Becoming a British Citizen provides you the similar rights as people born in the UK, like the right to vote and live in the UK forever. Different charges are applicable in applying for British citizenship and it can be a long process. It's important to get an idea of the charges before starting the process. We will assist you in understanding the charges and the steps to follow. We will cover both the cases of applying for citizenship through naturalisation and the cases of applying for British citizenship by double descent.
Application Fees
- Standard British Citizenship Application Fee
The application charges for adults for British citizenship are currently £1,630. This covers processing of the application and making a decision. In case the application is rejected under any circumstance, the fee will be refunded after a deduction of £25 as administrative charges.
- British Citizenship for Children
The application fee for a child is £1,214. It is important to have the information that children under children can also apply by meeting British citizenship requirements like being born in the UK or having British parents. There will be an additional fee of £130 for the ceremony in case the child turns 18 before the ceremony,
- Biometric Enrolment Fee
There is no cost to be paid for biometric enrolment for adults and children. It involves taking fingerprints and a photo. This is a mandatory process without which the application will not be processed.
- Life in the UK Test
The ‘Life in the UK’ test is a mandatory one for anyone who wishes to become a British citizen. This test will cost you £50. It is a test to check your knowledge about the history and culture of the UK. To pass this, you will require a score of 75%. However, you can take this test as many times as needed. The fee will have to be paid every single time.
- English Language Test
You will need to prove your knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic to be considered eligible for citizenship. Among these, English remains one of the most preferred options. However, you will also need to take one of the approved tests to establish your knowledge of the language. You need to check if there is any charge for the English test.
British Citizenship by Double Descent:
There is yet another way to be recognized as a British citizen. It is the British citizenship by double descent. This is applicable to only those who have either one or both grandparents as British citizens. The application process is more or less the same as that for naturalisation. The charges will also be the same as those for naturalisation.
Additional Costs to Consider
Applying for British citizenship might seem like a major task to many. Also, not everyone is confident enough to apply themselves. In such a scenario, you have the option to approach an agency or an immigration lawyer. However, you must take into consideration the charges that you will need to pay for the consultation and assistance.
Final Considerations
British citizenship comes with a lot of perks and benefits. Thus, applying for British citizenship is a major task. You will need to find the best option to move ahead based on your particular scenario. It will allow you to get your application approved smoothly and within the shortest period. So, take note of all the criteria and factors, and then decide the right way to move ahead.
