Despite the complexity of the procedure for obtaining citizenship, the UK continues to be one of the most popular countries for immigration among Russians. Obtaining a British passport makes it possible to visit European states without a visa and work in the EU. Migrants receive many social and economic privileges, the ability to legally reside in a developed and stable state.
Who can apply for British citizenship
There are several programs in the country that allow you to obtain a British passport. All conditions and stages of obtaining citizenship of the country are governed by the British Citizenship Act 1981. To be able to apply for the issuance of a passport, a foreigner must meet all the requirements imposed by the legislation on migrants.
When considering a case, take into account:
- Age;
- Physical and mental health;
- English language proficiency;
- Knowledge of the characteristics and generally accepted norms of British society;
- Period of stay in the country;
- No criminal prosecution in the home country;
- Lack of criminal and administrative offenses in England.
For each criterion, there are established norms that make it possible to select the most worthy candidates for the issuance of passports.
Primary requirements:
| Condition | Description |
| Age | Only people over 18 years of age can apply for citizenship. |
| Health | The applicant's health condition must not pose a risk to UK residents. One of the main selection factors is the absence of socially dangerous diseases in the migrant. An equally important criterion is a person's mental health. Foreigners applying for a passport must be fully aware of their actions, rights and obligations, be of sound mind and be able to make decisions. |
| Language | Before becoming residents of the UK, applicants must pass written and oral tests to confirm their proficiency in the state language. The level of spoken language must meet the V1 criterion according to the generally accepted European scheme. A language proficiency certificate is not required for people:
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| Knowledge of general norms of life | Before accepting citizenship, a foreigner must learn the basic concepts of the Constitution and adhere to the norms of life accepted among the British. |
| Terms of residence in the country | Before being able to apply for a passport, the applicant must have lived on land owned by Britain for at least 5 years. During this period, he can stay abroad for a total of no more than 450 days. In the last year before accepting citizenship, he must not leave the country for more than 90 days. If the applicant exceeds the established limit, the period of residence may be extended for him. The exception is foreigners who have spent time overseas serving the interests of the UK. |
| Integrity | For the entire period of life in the country, a foreigner should not have been brought to the police, criminal or administrative offenses. Also important is the absence of tax arrears. Violation of immigration laws, staying in the country illegally or on an expired visa makes it impossible to obtain British citizenship. |
| Conviction | If the applicant has been under investigation in the past, he will be able to apply for citizenship after the conviction is completely removed. A positive decision to accept citizenship largely depends on the crime that the person previously committed. |
Who will not be able to obtain citizenship
British citizenship is granted only if there are grounds. For a person who does not have such, it makes no sense to submit documents.
Sometimes, if there are good reasons for obtaining a passport, a foreigner is refused. This happens if:
- The applicant violated the law during his stay in the country;
- A foreigner is convicted of having links with criminal or terrorist groups;
- Wanted for a crime committed in another country;
- Is a soldier in his home country;
- Serves in law enforcement agencies;
- Has violated UK immigration laws in the past;
- Has not reached the age of majority;
- Has a socially dangerous or mental illness.
How do you get citizenship
British law provides for a considerable number of programs for obtaining citizenship. There are several ways to get an English passport:
- By birthright;
- By the right of blood;
- By registration;
- Through marriage;
- By naturalization.
Citizenship by marriage
Having entered into a marriage union with a British citizen, a foreigner can apply for citizenship. For this, the family must have lived in the state for at least 3 years. Immediately after the registration of the relationship, the foreign spouse is automatically given a permanent residence permit. After the specified time has elapsed, subject to compliance with all established norms, you can apply for citizenship.
In addition to the general requirements that the applicant must meet, it will be necessary to prove that the spouses live together and run the household together. If the regulatory authorities establish the fact of a fictitious marriage, the foreigner will be deported from the country.
Citizenship by naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization can be obtained in several ways:
- Through employment;
- Through legal stay;
- Through illegal stay.
If a foreigner has been carrying out a professional activity in the UK for 6 years, he is entitled to apply for citizenship. Also, this right appears among migrants who have been legally staying in the country for 11 years.
Illegal migrants who have been living on the territory of states for 15 years have the opportunity to obtain a permanent residence permit and in a year to formalize the status of a citizen. An important factor in this is the absence of past deportations from the UK.
A prerequisite for naturalization is:
- Knowledge of the language;
- Good level of integration;
- Permanent residence in the last 12 months before granting citizenship.
Citizenship by Investment
Currently, it is not possible for foreigners to acquire the status of a British citizen by contributing money to the country's economy. Investors who have invested more than £ 2 million in state-owned enterprises are granted a temporary residence permit for 3 years with the possibility of renewal. Subsequently, they can apply for permanent residence.
An investor can obtain citizenship through naturalization.
Citizenship by registration
This opportunity is given to children born in England, if the parents are not its citizens. Also, this advantage can be used by minors of the countries of the former British colonies.
Citizenship by Right of Blood and Birth
Foreigners whose parents were previously nationals of this country can apply for a UK passport.
Children born to English in the United Kingdom will automatically acquire citizenship. Even if the parents subsequently moved and granted the child the status of a citizen of another state, he retains the right to a British passport.
Double citizenship
UK law does not prohibit dual citizenship, provided it is recognized by the applicant's home country. When obtaining a British passport, there is no need to give up the previous one. A native of Great Britain, when registering citizenship in another country, does not lose what he already has.
A different situation arises when the applicant has a passport of a country that does not recognize dual citizenship. In such cases, the migrant is considered to have lost his previous citizenship.
The procedure for obtaining British citizenship
Having decided on the grounds and compliance with the established criteria, a foreigner can proceed to the procedure for obtaining citizenship. The process begins with filling out a questionnaire and paying the state fee. After that, you can prepare documents.
What documents will be needed
The requirements for the type and list of a package of papers for registration of citizenship are the same for all applicants. Only additional certificates differ depending on the grounds for obtaining a passport.
Main package of documents
| Name | Requirements |
| international passport | All visas received were marked |
| ESOL certificate | Not less Entry 3 |
| Statement | Added information about current and former spouses, children, dates of entry and exit from the country. All information must be as complete as possible and certainly truthful. |
| Birth certificate | Supplemented with apostilled translation |
| Criminal record certificates at home and in the UK | A certificate from the British police must be issued immediately prior to submission of documents |
| Recommendations | At least 2 references from native British people who have known the applicant for at least 3 years, who are not his relatives |
| Certificate of absence of tax arrears | Inquire with your local tax authority |
Additionally you may need:
- Information about the civil service;
- Certificates of real estate owned or rented;
- Income information;
- Evidence of grounds for obtaining citizenship.
Reference! The candidate must complete training and pass exams under the ESOL with citizenship program. Training includes language skills, information about traditions and UK law.
Sample application form
Where to apply for citizenship
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship deals with the examination of documents and acceptance into citizenship.
The procedure takes place in several stages:
- Filling out an application;
- Payment of duty;
- Collection of documents;
- Transfer of the package to the immigration department;
- Interview with a department employee;
- Receiving a response;
- Oath of allegiance to Her Majesty;
- Obtaining a certificate of naturalization;
- Registration of a passport.
Reference! In the letter with the decision, the applicant will be able to find all instructions for further actions.
Terms and cost of registration
The exact period during which the application is considered is not legally established. It all depends on the grounds for registration. If more than 3 months have passed since the submission of the documents, and the applicant has not received an answer or invitation for an interview, it is appropriate to call the department and clarify at what stage the review process is. On average, it takes about 6 months from the date of filing to the issuance of a decision.
The cost of registration is limited by the state duty in the amount of 1236 euros... If the candidate uses the services of a lawyer, he will need to pay extra for legal assistance.
Reasons for refusal
The main reasons for refusal are:
- Lack of funds for the applicant;
- Information hidden to them about existing offenses.
If a negative answer is received, the foreigner can apply to the court with a request to reconsider the decision.
The procedure for obtaining British citizenship for immigrants from Russia has a lot of difficulties, but it is not impossible. When filling out the documents, the applicant should remember that the key to success is having a good income and detailed truthful information about himself.
