Overview
Becoming a British citizen is the last step in a long journey — and, for most people, the most meaningful one. It is also an application where the paperwork is extensive and where the Home Office's good character requirement can raise difficult questions for people with any adverse history. Marsl Sharifi is an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor who handles naturalisation applications personally, from reviewing your eligibility through to confirming the date of your citizenship ceremony.
Who this service is for
- Naturalisation — for adults who hold ILR or settled status and have lived in the UK for the qualifying period
- Naturalisation as the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen — one-year qualifying period post-ILR
- Registration as a British citizen — for children born in the UK who do not automatically acquire citizenship, and for people entitled to register by other statutory provisions
- Citizenship by descent — advice on whether you may already be British through a parent or grandparent
- Good character assessments — where your history requires careful advice before submitting
What you'll need
- Valid passport and, if applicable, all previous passports
- Biometric Residence Permit confirming your ILR or settled status
- Life in the UK test pass notification (unless exempt)
- English language evidence — either an approved SELT, a degree taught in English, or evidence of exemption
- Evidence of residence throughout the qualifying period (utility bills, bank statements, employment records)
- Details of any criminal convictions, cautions, or civil penalties anywhere in the world
- Spouse's British passport or certificate of naturalisation, where applicable
- Two referees (one must be a British citizen in a professional occupation)
Fees
Marsl's professional fees for a naturalisation application are £1,200 + VAT.
The Home Office application fee for naturalisation is currently £1,605 for adults. The ceremony fee is typically charged separately by the local council. Registration fees vary by category.
A full written fee agreement is provided before any work begins, in line with the SRA Transparency Rules.
The process, step by step
- Step 1
Eligibility check
Marsl confirms you meet the residence requirements, absence limits, and good character test. Any adverse history is discussed candidly so there are no surprises.
- Step 2
Life in the UK and English language confirmation
If outstanding, Marsl advises on timing.
- Step 3
Application preparation
Marsl completes the AN (or MN1/S1 for registration applications), prepares the evidence bundle, and supports you through the referee declaration process.
- Step 4
Biometrics and submission
You attend a UKVCAS appointment. Marsl ensures your bundle is complete and accurate.
- Step 5
Decision
The Home Office has been granting naturalisations at record volumes. Marsl will advise on current processing timescales at your consultation.
- Step 6
Citizenship ceremony
Once approved, you receive an invitation to a citizenship ceremony at your local council. Marsl will advise on any final steps.
What has changed (2024–26): record grants, maintained requirements
Naturalisation grants have been running at record highs in recent years, reflecting the large cohort of people who arrived in the UK in the 2010s and are now reaching their qualifying date.
The core requirements remain: the Life in the UK test (24 questions, 75% pass mark) and an approved English language qualification (or exemption). Both are assessed against you individually and must be in place before you apply.
The good character requirement is broadly framed and covers not just criminal convictions but also unpaid taxes, civil penalties, and previous immigration breaches. If there is anything in your history you are unsure about, Marsl will advise on how it is likely to be assessed before you submit the application.