Applying for British citizenship or nationality


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< Up	Prepare / Citizenship
Applying for British citizenship


Sections:	Introduction
	Applying for British citizenship
	Life in the UK test
	Links

INTRODUCTION

This page gives some basic information for people who wish to become British citizens.

APPLYING FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP

The process of becoming a British citizen is explained on this website:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship

For details of how to application process, see: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/applying

You must attend a citizenship ceremony (organised by local authorities):
See: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/applying/ceremony

You can then apply for a British passport at the UK Passport Service: http://www.ukps.gov.uk
You will need to pay a fee for the passport.

Note that not all countries allow its citizens to have both British and your original nationality (known as dual nationality). You need to check with your country's embassy or consulate to make sure that you understand its rules before you become a British national. If you become a British national then your country may not accept you any longer as a citizen of that country, or alternatively it may not recognise your new British nationality. For further details, see:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/dualnationality

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LIFE IN THE UK TEST

People applying for UK citizenship (or for indefinite leave to remain) are required to take the Life in the UK test. There are multiple choice questions about UK history, culture and life. The pass rate is 75%. It is possible to take the test many times if necessary, but you need to pay a charge each time and there may be a waiting list for the next one. For details of the test, see: http://www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk. The answers to the questions can all be found in the book "Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship" (see below), mainly in chapters 2 to 4 (about life in the UK). The second edition of this book, published in January 2007 (see below), should be used by people who take the test after 2 April 2007.

Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship
(official book for the test: 2nd edition)
Author: Home Office
Publisher: The Stationery Office Books
Date: January 2007

Life in the UK Test: Study Guide + CD ROM
(unofficial guide to help you to prepare for the test)
Author: Henry Dillon
Publisher: Red Squirrel Publishing
Date: February 2008

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