Immigrants from other countries, trying to be a British citizen has to pass the citizenship test. This is to prove that they are able to integrate better in to the British society. Sometimes passing the British citizenship test isn’t all. Immigrants have to fulfill some other qualities too.

The British Home Office has included some extra steps that are needed to be completed by the applicants. So this is not going to be easy anymore. A migrant has to pass some six to eight years of waiting period to earn a full citizenship. In this period he or she won’t get all the facilities of a citizen.

This is also a part of the British citizenship test. Because in this period the foreign nationals have to prove that, they are worthy to the society and are reliable. They may have to go through probation like learning English.

This change in the British citizenship test has been done in the “Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill” So now there are more tests for the immigrants. And this bill has given much power to the officers immigration and customs.

The Probation Period

Now an immigrant can apply for a permanent citizenship after five to six years of staying in the country. It is because he/she has to prove his/her worth to the society. This includes speaking in English, recognized as a tax payer and involvement in society activities.

Some citizen rights will not be available to the immigrants at this time.

These rules are not applicable for the European Union citizens who have permission to work and live in UK.

So the immigrants have to pass three stages to be a full citizen.
At first, their class will be temporary residents – their status is a worker, relative or recognized refugee.
After five years the immigrants will be given a new probationary period of 12 months – the status will be probationary citizen.
The third stage is getting the citizenship. It depends on the status of the second stage, that will finally lead someone to become a British citizen or permanent foreign resident – or being told to move on.

Some Discussion

Now this is a matter (Migration Bill) that is challenged by the opinions that – The British unemployed people should get the fair opportunity to get a job. Again the Government has to consider that the population doesn’t go to near 70 million in 2028. Some people do not think that this new system passes both this criteria. So in their thought things should be tighten up more for the migrants.
Another thought is given by IPPR’s (Institute for Public Policy Research) Tim Finch. He said that when in need migrants can easily get citizenship, but making it difficult in another time may cost the economy.
He also thinks that the complexity of migration should be made simpler. So that it remains fair and clear.
The Government Officials deny these and said- the system will help to control the migration system and their contribution to population increase in future. They think that there is no complication in immigrants coming and paying tax, speaking English, obeying the laws. This system will help to fulfill the need for foreign workers in the market to fill up the gaps. The flexible system also ensures to lower or raise the bar as per needed. So the change in British citizenship test by this bill is to control in a better way and it is running for the betterment of the British people and society.