British Citizenship Solicitors in London
British Citizenship is the final stage in the immigration journey for many individuals. It provides the right to hold a British passport and enjoy the same freedoms, rights and responsibilities as any UK-born citizen. Once granted, you are no longer subject to immigration control.
What Are the Benefits of British Citizenship?
Holding British Citizenship allows you to:
Live in the UK permanently without any immigration restrictions
Work without a visa or permit
Access free NHS healthcare and public benefits
Pass on citizenship benefits to children and dependants
Travel freely in and out of the UK without losing your status
Vote in general and local elections and stand for public office
How Can You Apply for British Citizenship?
Applications for British Citizenship are submitted online via the UK Government website. You may be eligible to apply under one of several routes, including:
Naturalisation (5-year route)
Citizenship by marriage
Citizenship by birth or descent
Our legal team at HM & Co. Solicitors can help you determine which route applies to your circumstances and prepare your application to the highest standard.
Key Eligibility Criteria
For the standard 5-year route, you must usually:
Have lived in the UK lawfully for at least 5 years, with no more than 450 days spent outside the UK during this time
Have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status for at least 12 months
Pass the Life in the UK Test
Meet the English language requirement
Satisfy the Good Character requirement (e.g., no recent or serious criminal convictions)
If applying through marriage to a British citizen, you may be eligible after 3 years of residence, provided you hold ILR or Settled Status.
Supporting Documents Required
A successful application must be supported by documentation such as:
Passport, birth certificate or valid travel document
Proof of ILR or EU Settled Status (e.g. Biometric Residence Permit)
Records of lawful residence in the UK
English language certificate or equivalent academic qualification
Life in the UK Test pass certificate
Details of any absences from the UK
Evidence of good character (including criminal record checks)
Why Choose HM & Co. Solicitors?
At HM & Co. Solicitors, our immigration lawyers have extensive experience in British citizenship cases. Whether you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help preparing your application, we offer:
Honest, tailored legal advice
Full document preparation and review
Fixed fees with no hidden charges
A team committed to helping you secure your British status smoothly and confidently
Get Expert Help With Your Citizenship Application
Applying for British Citizenship is a significant and often emotional step. With the right legal support, it can also be a straightforward and rewarding one.
If you’re ready to begin the process or want to confirm your eligibility, get in touch with our London-based team today to book your initial consultation.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
British Citizenship – FAQs
What is the difference between British Citizenship and Naturalisation?
Both are pathways to becoming a British national, but they apply to different groups of people.
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Citizenship is usually acquired automatically or by entitlement due to birth in the UK or historical ties, such as links to Commonwealth countries.
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Naturalisation is a discretionary application process available to adults who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period, typically 5 years, and meet specific requirements.
Who qualifies for British Citizenship by entitlement (not naturalisation)?
There are a few categories of individuals who may automatically qualify or apply for registration rather than naturalisation:
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Children born in the UK who have lived here for the first 10 years of their life, without long absences.
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Individuals with historic links to the UK or Commonwealth countries, particularly where a parent was born British or settled in the UK.
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People affected by historic legislative changes, such as the Windrush generation.
What is the Legacy Programme or “amnesty”?
The term “Legacy Programme” is sometimes used to refer to potential regularisation routes for long-term overstayers or undocumented migrants. However, no formal amnesty has been announced by the Home Office.
It is important to be cautious of anyone offering guarantees under this label. That said, individuals who have lived in the UK for extended periods—particularly those with strong family or community ties—may still have legal options, and we can advise on the most appropriate route.
What if I have been refused British Citizenship or Naturalisation?
If your application has been refused, you may have the right to request a reconsideration—a formal process where the Home Office reviews the decision, especially if there has been an error or new evidence is available.
What can I do if my reconsideration is unsuccessful?
If your request for reconsideration is rejected, there may still be legal avenues available. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we have extensive experience in challenging such refusals through judicial review. Our team has successfully represented clients in cases where we believed decisions were unfair or procedurally flawed.
Need Personalised Advice?
Whether you’re exploring your eligibility for British Citizenship, facing a refusal, or unsure which route applies to you, our team at HM & Co. Solicitors is here to help. We offer expert, honest and tailored legal advice every step of the way.
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Testimonials
What Our Clients Are Saying
I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha.
This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding.
I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings.
If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha.
Thank you again for all your help and support!
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
HM & Co. Solicitors provided an excellent service when supporting us to purchase a flat (where we are first time buyers).
Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
Shocked and surprised!
I entered the HM & Co Solicitors on Lower Road in what can only be described as a highly agitated state. I had been told a variety of information from another company and had been told I needed services from a solicitor. After explaining my situation to the gentleman I now know as Mr Hakeem Ayantayo (solicitor) he advised me that I did not need his services and to offer them to me for monetary gain would be against good public practise. He offered me friendly advice and even briefly spoke on the phone to the other company who were trying to make things difficult for me. Ultimately the situation I was in was resolved due to Mr Ayantayo and his due diligence. Mr Ayantayo could have taken advantage of my ignorance and lack of lawful knowledge but instead showed me kindness and support all while not fleecing me! Which in this day and age is a rarity! My sincere thanks to Mr Ayantayo and his lovely secretary you have restored my faith in not only the local business community but people in general.
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