British Citizenship by Marriage
If you are an Egyptian married to a British national, you are eligible to apply for British citizenship.
For more information about British citizenship by marriage, including details about eligibility, documents required and the application process, contact us at Total Law by calling +44 (0)333 305 9375 or message us online. Our immigration specialists are available to answer your questions and help you every step of the way.
British Citizenship Through Marriage: An Introduction
Egyptians married to UK nationals can apply for British citizenship if they meet all the eligibility criteria. It is essential to note that marriage to a British citizen does not automatically confer British citizenship on you as an Egyptian.
To become a British citizen, you must naturalise in the UK. If you are not in the UK on a visa that leads to permanent residency, the first step you’ll take would be applying for a Spouse visa.
You need to have lived with your spouse in the UK for some years before you can become eligible for British citizenship.
It is also worthwhile to note that you cannot apply for British citizenship via marriage if your British-citizen spouse is deceased. You’ll have to apply for citizenship using a different route entirely.
Page Contents
- British Citizenship Through Marriage: An Introduction
- British Citizenship by Marriage Eligibility Criteria
- British Citizenship By Marriage Application Fees
- Requirements Of The British Citizenship By Marriage
- The Application Process For British Citizenship By Marriage
- Supporting Documents for British Citizenship by Marriage
- Processing time for British Citizenship by Marriage
- Citizenship Ceremony for Successful Applicants
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
British Citizenship by Marriage Eligibility Criteria
To apply for UK citizenship by marriage, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria. Here they are below:
Age
Egyptians who wish to apply for British citizenship by marriage must be at least 18 years of age.
Marriage to a UK Citizen
If you want to apply for British citizenship by marriage, you must prove that you have been married to a UK national. You can also apply if you prove that you have been in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
In addition, you have to prove to the Home Office that your relationship with the UK national is genuine and that you did not enter a sham marriage to obtain British citizenship.
Residency in the UK
Egyptians who want to apply for UK citizenship must prove that they have been living in the UK for at least 3 years. If you are in a civil partnership with a UK citizen, you must prove that you have lived in the UK for at least 5 years.
British Citizenship By Marriage Application Fees
Egyptians who want to apply for British citizenship by marriage will need to pay £1,605 to apply.
The Application Process For British Citizenship By Marriage
Overview
There are two methods for applying for British citizenship: by yourself or through a legal representative. At Total Law, we have immigration specialists who are experts in UK immigration law. They can assist you in making an application for British citizenship.
We are approved by the OISC and can ensure that your application package is almost impossible to refuse. We have done this for many other Egyptians and can do the same for you. Call our line at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or message us online.
To apply for British citizenship by marriage by yourself, take the following steps:
Gather Supporting Documents
The first step is gathering your documents. You can use the documents required section as a checklist or contact us to put you through it.
Complete Form AN, Form for Naturalisation
The next step is to visit the website of the Home Office and complete Form AN. The form is completed online. On the form, you are also expected to add the details of your referees.
Upload Documents
After completing the form, the next thing is to scan and upload your supporting documents. Ensure that your documents are legible and that the information thereon tallies with the information you added to the form.
Prove Your Identity
When you are done with the form, you have to schedule an appointment with UKVCAS. When you get there, your photograph and fingerprints will be taken. If you were not successful in uploading your documents while filing the form online, you can take them to the UKVCAS centre. The officials there will upload them for you.
Citizenship Ceremony
If your application is approved, the Home office will email you. You will be instructed to prepare for your British citizenship ceremony. After the ceremony, your citizenship certificate will be issued to you.
Return Your Biometric Residence Permit
Once you receive your citizenship certificate, you must return your BRP within 5 days. To do this, cut your BRP in 4 places and seal it inside an envelope with a note stating why you are returning it. The note must bear your name, certificate number and date.
Mail the envelope to:
Naturalisation BRP Returns
PO Box 195
Bristol
BS20 1BT
You will incur a fine of £1,000 if you fail to do this within 5 days.
Apply for a British Passport
The final step would be applying for a British passport which is now your right as a British citizen. You cannot leave or re-enter the UK with a naturalisation certificate.
Note that you can apply by post. However, the Home Office discourages this because it takes too long.
Supporting Documents for British Citizenship by Marriage
You need to present these documents while making your application:
- Residence card showing that you hold ILR
- Egyptian passport to prove your identity and nationality
- Life in the UK test result
- Language test results or other certificates proving proficiency
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificate as proof you are married to a UK citizen
- Passport of your UK partner
- Proof of physical presence in the UK
- Completed application form for naturalisation
- Receipt showing that you have paid the citizenship application fee
- Evidence that you have been paying tax
- Tenancy agreement or property deed to show where you live
- Bank statement
Your documents must be in English, Scottish Gaelic or Welsh. If they are in Arabic, then you’ll need to employ the services of an official translator.
Processing time for British Citizenship by Marriage
It takes the Home Office up to 6 months to decide on your application. Your application may take longer if you make a mistake in your application. To avoid this, it is advisable to employ the services of an immigration expert to guide you in your application.
Citizenship Ceremony for Successful Applicants
Egyptians who are successful with their applications must attend a citizenship ceremony. The Home Office notifies every successful applicant when they will do so.
You must attend yours within 3 months of your given date. The ceremony is organised by the local authority. You can opt to do your ceremony alone or with a group. You are only permitted to bring 2 people to your ceremony.
The major thing you do at the ceremony is to take an oath or pledge to God that you will obey all the rules of the United Kingdom.
If you are an atheist, you’ll be asked to take an affirmation instead. Your citizenship certificate will be issued with your welcome pack at the end of the ceremony.
How Can Total Law Help?
It can be tedious to apply for British citizenship by marriage, and this is because of the criteria that you must meet. Your application will be refused if you do not meet all the requirements.
Getting a denial on an application after spending time and money can be disheartening. Again, documentation can be challenging, especially if you do not know which document to present.
To avoid these, reach out to our immigration experts. They can guide you on how to make a tight application that will be hard to reject. With our services, you save money and time and reduce your chances of getting a refusal, which can impact your re-application negatively.
If you also need information about other UK immigration processes, do not hesitate to reach us. Our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
To speak with any of our immigration lawyers, call +44 (0)333 305 9375 or send a message online.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply for British citizenship by marriage if you are already a permanent resident in the UK. Being a permanent resident in the UK is one of the criteria for applying for British citizenship by marriage.
You do not need to give up your citizenship to become a British citizen through marriage. The UK nationality law allows for dual or even multiple citizenship. You only need to give up your citizenship if your country demands you do so.
You can apply for British citizenship if you are in a same-sex marriage with a British citizen. Like heterosexual couples, you’ll need to prove that you did not enter a sham marriage and that you have settled permanently in the UK before your application.
While there is no minimum duration of marriage required to be eligible for British citizenship, you still have to prove that you have been living in the UK for at least 3 years and that you hold ILR.
