How to apply for British Citizenship: what evidence is required?

This video goes through the evidence that is generally required in a British citizenship by naturalisation application, with examples and references to the relevant guidance. UPDATES SINCE POSTING ARE HERE IN THE FAQs: www.edgewaterlegal.com/servic.... As ever, this is intended to help people with their applications in a general way, and is not intended to constitute legal advice. If you would like me to review your application before it is submitted, send us a message via our contact form: www.edgewaterlegal.com/contact/. For more resources and help with your application please visit: www.edgewaterlegal.com/servic...

[@Ruban.s]

Thanks very much .very well presented

[@IRENE-yb7gk]

Thank you for doing this video. It helps alot for us applicants. We need guidance to know what we are doing is right and in accordance to the rules of the Home Office. Thank you so much and looking forward for more videos like this. GOD bless you Sir.

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Thanks for the feedback Irene, glad it has helped. Trying to find time to do more

[@user-zy3is3cq8c]

That’s awesome Nick! Btw Nick, what’s the difference bet SE04 & OS forms of citizenship referees declaration please?

[@ermi4973]

Thank you for sharing this highly valuable video free of charge. I have one question regarding poof of absence. If you already have ILR/Settled status which requires you to meet the same absence criteria, why do you need to prove it again extensively? Shouldn’t you just prove the last 12 months?

[@Roberto-mh1tb]

Hello Nick, I am a 62 yo settled EU national back in 2019. Never left the UK since 2017. Working as a MFL/SEND teacher. Due to mental health issues I have my Consultant to complete and sign the Waiver Koll. Which form do I fill for the naturalisation please? Many thanks in advance for your much needed response. Congratulations for the clarity of your channel.

[@TheAllanribeiro]

Thanks for the video! My question is , I don’t remember the dates when I entrance and exit for holiday, what can I do for complete this form ?

[@aramrasuli5749]

Thank you

[@shawnd176]

I have not left the UK since I entered the country. I have settled in status and have lived here for 10 years. How shall I prove that I have not been absent from the country as a student? Thank you for the video btw it's very informatic.

[@vivayo4588]

Thank you for this useful content. But what happens to those EU legally residing in the UK who were made redundant during the start of the pandemic (march 2020) and thus cannot prove via employer letter or NIN letter that they were in fact in the UK during that period. What alternative evidence would be considered by the Home Office, please? Will bank statements be sufficient when the pandemic meant no going out and we stayed at home 24/7?

[@taragibson7638]

Hello, thank you for making such a clear and helpful video! Had a quick question as I'm getting ready to apply for my citizenship under the marriage route - with my referees, is it ok to have my employer be one of them and a friend who is a teacher (he has only been a teacher for a year or two) be the other one? Both live in the UK, are over 25, and are in the professional category. Just wasn't sure if my employer was allowed to be a referee, but couldn't find anywhere where it says I can't use them. Thank you for all your help! xx

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Hi Tara, I can’t give specific advice on your particular case, but I have written a pretty detailed article about this which I hope should help: www.edgewaterlegal.com/insight/referees-in-british-citizenship-applications-why-who-what-where-when-and-how

[@symo9924]

Thanks so much for your video! For the professional referee, can the person be Irish and residing outside the UK? Thanks a lot!

[@ThecreatorV]

Thank you for this amazing video it’s really helpful ,one question I haven’t left Uk for 5 years straight except one time but I can’t find the tickets I was away for 15 days you think that would be a problem? Also I don’t have the contracts from all the landlords for 5 years straight but I have for 4 years thank you for the help🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@MariaRosa-sb4om]

Hi, thank you for the video! In relation to the English language test, I understand that it is valid for two years only: is it two years to the date I complete the online application or to the date I have the biometric information appointment? Thank you!

[@user-ce7wo4bk6f]

Hi thank you for the video, is it true the more documents the better to proof residence? I’ve seen people show loads of documents to proof residence. Is it better to just get few quality letters

[@somayehsargaran1786]

Thank you for the video, it was very helpful. Just I didn't work in recent three years as I was pregnant and now I am taking care of my baby. I would ask you if I provide two p60 from my previouse works and plus mortgage agreement, are they enough? I am an eu family member and a year ago I got my second citizenship by a eu country. Unfortunatly even when I wasn't eu citizen, my passport doesn't have enough entry stamps for each time I entered UK and I really don't know why!!! (I always used the same document and gates to enter UK) So I would like ask you what can I provide as housewife to show my present in UK? Many thanks again

[@nestido]

Great video, thank you! With the new update from 28 June, is it still recommended to provide evidence of residence for 10 years for EU nationals?

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Broadly yes, but I can’t comment on your specific case without knowing more about it

[@Zill-cool1000]

Anytime you renewed your biometric card home office collect the old one, can you please explain what's are other options

[@chrs87]

Do you have to declare parking tickets PCN or ULEZ Penalty or CC penalties on your citizenship application?

[@robertmadea9229]

I hope employment history from HMRC could be supporting document. And p60

[@margaretpicaso1983]

Hi, my bf lost his old (invalid) Philippine passport. Does he need it to apply for British citizenship? He has his current one but doesn’t have the passport he used when he first landed the UK. He already has ILR

[@globalrodicagazii7490]

Thank you for good explications I has been ready long time a go from decades all ready RECORDET but I will contact you GR

[@adamf.2708]

Hi Nick, I intend to apply soon for the naturalization , so the 5 years of my qualifying period would look as follows, 4 years on emplyment and 1 year without a work so i am wondering how to cover this gap of 1 year in terms of evidences of residency? would 1 goverment letter that was sent to my address in the gap year with my name on it suffice to cover that year ? how many evidences are needed to cover that year ? Thanks

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Hi Adam, I can’t provide specific advice on your case beyond the general guidance given in the video, I’m afraid

[@neslihanyildiz5960]

Help !!!! Do we need to write all our absences or do we need to give details of absences from the uk during the last 5 years ?????

[@ardeq]

Can I apply for citizenship straight from pre settled if I have been here longer than 6 years? Thank you in advance!!

[@ernestosagie5872]

is it advisable to use UKVCAS IDV or book an appointment for submitting document for British citizenship application?

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Hi Ernest, this will depend on your circumstances

[@Ixeon659]

Hello, as I understand if someone has Settled Status and lived further 12 months then it is already being considered as lawful residence? Without any checks of what you were doing during these years?

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Have a look at Home Office policy at page 25 for more on this: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1083162/Naturalisation_as_British_citizen_by_discretion.pdf#page45

[@insan4508]

What are taxi fares like do you agree taxi fare at start of journey

[@faridharidi6343]

Hi. I got my ILR long resident (10 years route) . My husband is British When can I apply for citizenship And witch form do I need

[@isaacacquaye7389]

Hi Sir, just a quick question, in the requirements, it says you should not have broken any Uk immigration law. I got settled status now from my wife who is an EU citizen a year ago but I was illegal some years back before becoming legal through that path. Will it affect my application? Thanks

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Hi there, I'm afraid I can't give guidance on specific cases here. Happy to provide advice via a one off consultation if you feel you need support with this: www.edgewaterlegal.com/one-off-consultation

[@saritalimbu3915]

Does any module done through university qualify for english requirement?? Or currently doing Ba Hons Business management degree(second year running) qualify for English requirement??

[@ioanarsine5589]

As a EU applicant with settlement status do I still have to answer "yes" to previous applications?

[@SJI-Sports-Ltd-UK]

hi, can I upload color documents for the UK citizenship application?

[@mariavega4898]

Do you need to be employed to apply for citizenship

[@veronmosteanu7858]

Hi, is possible to do a video for obtaining British Citizenship for a child under 16 years , born outside uk, and EEA parents. Thank you!

[@laurav.1278]

Perhaps you could expand to pensioner status also including evidence

[@sadiqrahimi9955]

Hello، I've arrived in the UK illegally and and claimed asylum, my asylum claim was approved by the home office and I have been granted leave to remain for 5 years, after that I applied for indefinite leave to remain and the I have been granted. Now 12 months have passed and I want to apply for british citizenship. So the question is, I don't have any password, I didn't had any password on my arrival also. The only thing I have is my indefinite leave to remain, Can I still apply without a passport please? Thanks

[@laue16]

I lost my job 6 months ago. Do you think it can be an issue for my application

[@erchiguire2733]

Eu national here (with EUSS since 2018) in continuos employment since 2016. Will a "letter of employment" be a enough as evidence of residence for the 5 years qualifying period ? No need to add something else?

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Hi there. I can't provide advice on cases without seeing all of the information. Happy to review your application via a one off consultation if you think you need it: www.edgewaterlegal.com/one-off-consultation

[@istribulerumpirempong5032]

Hi I from Indonesia with visa spouse visa now 5 years can I direct to apply UK citizen without settlement visa? Thank you

[@abdelhakimkaci8525]

Hi sir I am submitting my application but I,have not done any job since I,have been here because I am looking after my children and family. Is is fine? Many thanks

[@Kotegug]

Hi Nick, if I have lost Life in the UK test certificate, how would I fill online application field with ID number? Thanks in advance.

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Hi Kote, good question. Have you tried contacting the centre where you originally took it? I’m assuming this was the pre-December 2019 tests where you got a hard copy proof that you had passed

[@Kotegug]

Yes, it was a time when paper certificates were issued. I have called to test center and they have redirected me to The Home Office. I was told to write a letter describing time, place where I have passed and that I have lost it. I asked if online application will allow me to apply with out ID number but they could not answer. Very useful channel, you have answered some question I have already had. Thanks

[@MariaMoss]

what happens if I don't have all the passports?

[@t.m3070]

Hi Please kindly let me know if Assistant nursery teacher is ok to act as professional referee ?

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Hi there, the Home Office list is reproduced here: www.edgewaterlegal.com/insight/referees-in-british-citizenship-applications-why-who-what-where-when-and-how

[@rositosernande1622]

What about an expired B1 English test can you still apply? My wife took and passed her test in august 2019 now we’re in 2023. Any answers would be appreciated. Thank you

[@ifeomaobi9811]

Yes u can use it 💯 percent

[@walidslougui2273]

Is ielts certificate is enough as evidence, bare in mind I passed my test in 2010 and I’m applying now in 2023?

[@rbrz]

As far as I am aware IELTS is only valid for 2 years. But someone correct me if I am wrong.

[@brianreed9955]

how much do you charge for representing my self

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Details are here Brian: www.edgewaterlegal.com/services/citizenship/

[@globalrodicagazii7490]

if I am Australian Resident why British is not granted?

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

Because Australia and Britain are different countries

[@AgentSmith145]

@@edgewaterlegal8228 savage

[@solsticebaby]

Best of luck everybody! I sent in my supporting documents back in April and I still don't have them back. Apparently they are holding everything while they process people coming from Ukraine. Totally understandable, but it's a bit of an ask to have people be separated from their passports for the better part of the year.

[@new25651]

U still waiting or u got passport

[@solsticebaby]

@@new25651 hi! So after trying a couple different email addresses I got a response and they sent my passport back to me in December. I just got the rest of my supporting documents back a few days ago along with a cover letter saying that my application has been approved! So I'm still waiting on a letter about the citizenship ceremony, but from online application submission until return of documents with notice of decision for me was just shy of 11 months. 😊

[@blatabe]

When you have ILR,the 5 years lawfully are not that important.

[@edgewaterlegal8228]

What if you got ILR in 1996?

[@anibalfernando3027]

Be prepared to open your wallets...quiet a few times..