How to Gather Necessary Documents for British Citizenship Application

Once you have decided to apply for British citizenship, it is time to ensure that everything needed is taken care of. Numerous documents need to be provided alongside your British citizenship application. Depending upon the category you are selecting to apply for your citizenship, this list of documents will change.

You need to have the full list with you before you start the process of application. Since the process is online, you will most probably need to upload the necessary documents. So, ensure that you have the digital version of each one of them with you.

Categories Of British Citizenship

When you go on to apply for British citizenship, you will need to choose the category under which you will be applying. This will depend upon the criteria that you fulfil. So, it is important to know which are your eligibility criteria. You will be able to enjoy the benefits of British citizenship when you apply for it through the right channel.

Now, let’s first take a look at the different categories under one of which you will submit your British citizenship application.

• Citizenship by naturalisation
• Citizenship by naturalisation as a spouse of a British citizen
• Citizenship by birth
• Citizenship by ancestry

You will need to carefully pick the option based on your case. If you are eligible for citizenship under more than one category, choose the one that will offer the best attempt at your application being accepted.

Documents Needed for British Citizenship Application

So, now find out the list of the documents that you will require at the time of applying for British citizenship. As mentioned earlier, have these collected before you begin the application process. The application is submitted online. You will need to upload your supporting documents to the UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) website. It will allow you to book your appointment.

When you are applying for British citizenship, you might or might need to fix an appointment with the UKVCAS. The following documents will be required to be uploaded via the portal or will have to be mailed. In case you do not need an appointment, the documents will have to be provided via digital medium. However, if you are unable to upload the documents, or you need an appointment, you will be able to scan the documents at the centre as well. Once the application is submitted, you will receive an email with detailed instructions, based on your specific case. This mail will also provide you with the details of the appointment centres if you need to have an appointment.

Since, either way, you will need to provide the documents, now let’s know about the documents that you will need for the application.

Personal Identification Document

Personal identification documents are essential in the application process. It needs to be uploaded via the UKVCAS portal. In case you are unable to upload it, you will need to get it scanned at the centre of the appointment. The acceptable identification documents need to be a government-issued identification with your photograph. This can be your passport, driving licence with photograph, or biometric residence permit provided to you in the UK.

Biometric Information

The biometric information needs to be recorded for processing of the application. This will include taking the photograph and recording the fingerprints. There is a step wherein you will be needed to provide your biometric information. During that step itself, the data should be uploaded on the UKVCAS portal.

For those who need an appointment, they will need to carry a few documents when they arrive for the appointment. You should have the following documents:

Appointment Confirmation Document

Your appointment confirmation document needs to be printed and taken with you for the appointment at the centre. It will also need to have the QR code.

Passport or Travel Documents

Remember to carry your passport or other travel documents that you have.

Besides these two documents, you will also need to carry any other documents that you are asked to carry along with you. The list of these documents will be included in the email that you will receive confirmation about your appointment.

Documents For Accompanying Family Members or Child

In case your British citizenship application includes your family members or child, documents will be necessary for every person.

For family members, it is compulsory to go for an appointment together. This is in case the application included family members.

For children who are less than 16 years of age, a responsible and designated adult needs to be there. This adult will have to carry an identification document. This ID needs to include the photo of the person and can be the driver’s licence, passport, UK biometric residence permit, or nationality card.

Documents For Citizenship By Descent

In case you are applying for citizenship by descent, then you will need to be able to prove that you are the direct descend of the person who is/was a British citizen. These documents will be needed in addition to your identification and biometric documents. This is a special case where you will get citizenship because either one or both of your parents or grandparents were born in the UK or have UK citizenship. However, this only applies to direct descendants. This means that you cannot claim citizenship based on your uncle or aunt’s citizenship. Moreover, you must have all the documents that prove the citizenship of your direct ancestor and your relationship with your ancestor. 

Benefits of British Citizenship

Once your application is accepted, and you have completed all the formalities, you will be officially given British citizenship status. This gives you the right to enjoy all the benefits of British citizenship. You will be able to stay and move to and from the UK without any restrictions. You will also be able to work, study, and run a business in the UK. These benefits also include your right to be part of the democratic process and enjoy benefits given by the British government. So, make sure that you do everything correctly. In case of any confusion, you can easily seek legal help or get advice from designated agents.