Can Anyone Give Me Information On Becoming A British Citizen?
I’ve been reading on the UK Border Agency website and so far I have learned that you need to be living in the UK for at least 5 years (or 2 years if your married to a british citizen) to apply for a british citizenship. But it also says that if you are visiting the UK you can only stay for up to six months. So how can you not be a citizen and legally live there for 5 years before you become a citizen? I find it all confusing and I would just like to get information because my mother and I have been talking of maybe me living their after university permanently. This will oubviously not be in the near future but I would like to understand everything so I can think about it and tell my mother. Any information whatsoever would be very helpful.
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This page should offer some basic insight on the matter. You apply to become a British citizen through a general form; having had background checks performed on your health, education, financial status and so on you will either be permitted or disallowed to live in Britain and then it is after having lived there for five years (or two years if married to a British citizen) that you shall achieve full citizenship, that is, you will be able to vote in official British elections (EU elections i’m uncertain of), be called up for jury duty, receive certain financial benefits, acquire a shiny red passport etc.
Out of curiosity is there anyone in Britain that you particularly want to move to? London perhaps?
@Nially_Bob I was thinking either London, or Leeds. Also thanks for the web page, it looks very helpful.
You’re always welcome my friend.
I’ve yet to visit Leeds but have heard good reviews. London is an extremely expensive and busy city but the excitement of being there, especially as a newcomer, is difficult to match. This obviously being dependant upon your personal preferences.
@Nially_Bob I have english relatives (I am not close with them though) and I have alot of english in me, and ever since I was little I refuse to move anywhere else after uni, living in London is my dream.
@desiree333 Well I wish you only the best of luck. Should you move to London in the future and ever desperately need assistance (desperately enough that you should seek me ‘shudders’) I have some friends there and others that commute regularly who may be able to offer some assistance so feel free to ask me.
Oh, and bring an umbrella.
The UK can’t support any more Citizens at the moment…....
@desiree333
London is an exciting city, I’ve many friends that live there. I live in Leeds which is also a great city, obviously not quite London but fun all the same. I live in Leeds City Centre and love it, although we are looking at moving as the wife wants a garden !
Leeds is very diverse with something for everyone and has a rich ethnic diversity too which I love. At the weekend we have two exciting events coming, Hyde Park Unity Day and Leeds Pride (Gay Pride). I’ll send you some photo’s that I take of the events to give you a feel of how fun a place to live it is. :-)
Hope you make it to our wet and windy shores some time and I hope you love this country as much as I do !
@pezz Times are tough but surely new citizens remain welcome?
@RareDenver Thank you for your insights into the fine city of Leeds. It’s almost bizarre that i’ve never visited being that I spend most of my time in Scotland (attending university) and the rest generally in the west midlands meaning that I will have passed your city on all too many occasions without thinking to take a tour.
Im from the US where citizenship appears to be completely overrated.
Why bother with citizenship. Just crash the UK like a wild party and manipulate the corrupt system to get employment, housing, healthcare, a driver license, whatever.
BTW Brits arent Citizens theyre Subjects.
@raredenver I’ve heard it rains a lot in London, its been raining in my city everyday also. If I do move there I don’t think I will mind the weather, I actually like rain..
@RareDenver its so beautiful. I really can’t wait until I can move there.
crosses fingers
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