to a parent who successfully obtains citizenship through this route will not automatically become British citizens. Parents who wish their children to hold British citizenship would need to pursue separate arrangements. This highlights the importance of understanding the full implications of the citizenship route before applying.
The guidance forms part of the UK Government's broader nationality and immigration information for those looking to formalise their British citizenship status. The UK government has been making changes to its nationality and immigration rules, and this new route is part of those efforts. The changes aim to provide a clearer and more streamlined process for individuals seeking to obtain British citizenship.
The UK Justice Secretary has previously defended the government's decision to take more time before finalising reforms to the rules governing when foreign nationals can qualify for permanent residency. The government has been working to ensure that its nationality and immigration rules are fair and effective. The new citizenship route is part of these efforts to provide a clearer and more streamlined process for individuals seeking to obtain British citizenship.
The new citizenship route is a significant development for the four categories of British nationals who are eligible to apply. The guidance provides important information for individuals who are considering applying for British citizenship through this route. It is essential for applicants to carefully review the eligibility criteria and costs associated with the route before making a decision.
Key points
- The UK government has introduced a dedicated citizenship route for four categories of British nationals who do not yet hold full citizenship.
- The route is available to British overseas citizens, British protected persons, British subjects, and British nationals (overseas).
- The application fee for adult applicants is £1,670, while children's applications are charged at £1,000.
