Along with British citizenship, there exist five different types of British nationality which is legally written in the British Nationality Act 1983. Legally, the requirements to be a British national are dependent on the person’s country of birth. This can be a very complicated process but assistance from legal firms specializing in the application of citizenship is available. Migrants wanting to apply in order to become citizens can visit the Border Agency’s website as they provide advice which is very useful for the application process. Some requirements to become a British national are that you must be 18 years old upon application along with three years of living in the UK if you are married or in a civil relationship with a UK citizen.

Migrants who provides crown services to the UK in overseas territories is another way a person can also apply for British Citizenship for them and their spouses married or un-married. Persons under 18 years of age are eligible to apply for British citizenship if a connection with Hong Kong exists or the person is from one of the fourteen British overseas territories.

The applicants applying who are 10 years or older will have to pass the stage that requires them be of good character. This requirement involves the applicant having understanding of laws governing the UK along with knowing their duties and rights. As a British citizen they must also have knowledge of their obligations as well as their duties. When applying, the applicant’s signature on the form will give authorities the right to do a verification check with the police and government departments. This process will investigate into the applicant’s past to determine if the person is a worthy candidate to become a British citizen.

A background check will be done into the financial status of applicants applying for British citizenship. Checks will be done to see if the applicant has any financial contribution towards income tax and the National Insurance. Legal checks will also be carried out to see if the person has been convicted of a criminal offence or if any civil proceedings are awaiting the applicant in court for alleged offenses committed. Other criminal checks will be any road traffic violations and if the person has legally declared bankruptcy in the past.

An interview will be done with the applicant face to face as part of the process. This interview will be done sole in English so the applicant must be able to communicate effectively in English. Have knowledge of UK life and culture is crucial and essential part of the requirement for citizenship in the UK. If the applicant standard of English is above a certain level a test for life in the UK will be administered to the applicant whom is expected to pass it.

Applicant whose English is below average is expected to do a course in English language called English for Speakers of Other Language. A module including citizenship will be administered at level three of the course. This is a requirement by law and the only exempted persons are those who are over 65 years old or less than 10 years old and persons with metal conditions.