Our team of expert solicitors received some wonderful news that a client (the Applicant) had been granted British Citizenship. We had previously been instructed by the Applicant to prepare her EEA Permanent Residence application. The Applicant had contacted us for the second time informing us that she would like to instruct us to prepare her Naturalisation application in order to register as a British Citizen. Upon instruction, our specialist immigration team successfully prepared the application and received a decision on the application within 4 weeks from the date of submission.
Naturalisation Application: Background
The Applicant was a Bulgarian national who first entered the UK as an EEA national exercising her Treaty Rights. We had initially prepared her EEA Permanent Residence application showing that she had been exercising Treaty Rights for a period of 6 years. The advantage of showing exercise of Treaty Rights for 6 years is that if the application is granted, Applicants can apply for a British Citizenship without having to hold the EEA Permanent Residence card for 12 months. Once the Applicant acquired her EEA Permanent Residence card she instructed our immigration team to prepare her Naturalisation application.
Eligibility for a Naturalisation Application under the British Nationality Act 1981
Those wishing to submit a Naturalisation application must ensure they meet the requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981. In order to submit a successful Naturalisation Application, Applicants must ensure they meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be of sound mind and have good character;
- Applicants must intend on making the UK their main place of home and should be able to show some personal ties and connections to the UK;
- Applicants must have sufficient knowledge of English Language & Sufficient knowledge of life in the UK; and
- Applicants must meet the residency requirements and must not have absences from the UK exceeding 450 days in the qualifying period.
It is recommended those who wish to submit a Naturalisation application give us a call on 0207 1830 570 for a free telephone case assessments so can consider with you the requirements for a successful application.
Good Character Requirement in a Naturalisation application
In this particular case during the document review process, our solicitors had discovered the Applicant had received numerous speeding and parking tickets. She had also been issued with Penalty points on her Drivers Licence. Due to the large volume of tickets received this was a concern as the Home Office could have potentially relied on the tickets to refuse the application on the Good Character Requirement. Notwithstanding, it is crucial all information is disclosed to the Home Office. A failure to disclose a material fact could result in an application being refused and Applicants being barred from submitting future applications.
The key to a successful naturalisation application where there are concerns regarding the Good Character Requirement is submitting detailed submissions mitigating the issues and relying on case law precedents. “Good character” is not defined in the British Nationality Act 1981, so there is no statutory guidance for its interpretation in a British Nationality Application. In general, it means respecting the rights and freedoms of the UK, observing the law and fulfilling their duties and obligations as a resident of the UK.
How we can assist submit a successful Naturalisation Application
We prepare our Naturalisation applications with a great amount of detail ensuring all the requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981 are met. We have a proven method of submitting successful Naturalisation applications to the Home Office ensuring the best results for our clients. It is imperative the correct supporting documents are submitted with a Naturalisation application. Without sufficient mandatory and supporting documents, it is likely your application may be delayed and later refused. It is not uncommon for underprepared applications to suffer severe delays.
For every Naturalisation application, we are instructed on our Solicitors prepare a bespoke documents list outlining all the necessary documents required for a successful Naturalisation application. Following this our Solicitors provide multiple substantial reviews of the documents ensuring all the documents are in the correct format and meet the Home Office requirements. Our solicitors successfully guide Applicants through the application process and prepare detailed legal representations, which directly tackle all the issues, involved in the application and outline how the requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981 are met. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors prepare and assist with the completion of the AN Naturalisation application form.
Using Legal Representation to Submit a Naturalisation Application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa lawyers, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your Naturalisation application. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a Naturalisation application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject Naturalisation applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Naturalisation applications succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your Naturalisation application meets the requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981.
Successful British Naturalisation Application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your Naturalisation application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your Naturalisation application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. UK Immigration Experts is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Naturalisation application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.