Guidance

Naturalisation as a British citizen by discretion: nationality policy guidance

Guidance on applications for naturalisation as a British citizen.

From:
UK Visas and Immigration
Published
27 July 2017
Last updated
28 June 2022 — See all updates

Documents

Naturalisation as a British citizen by discretion

PDF, 400 KB, 53 pages

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Details

This guidance tells Home Office staff how to consider applications for naturalisation as a British citizen.

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Published 27 July 2017
Last updated 28 June 2022 + show all updates

  1. This guidance has been amended following changes made by the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. The sections on presence at the start of the qualifying period and breaches of immigration law have been amended. We have also removed some sections on EEA nationals to reflect the current position.

  2. The absences section has been updated where the absence exceeds as a result of Crown Service overseas.

  3. Updated guidance with changes to the sections on EEA and Swiss nationals to reflect the end of the grace period on 30 June 2021. These include the sub-sections on freedom from immigration time restrictions, lawful residence and discretion to waive immigration breaches.

  4. Updated guidance with changes to the sections on EEA nationals, for applications made during the 'Grace Period'.

  5. Updated guidance.

  6. Updated to make changes to the section on immigration breaches.

  7. Updated version of guidance document published.

  8. New guidance document uploaded.

  9. Guidance updated.

  10. First published.