British Citizenship Solicitors in Reading
Applying for British citizenship is a significant milestone. For many people, it’s the result of years spent building a life in the UK. But knowing whether you’re eligible isn’t always straightforward. Our British citizenship solicitors in Reading give you clear, practical advice on your naturalisation application. We help you from checking your eligibility through to your citizenship ceremony. We’ve supported individuals and families with immigration and nationality matters since 1987.
Speak to our immigration team today. Call 0118 951 6200 or complete our online enquiry form. We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and explain the best way forward.
How our British citizenship solicitors can help
Perhaps you’re wondering: can I apply for British citizenship after five years in the UK? Or, does my settled status mean I’m already British? Whatever brought you here, we can help you understand where you stand.
Naturalisation or registration — which route is right for you?
Most adults become British citizens through naturalisation. A smaller number apply through registration instead — for example, if they have a claim to citizenship through a parent, or fall into certain historical categories. We can tell you which route applies to your circumstances.
Checking whether you meet the requirements for British citizenship
Eligibility for British citizenship depends on your residence history, your immigration status, your English language ability, the Life in the UK Test and your personal circumstances.
In most cases, you will need to show that you:
- Have lived in the UK for the required period. This is usually six years, although a shorter qualifying period may apply in some circumstances, such as if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
- Have held the appropriate immigration status. Many applicants will need to have held Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status or another form of permanent immigration status before applying. The correct requirement will depend on your route to citizenship and your circumstances.
- Meet the residence requirements, including limits on time spent outside the UK. Your travel history forms an important part of your application, and time spent outside the UK may affect whether you meet the requirements.
- Meet the English language requirements. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will usually need to show that you meet the required level of English as part of your application.
- Have passed the Life in the UK Test. This test is intended to demonstrate your knowledge of British history, traditions and everyday life, unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Meet the good character requirement. The Home Office will consider your circumstances as a whole, including your immigration history and any matters that could affect your eligibility.
Every citizenship application has its own history, and eligibility is not always as simple as counting how many years you have lived in the UK. Previous visas, time spent outside the UK, changes in your circumstances or historic immigration matters can all be relevant when assessing whether you meet the requirements.
We can review your circumstances before you apply, explain how the requirements apply to you and highlight any steps you may need to take before submitting your application. This gives you a clearer understanding of your position before making an important decision about your future.
Advice If You Have Concerns About Your Immigration History
While many British citizenship applications follow a straightforward process, some circumstances need a closer look before you apply. You may have concerns about whether something in your immigration history could affect your application, such as spending longer periods outside the UK, changing visa routes, gaps in your immigration history or previous issues with the Home Office.
These circumstances don’t automatically prevent you from becoming a British citizen, but it’s important to understand how they may be considered as part of your application. Taking advice before you apply can help you identify any potential issues, understand your position and make informed decisions about the best way forward.
Our immigration team has experience advising on complex nationality matters and can review your circumstances, explain any issues that may arise and help you understand the options available to you.
Every application is different, but most naturalisation applications follow a similar path from initial advice through to your citizenship ceremony:
- Eligibility review and initial advice: We review your residence history, immigration status and personal circumstances, and explain whether you meet the requirements and which route is right for you.
- Gathering your evidence. This includes your Life in the UK Test certificate, English language evidence, and evidence of your residence and immigration history.
- Preparing and submitting your application: Once your evidence is ready, we prepare your application for your review and approval. We can usually submit within 2 to 4 weeks of you instructing us.
- Home Office decision: The Home Office reviews your application and evidence before deciding whether you meet the requirements, and may ask for more information or an interview. Processing times vary and aren’t guaranteed.
- Citizenship ceremony. If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to a citizenship ceremony, where you’ll make your oath or affirmation and receive your certificate of naturalisation.
- Applying for your British passport. Your certificate of naturalisation confirms your new status and allows you to apply for a British passport.
In our experience, applications move fastest when supporting evidence is gathered and checked before submission, rather than provided piecemeal once the Home Office has already started reviewing the case.
Costs of applying for British citizenship
Figures below are taken directly from FSP’s live immigration pricing page (fetched today). Government fees in particular are revised periodically — reconfirm all figures with the fee earner/compliance before publishing, per standard practice.
Our professional fee for a standard British citizenship application typically starts from £2,500 plus VAT and disbursements, in addition to the Home Office application fee. The exact cost depends on the complexity of your circumstances, and we’ll agree this with you before we start work.
Our fee covers reviewing your eligibility, preparing and submitting your application, and liaising with the Home Office until a decision is reached. It doesn’t include the Home Office application fee, booking your Life in the UK Test or English language test, or a UK passport application once you become a citizen.
You’ll also need to budget for disbursements such as the Home Office application fee (see current fees on GOV.UK), the Life in the UK Test (£50), and, where relevant, English language testing or document translation.
We can usually prepare and submit your application within 2 to 4 weeks of you instructing us. The Home Office doesn’t guarantee a decision date for citizenship applications.
It’s also worth knowing that the Home Office generally doesn’t refund the core application fee if your application is refused, although the citizenship ceremony fee is refunded if you don’t reach that stage. This is one reason it’s worth getting advice on your eligibility before you apply, rather than after.
For a full breakdown of our immigration fees, see our pricing information for immigration page.
Why Choose Field Seymour Parkes for British Citizenship Advice?
At Field Seymour Parkes, we understand that applying for British citizenship is about more than completing an application. It’s about making an important decision about your future, which is why we take the time to understand your circumstances and provide advice tailored to you. Here’s what you can expect when you instruct our immigration team:
A dedicated Head of Immigration: Our immigration team is led by Imelda Reddington, Partner and Head of Immigration, who has advised on UK immigration and nationality law since the introduction of the Points-Based System in 2007, almost two decades of specialist experience you can draw on for your application.
Accredited for quality and client care: We’ve held Lexcel accreditation from the Law Society since 2001, recognising excellence in legal practice management and client care across the firm. It’s an independent standard we’re assessed against, not just a badge we award ourselves.
Up to date with immigration law and policy: We’re members of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA), the leading body for immigration law professionals in the UK. This keeps us current on Home Office guidance and developments in nationality law, so the advice you receive reflects the latest position.
Nearly four decades in Reading: We’ve been supporting individuals and families with immigration and nationality matters from our Reading office since 1987. That local, long-standing presence means we understand the practical realities our clients face, not just the legal rules.
Clear advice, not jargon: We explain your options in plain English, not legal jargon, and tailor our advice to your circumstances rather than giving generic guidance. You’ll always understand exactly where you stand and what happens next.
If you would like to speak to a British citizenship solicitor in Reading, please call us on 0118 951 6200 or complete our online enquiry form. We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and explain the best way forward.
How do I apply for British citizenship?
Most adults apply for British citizenship through a process called naturalisation. To apply, you will usually need to show that you meet the requirements relating to your residence in the UK, immigration status, English language ability, the Life in the UK Test and good character.
The application involves completing an online form, providing supporting evidence and attending a citizenship ceremony if your application is successful.
Before applying, it’s important to check that you meet the requirements and that your circumstances do not raise any issues that could affect your application. A British citizenship solicitor can help you understand the process and prepare your application correctly.
How long do I need to live in the UK before applying for British citizenship?
In most cases, you need to have lived in the UK for at least five years before applying for British citizenship through naturalisation. You will usually also need to have held Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status or another form of permanent immigration status for at least 12 months before applying.
Different rules apply if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen. Your time spent outside the UK can also affect your eligibility, so it’s important to check your residence history before applying.
Can I apply for British citizenship if I have Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Yes, many people apply for British citizenship after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Generally, you must have held ILR for at least 12 months before applying, unless you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen. You will also need to meet the other naturalisation requirements, including the residence, English language, Life in the UK Test and good character requirements.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, we can review your circumstances and advise you before you submit your application.
Can I apply for British citizenship with settled status?
Yes, you may be able to apply for British citizenship if you have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. You will still need to meet the requirements for naturalisation, including the rules around residence, absences from the UK, English language ability, the Life in the UK Test and good character.
Your eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances, including how long you have lived in the UK and when you were granted settled status.
What happens if my British citizenship application is refused?
If your British citizenship application is refused, it is important to understand why the Home Office reached that decision and what your next steps may be.
There is no automatic right of appeal against a refused citizenship application, but depending on the circumstances, you may be able to address the issues raised and submit a new application. We can review the reasons for refusal, advise you on your options and help you decide the most appropriate way forward.
How much does applying for British citizenship cost?
Our fees for a standard naturalisation or registration application typically start from £2,500 plus VAT and disbursements, in addition to the Home Office application fee. Costs vary depending on the complexity of your circumstances, and we’ll confirm our fees before we start work. See our pricing information for immigration page for full details.
Related immigration services
- Immigration — for a full overview of our immigration and nationality services
- Family & Matrimonial — for advice on family and relationship matters that may affect your application
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