Citizenship

British Citizenship

Become a British citizen and gain the right to a British passport.

1,000+ applications handled, and none refused to date
Former UK immigration judge reviews every Complete & Priority application
Full service £599, £399 to start

Excellent 4.9/5 200 reviews on Trustpilot Expert check £349 · Full service from £599

Naturalisation is how most adults become British citizens. You'll usually need to have lived in the UK for 5 years and held indefinite leave to remain (or settled status) for 12 months – or 3 years, with no 12-month wait, if you're married to a British citizen. You must also pass the Life in the UK Test, prove your English and meet the good character requirement.

Home Office fee from: £1,839
Typical decision: Usually within 6 months
Leads to settlement: The final step
Rules last checked: September 2026

From our Trustpilot reviews

22 Jan 2026

I would like to sincerely thank Mayfair Solicitors, especially Mr. Mohsin Uddin, for handling every stage of my immigration journey with exceptional professionalism and genuine care. From my very first application – the Spouse Visa – Mohsin Uddin tailored every detail with precision, ensuring nothing was ever missed. I had previously dealt with another solicitor, but the difference in service was remarkable. Mohsin was never too busy to answer my calls, respond to my emails, or reassure me when I was anxious. His communication and commitment gave me confidence at every step. Because of the trust and faith I developed in him, I also instructed Mohsin to manage my ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application. Thanks to his guidance and meticulous attention to detail, my ILR was approved within three months. Mohsin then advised me to apply for Naturalisation without delay due to upcoming rule changes and rising passport fees. I followed his advice, and with his continued support, I received my British Passport in November 2025 — something I once feared might never happen. I was extremely worried when I started this process years ago, but Mohsin’s expertise, encouragement, and clear direction gave me the confidence to submit everything required by the Home Office without hesitation. If anyone is struggling with immigration matters or needs trustworthy legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend Mayfair Solicitors. I am living proof of what the right solicitor can achieve.

Noria · Trustpilot
10 Mar 2026

Excellent service! I have used Mayfair Immigration Visa Services twice for my visa applications, and both times my visas were successfully approved. The team is very professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the whole process. They clearly explained all the requirements and guided me step by step, which made the application much easier and less stressful. Their communication was always quick and helpful whenever I had questions. I truly appreciate their dedication and professionalism. I highly recommend Mayfair Visa Services to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy visa assistance.

Shahidah M. · Trustpilot

Excellent 4.9/5 · read all 200 reviews on Trustpilot

Read this before you apply

Why applications
get refused.

The Home Office doesn't refund fees for refused applications. These are among the most common reasons British Citizenship applications fail, and exactly what our former-judge review is designed to catch.

A refusal would cost you £1,839 in Home Office application fees, which aren't refunded. And you'd lose months starting again, with a refusal to declare on future applications.

Not in the UK on the first day of the qualifying period
You must have been physically in the UK exactly 5 years (or 3 years) before the Home Office receives your application. Being abroad on that single day is a common and avoidable reason for refusal.
Too many absences
Going over 450 days in 5 years (270 in 3 years), or 90 days in the final year, can lead to refusal unless there are strong reasons – such as work that requires travel – and you've clearly made the UK your home.
Undeclared convictions or penalties
Everything must be declared, including cautions and offences abroad. A custodial sentence of 12 months or more will normally lead to refusal, as will a non-custodial sentence or out-of-court disposal in the 3 years before the decision. Failing to declare is itself a reason to refuse.
Immigration breaches or illegal entry
Breaches of immigration law in the 10 years before the decision – such as overstaying or working without permission – will normally lead to refusal. Applications made from 10 February 2025 by anyone who entered the UK illegally will normally be refused, however long ago it happened.
Applying too soon after settlement
Unless you're married to a British citizen, you usually need to have held indefinite leave to remain or settled status for 12 months first.
Financial issues
You must declare bankruptcy, unreasonably unpaid Council Tax, fraud involving public funds or an unpaid NHS debt of £500 or more. Leaving these out can lead to refusal on character grounds.
Referee problems
Referees who are related to you, haven't known you for 3 years, are acting as your representative or have recent convictions won't be accepted.

Where AI chatbots go wrong on this routeMistakes AI tools commonly make on this route. Any one of them can mean a refusal, and a £1,839 application fee you won't get back.

Missing the first-day ruleYou must have been physically in the UK exactly 5 years (or 3 years if your spouse is British) before the day the Home Office receives your application. Being abroad on that single day is a common and avoidable reason for refusal, and chatbots rarely mention it.
Running only one absence testThere are two limits: no more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5-year period (270 days in 3 years for spouses of British citizens), and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months. Both are measured back from the day your application is received. AI tools often apply only one test, or the wrong period.
Applying too soon after settlementUnless you're married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you usually need to have held indefinite leave to remain or settled status for 12 months first. Applying early means a refusal and a lost fee of £1,709. Chatbots often give the residence period and forget the waiting time.
Assuming small matters don't countEverything must be declared, including cautions, offences abroad, fixed penalty notices, unpaid Council Tax and NHS debts of £500 or more. A non-custodial sentence or out-of-court disposal in the 3 years before the decision will normally lead to refusal, and failing to declare something is a reason to refuse in itself. AI can't assess your history the way a caseworker will.
Missing the illegal-entry ruleBreaches of immigration law in the 10 years before the decision will normally lead to refusal. Applications made from 10 February 2025 by anyone who entered the UK illegally will normally be refused, however long ago it happened. Older AI answers don't know this rule exists.
Referees and English evidence that get rejectedYou need 2 referees who've known you for at least 3 years: one a professional person, the other a British passport holder who is a professional person or over 25. Relatives and your own representative can't act. If you have EU settled status, you won't yet have proved your English. Chatbots rarely check either.

Refused before? Or simply can't afford to be?

A former UK immigration judge reviews every Complete and Priority application we prepare before it's submitted.

0203 468 4741

In their words

What our clients say

Excellent 4.9/5 200 reviews on Trustpilot

22 Jan 2026
Best Immigration Solicitors.
I would like to sincerely thank Mayfair Solicitors, especially Mr. Mohsin Uddin, for handling every stage of my immigration journey with exceptional professionalism and genuine care. From my very first application – the Spouse Visa – Mohsin Uddin tailored every detail with precision, ensuring nothing was ever missed. I had previously dealt with another solicitor, but the difference in service was remarkable. Mohsin was never too busy to answer my calls, respond to my emails, or reassure me when I was anxious. His communication and commitment gave me confidence at every step. Because of the trust and faith I developed in him, I also instructed Mohsin to manage my ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application. Thanks to his guidance and meticulous attention to detail, my ILR was approved within three months. Mohsin then advised me to apply for Naturalisation without delay due to upcoming rule changes and rising passport fees. I followed his advice, and with his continued support, I received my British Passport in November 2025 — something I once feared might never happen. I was extremely worried when I started this process years ago, but Mohsin’s expertise, encouragement, and clear direction gave me the confidence to submit everything required by the Home Office without hesitation. If anyone is struggling with immigration matters or needs trustworthy legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend Mayfair Solicitors. I am living proof of what the right solicitor can achieve.

NoriaSpouse / Partner
10 Mar 2026
Excellent service
Excellent service! I have used Mayfair Immigration Visa Services twice for my visa applications, and both times my visas were successfully approved. The team is very professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the whole process. They clearly explained all the requirements and guided me step by step, which made the application much easier and less stressful. Their communication was always quick and helpful whenever I had questions. I truly appreciate their dedication and professionalism. I highly recommend Mayfair Visa Services to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy visa assistance.

Shahidah M.
24 Feb 2026

Mayfair Immigration Services provided outstanding support throughout my visa application process. In particular, my Case Owner, John, was truly exceptional. He offered clear, detailed guidance at every step and patiently listened to all my questions and concerns — no matter how many I had. His professionalism and reassurance made me feel fully supported during what could have otherwise been an extremely stressful experience.

Francine G.
29 Oct 2025

John was our case worker and he was amazing! Extremely helpful in answering all questions I had and helping us through every step. Very thorough with documents list and checking all documents were there.

Kelly
16 Oct 2025
Fantastic personal service
Fantastic personal service Attention to detail Professionalism Communication I have used them twice now with complicated visa applications and they were brilliant

Terry S. ✓ Verified
8 Jul 2025
Thank you!!
Thank you to John for his great communication, explained everything in full and ensured he was clear and concise at all times. Our visa was approved today! And I couldn’t have done it without the support from John/Mayfair Immigration!! Highly recommended!

Olivia A.
18 Sep 2026

Our experience with Mohsin at Mayfair Immigration was beyond anything we could have imagined my husbands 1st spousal visa was done with honesty efficiency and we were guided through very difficult paperwork, explanations were made clear so we could understand all that was required of us anything we needed to confirm with Mohsin we were contacted quickly ,we never felt that we couldn't contact Mohsin ,we will always recommend Mayfair Immigration to anyone who needs the help and support through difficult situations,Thanku for all your help and support

Graham W.Spouse / Partner
21 Aug 2026
Spouse Visa Extension
Just received my spouse visa extension with the help of Mayfair immigration and more specifically the assistance and support from Mr John. John has helped me completely through the whole process and made sure everything is in perfect order and answered my queries all the time. Thank you so much John.

Rohan U.Spouse / Partner
30 Jun 2026

John has supported me and my husband with spousal visa on point of entry and the 2 1/2 year renewal. Both times he has shown us patience and grace. Will definitely be using them in the 2 1/2 years which I look forward to. Thank you John!

DiamondSpouse / Partner
29 Jun 2026

John made applying for my wife’s spousal visa feel seamless, he was happy to take my calls and answer any questions I had and took all the stress out of the application process.

Josh S.Spouse / Partner
29 May 2026
If your looking for help with your UK immigration visa application
If your looking for help with your UK Immigration needs, i fully recommend Mayfair Immigration Solicitors. This is my wife's second round of Immigration application and we have used Mayfair both times. Excellent service and totally reliable. May I say a special Thank You to John he went above and beyond to help me and always took my calls, if not, rang back as soon as he was free. Kept me informed and up to date on progress and always available to help with any questions and the endless paperwork for this process. My heartfelt thanks to John and Mayfair, no need to look anywhere else if you are appliying for a UK Visa. Thanks 😀

David B.Spouse / Partner
28 Oct 2025
Excellent and top quality service by Mayfair and John
John and Mayfair team had previously supported us in our spouse visa application 2 years back with a fantastic service. Therefore, we engaged again with John and his team, who have been very helpful and super supportive in assisting our spouse visa extension case. So, this is our second engagement with Mayfair and they are brilliant. Highly professional and specialized in what they do. We appreciate John and his team were always reachable and had addressed any queries/issues we raised to them ensuring we are at peace, which we felt very important and fantastic about them. We will engage with them in 2.5 years of time from now for my wife's ILR. God bless you John and team for your support and service.

Leonard J.Spouse / Partner

Read all 200 reviews on Trustpilot

Who it's for

You can apply if one statement from each of the first two groups describes you and you meet everything in group 3.

Your statusOne of these

Indefinite leave to remain or settled status, held for at least 12 months
or
Indefinite leave to remain or settled status, and married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen (no 12-month wait)

Your time in the UKOne of these

At least 5 years' residence, with no more than 450 days away (90 in the last 12 months)
or
If married to a British citizen: at least 3 years, with no more than 270 days away (90 in the last 12 months)

What everyone needsAll of these

Aged 18 or over
and
A pass in the Life in the UK Test, unless you're exempt
and
English at B1 or above, unless you're exempt
and
Good character, and 2 referees who've known you for at least 3 years

Eligibility requirements

You'll need to meet every one of these. Each has its own evidence rules, and that's where applications most often go wrong.

01
Age and immigration status

You must be 18 or over and hold indefinite leave to remain, indefinite leave to enter or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. source
02
Time since settlement

You must usually have held your indefinite leave or settled status for 12 months before you apply. There's no waiting period if you're married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen. source
03
Residence period

You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (3 years if your spouse or civil partner is British), and have been physically in the UK exactly 5 (or 3) years before the day the Home Office receives your application. source
04
Absences from the UK

You should not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the 5-year period (270 days in the 3-year period for spouses), or more than 90 days in the last 12 months. source
05
Life in the UK Test

You must have passed the Life in the UK Test, unless you're aged 65 or over or have a long-term condition that prevents you. A pass from your settlement application can be used again. source
06
English language

You must prove your English speaking and listening at B1 or above, or hold a degree taught or researched in English, unless you're exempt. source
07
Good character

You must be of good character. Criminal convictions, immigration breaches, illegal entry, deception and some financial issues can all lead to refusal. source
08
Future intentions

On the standard 5-year route you must intend to continue living in the UK. source
09
Two referees

Your application must be endorsed by 2 referees who have known you for at least 3 years – one a professional person, the other a British passport holder who is a professional person or over 25. source

English language

You need a Home Office approved Secure English Language Test in speaking and listening at B1 or above, or a degree taught or researched in English (an overseas degree needs confirmation from Ecctis). If you were granted indefinite leave to remain on the basis of a B1 qualification, you don't need to take another test. You're exempt if you're aged 65 or over, have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you meeting the requirement, or are a national of a listed majority English-speaking country. If you have EU settled status, you won't have met this requirement when you settled, so you'll need to meet it before applying. source

How to apply, step by step

1
Check your dates
Confirm you were in the UK on the first day of your qualifying period, count your absences and make sure 12 months have passed since you settled (unless you're married to a British citizen).
2
Meet the knowledge requirements
Pass the Life in the UK Test and make sure you have accepted evidence of your English at B1 or above.
3
Arrange your referees
Choose 2 referees who meet the requirements and have known you for at least 3 years.
4
Apply online and pay
Complete the naturalisation application and pay the fee, which includes the citizenship ceremony fee.
5
Give biometrics
Attend a UKVCAS appointment to give your fingerprints and photo, and upload or scan your documents.
6
Attend your ceremony
If you're approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony within 90 days of your invitation. You then get your certificate and can apply for a British passport.

Check your dates

Processing times

Standard serviceUsually within 6 monthssource

Priority service (online applications only)Usually within 30 working dayssource

Citizenship ceremonyMust be attended within 90 days of your invitationsource

Costs

Home Office fee	Amount
Naturalisation application (£1,709 fee plus £130 ceremony fee) (per person) source	£1,839
Life in the UK Test (per test) source	£50
Priority service (optional) source	£500
Registering a child as a British citizen (per child) source	£1,000

Home Office fees only, paid directly to the Home Office. Our own fixed fees are separate and set out in the packages on this page.

Fixed-fee representation

One fixed fee, agreed before we start, for your British Citizenship application. No hourly billing, never paid all up front.

Application Check

You prepare it. A solicitor checks it and tells you exactly what to fix.

£349 Fixed fee · Written report in 48 hours

Best for: You've prepared the application yourself, perhaps with an AI tool, and want an expert check before you pay the Home Office.

Prepared by: You, reviewed by a solicitor
Evidence reviewed document by document: With written fix suggestions
Consultation calls: 1 call to go through your report
Turnaround: Report in 48 hours
Residence and absence tests checked

Not a full case: no former-judge review and no appeal guarantee. You submit the application yourself.

How you pay

£349One payment when you instruct us

You submit the application yourself

Recommended

Complete

Your own dedicated solicitor, from first call to decision

£599 Fixed fee · £399 to start · Ready within 72 hours of receiving your documents

Best for: Most people. Especially if anything about your case is less than simple.

Prepared by: Your dedicated solicitor
We prepare and submit it for you
Evidence reviewed document by document
Former immigration judge review before submission
Consultation calls: Unlimited
Turnaround: Ready in 72 hours
Aftercare to your next milestone
Referee and document guidance

How you pay

£399When you instruct us
£100When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
£100Before we submit your application

We prepare and submit it for you

Priority

A senior solicitor, every extra piece of evidence, fastest turnaround

£799 Fixed fee · £399 to start · Ready within 48 hours of receiving your documents

Best for: Complex histories, previous refusals, tight deadlines, or when you simply want the most thorough case.

Prepared by: Senior solicitor
We prepare and submit it for you
Evidence reviewed document by document
Former immigration judge review before submission
Supporting statements drafted for you
Consultation calls: Unlimited, direct line
Turnaround: Ready in 48 hours
Aftercare to your next milestone
Good-character review of your full history
Residence and absence calculation, both tests

How you pay

£399When you instruct us
£200When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
£200Before we submit your application

We prepare and submit it for you

British citizenship refusals have no right of appeal, so our appeal guarantee doesn't apply. If you're refused, we'll advise on reconsideration or the strongest fresh application.

How payment works

You never pay the whole fee up front. For Complete and Priority you pay £399 to start, then the balance in two equal stages as your case moves forward.

1£399When you instruct us
2Stage 2When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
3Stage 3Before we submit your application

Complete and Priority both include

Every form completed and checked against the current rules
A tailored document checklist for your circumstances
Legal representation letter setting out how you meet each rule
A former UK immigration judge's review before submission
Help booking your biometrics appointment
Progress tracking and updates until a decision

Compare the packages side by side

Feature	Application Check£349	Complete£599	Priority£799
Prepared by	You, reviewed by a solicitor	Your dedicated solicitor	Senior solicitor
We prepare and submit it for you	–	✓	✓
Evidence reviewed document by document	With written fix suggestions	✓	✓
Former immigration judge review before submission	–	✓	✓
Supporting statements drafted for you	–	–	✓
Consultation calls	1 call to go through your report	Unlimited	Unlimited, direct line
Turnaround	Report in 48 hours	Ready in 72 hours	Ready in 48 hours
Aftercare to your next milestone	–	✓	✓
How you pay	£349 up front	£399 to start£100 after your questionnaire£100 before submission	£399 to start£200 after your questionnaire£200 before submission
Extras for this visa	Residence and absence tests checked	Referee and document guidance	Good-character review of your full historyResidence and absence calculation, both tests

Fixed professional fees. Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are paid separately, straight to the Home Office. For this visa, Home Office fees start from £1,839; see the full breakdown in costs & timings.

Duration & settlement

How long it lasts

British citizenship is permanent and doesn't need renewing; once you've attended your ceremony you can apply for a British passport.

Route to settlement

Citizenship is the final step after settlement: you'll usually need indefinite leave to remain or settled status first. Once you're British, you no longer need immigration permission to live in the UK.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my current nationality?

The UK allows dual nationality, but not every country does. Check with the authorities of your current country before you apply, as you could lose your existing citizenship.

How soon after getting ILR can I apply?

Usually 12 months after getting indefinite leave to remain or settled status. If you're married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen, you can apply as soon as you have it, provided you meet the 3-year residence requirement.

Do I need to take the English test again?

Not if your indefinite leave to remain was granted on the basis of a B1 English qualification. Otherwise you'll need an approved test or an accepted degree. You don't need to retake the Life in the UK Test if you've already passed it.

Are my children automatically British?

A child born in the UK after you got indefinite leave to remain may automatically be British. Children born abroad, or born in the UK before you settled, usually need to be registered, which costs £1,000 per child.

Can I travel while my application is being processed?

Yes – a citizenship application doesn't stop you travelling, but keep your immigration status valid until your ceremony. If you tell the Home Office you're abroad, or plan to be abroad for a continuous period of more than 6 months, your application will usually be unsuccessful.

Will a speeding ticket affect my application?

A fixed penalty notice that you've paid won't normally lead to refusal, but you should still declare it. Several penalties in a short period, or one that led to a court conviction, can count against you.

Will the earned settlement changes affect citizenship?

The Government has said citizenship reforms will follow its settlement changes, but changes to the British Nationality Act need new primary legislation. As of 23 September 2026 the naturalisation requirements described here still apply.

What happens after my application is approved?

You'll be invited to a citizenship ceremony, which you must attend within 90 days. You get your certificate at the ceremony, should then destroy any biometric residence permit you still hold, and can apply for a British passport.

How we help with your British Citizenship application

01
Check your residence dates and absences day by day, including the critical first day of your qualifying period.
02
Review your full history against the good character guidance and advise whether to apply now or wait.
03
Prepare legal representations for excess absences, past immigration issues or minor convictions.
04
Advise on registering your children and on the dual nationality implications for your home country.
05
Manage the application from start to finish, including referees, documents and the priority service.

Free consultation

Talk it through with a specialist.

No obligation, and a clear quote before any work starts. Every Complete and Priority application we prepare is reviewed by a former UK immigration judge before it's submitted.

or call 0203 468 4741

Why not just ask a chatbot?

An AI chatbot

Out-of-date thresholds, fees and English levels
Confident answers that are simply wrong
No view of your actual evidence
No accountability when it goes wrong
Your sensitive data pasted into a public tool

A Mayfair Immigration specialist

Current rules, checked against official guidance and the Immigration Rules
Every document reviewed against the evidence requirements
A former immigration judge's review before submission (Complete and Priority)
One named solicitor who is accountable for your case

British Citizenship

Free consultation

From our Trustpilot reviews

Why applicationsget refused.

Not in the UK on the first day of the qualifying period

Too many absences

Undeclared convictions or penalties

Immigration breaches or illegal entry

Applying too soon after settlement

Financial issues

Referee problems

What our clients say

Who it's for

Eligibility requirements

Age and immigration status

Time since settlement

Residence period

Absences from the UK

Life in the UK Test

English language

Good character

Future intentions

Two referees

English language

Documents checklist

How to apply, step by step

Check your dates

Meet the knowledge requirements

Arrange your referees

Apply online and pay

Give biometrics

Attend your ceremony

Check your dates

Processing times

Costs

Fixed-fee representation

Duration & settlement

Frequently asked questions

How we help with your British Citizenship application

Why not just ask a chatbot?

Sources

Where this leads next.

Why applications
get refused.