Form AN is the application form for British citizenship. Becoming a British citizen is a life-changing event that offers amazing opportunities. You’d be awarded not only the ability to live and work permanently in the UK, but also all the protections and freedoms of British law and the ability to travel freely with a British passport.
The application process for British citizenship is complex, however, and it all begins with Form AN.
Form AN Eligibility Requirements
British citizenship requirements are dictated by British nationality law in a legalese language that is difficult to understand. Here are the basic requirements, written in plain English:
Residency Requirement
- 5 years. You must have been physically present in the UK for five years to be eligible for citizenship, in most cases.
- 450 days.You cannot have been absent from the UK for more than 450 days during the five years prior to submitting your application.
- 3 years. If you were married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, then you are only required to have been physically present in the UK for three years to be eligible for citizenship.
- 270 days. You cannot have been absent from the UK for more than 270 days during the three years prior to submitting your application.
- 90 days.You must also not have been absent from the UK for more than 90 days in the 12 months prior to submitting your application.
Good Character
- You must prove that you are a person of good character by providing the following personal information:
- Taxes. You must demonstrate that you have paid income tax and National Insurance contributions.
- Criminal Convictions. You must provide details of any criminal convictions, from inside and outside the UK.
- Civil Judgements. You must provide details of any civil judgements passed on you under UK Immigration Acts.
- Impending court case. If you have been charged with an offence and are waiting to go to court, you will need to provide details of this.
- Terrorism. You may have to prove you were not involved in terrorism.