Form B(OTA): guidance
Guidance on registering as a British citizen for Irish citizens and certain types of British national.
Documents
Details
Guidance on registering for British citizenship using form B(OTA).
Use guide B1 if you’re a British Overseas Territories citizen.
Use guide B2 if you have lived in the UK for 5 years and you’re a:
- British Overseas Territories citizen
- British National (Overseas)
- British Overseas citizen
- British subject
- British protected person
Use guide B3 if you’re an Irish citizen.
Updates to this page
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The form B(OTA) guidance has been split into 3 guides, following the creation of a new route to citizenship for Irish citizens.
Update history
2026-03-13 12:25
Guide B3, ‘travelling to and from the UK’ section: updated a reference to certificates of entitlement to the right of abode, following the change to digital certificates.
2025-07-22 09:00
The form B(OTA) guidance has been split into 3 guides, following the creation of a new route to citizenship for Irish citizens.
2025-04-28 17:15
Updated the section on good character.
2025-04-15 15:26
Updates to the guidance, including how to prove being free from immigration restrictions, evidence of identity, travel after submitting an application, citizenship ceremonies and returning BRPs.
2025-04-08 09:37
Updated the sections on how to prove being free from immigration restrictions, evidence of identity, travel after submitting an application, citizenship ceremonies, returning biometric residence permits and citizenship-related queries.
2025-03-27 00:01
Amended to reflect that a biometric residence permit can be used for 18 months from the date of expiry.
2024-07-24 12:00
Updated Form B(OTA): guidance to update the section on ‘Citizenship ban’ to reflect changes as a result of the Illegal Migration Act 2023.
2023-10-04 00:01
Document format and style updated. Outdated information removed or updated accordingly. References and links to fees updated.
2023-07-26 12:43
Guidance updated to reflect changes introduced by the Illegal Migration Act 2023 and revisions to the sections on good character, lawful residence and freedom from immigration time restrictions.
2022-06-28 09:00
The guidance has been amended to reflect the changes the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 has made to the requirements for British nationals registering as a British citizen based on a period of residence in the UK.
2022-02-17 07:54
Added accessible version of guide.