How British Citizens Can Obtain US Citizenship in 2026
British nationals living in the US for a qualifying period as permanent residents may be eligible to apply for US citizenship. Both the UK and the US allow dual citizenship, so UK citizens wanting to will not have to renounce their British nationality to become US citizens.
A US citizenship application involves meeting the strict eligibility criteria, submitting sufficient evidence supporting your claim to citizenship in the US, and completing several steps successfully. Total Law US citizenship specialist lawyers can help you submit a foolproof application and increase your chances of success. Call us today on +1 844 312 4979 (US office) or +44 (0) 333 305 9375 (UK office) to discuss your siuation.
Page contents
- US Citizenship Eligibility for British Nationals
- Naturalisation Requirements for UK Citizens
- US Citizenship by Marriage: Requirements for UK Citizens
- Absence from the US During the Qualifying period
- US Citizenship Through Military Service
- How British Citizens Can Apply for US Citizenship?
- US Citizenship: What Documents Must UK Nationals Submit?
- US Citizenship Application Processing Time and Fees
- How Can Total Law help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Can a UK National Become a US Citizen?
You can automatically be a US citizen by birth or acquire the same later in life through marriage or naturalisation. To automatically be a US citizen by birth, you need to meet one of the following requirements:
- You were born in the US or territories that fall under the jurisdiction of the US
- You were born in a different country to at least one parent who is a US citizen
- Your parent(s) became U.S. citizens before you turned 18
If these statements do not apply to you, you may apply to become a US citizen by naturalisation provided you meet the requirements. Naturalisation is the most common way for foreign citizens such as UK nationals to ascertain US citizenship after living in the US as lawful permanent residents (green card holders) for the qualifying period.
Alternatively, if you get married to a US citizen, you might be able to apply for US citizenship after three years of living in the country as a permanent resident. During this qualifying period, you have to remain in a relationship with your spouse.
Last but not the least, if you have served honorably in the US armed forces for at least one year, you can become a US citizen through naturalisation.
"I'm very happy with the standard of training received on the OISC Level 1 course, i passed my exam. Thank you!"
Liam Calvert
Posted 6 years ago
"My application was approved and a huge weight has been lifted from our shoulders this year "
Akeel Lakar
Posted 6 years ago
"We used this service for the spouse visa extension application to assure that all the information was valid and correct."
Nabil Anwar
Posted 6 years ago
US Citizenship by Naturalisation: Requirements for British Citizens
British citizens must fulfil the following requirements to be eligible to become a US Citizen by naturalisation:
- Be 18 or older
- Have been living in the US as a permanent resident for at least five years prior to submitting the citizenship application (three years if you are married to a US Citizen)
- Be able to prove that you were physically present in the US for at least thirty months during the five years
- Demonstrate continuous residence in the US during the qualifying period
- Be able to prove that you spent at least three months living in the same state or USCIS district
- Be able to prove that you are of good moral character
- Have a good command of the English language
- Successfully pass the test about US culture and history
- Demonstrate your commitment to following the values and democratic principles outlined in the Constitution of the US
- Take an Oath of Allegiance to the US
US Citizenship by Marriage: Requirements for UK Citizens
If you are a UK citizen who got married to a US citizen, you might be able to apply for US citizenship by marriage. Those who are in the US on the IR1/CR1 Visa, known as the Spouse Green Card, can apply for US citizenship after having spent three years in the US as permanent residents.
To be eligible for US citizenship by marriage, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 or older
- Be legally married to a person who has US citizenship.
- Have been living in the US as a permanent resident for at least three years
- Intend to remain married to your US citizen spouse after receiving American citizenship
- Be able to prove that you spent at least three months living in the same state or USCIS district
- Lived continuously in the US from the date you filed your application until the date you naturalise
- Be physically present in the US for at least 18 months out of the three qualifying years
- Have a good command of the English language
- Be of good moral character
- Be able to pass the test about US culture, traditions, and history
- Demonstrate your respect for the principles and values of the US Constitution
- Take an Oath of Allegiance to the US
If you are not sure whether you meet the criteria for US citizenship, talk to our immigration lawyers. They will assess your eligibility and will help you submit your application. Call us on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or reach out to us online today.
Absence from the US During the Qualifying period
There will be repercussions if you leave the US fora considerable period during the qualifying residence period.
An absence of more than 6 months (more than 180 days) but less than 1 year (less than 365 days) during required continuous residence (also called “the statutory period”) is presumed to break the continuity of your residence in the US.
You may overcome this presumption by providing evidence to establish that such an absence did not disrupt the continuity of your residence, like:
- You did not leave your US job while you were away or take up employment while abroad
- Your immediate family members remained in the US
- You had a home (owned or leased) in the US during this period, etc.
An absence from the US for consecutive 12 months or more during the qualifying period will automatically break the continuity of residence.
US Citizenship Through Military Service
Naturalisation through military service is one of the fastest ways to become a US citizen. If you served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for at least one year, you may be eligible to apply for naturalisation if you meet the requirements of either section 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
To establish eligibility under INA 328, you must:
- Be 18 or over
- Have served honorably at any time in the US armed forces for one year (short periods of service totalling one year will also count)
- Demonstrate that you were separated under honourable conditions (for those separated from service)
- Be a lawful permanent resident in the US
- Meet certain residence and physical presence requirements in the US
- Have good knowledge of English language and that of US history and government
- Have good moral character
- Demonstrate your attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution
If you served honourably during a US designated period of hostilities, you may not have to reside in or be physically present in the US for any length of time before you apply for naturalisation.
How British Citizens Can Apply for US Citizenship?
If you and your immigration lawyer determine that you meet the eligibility requirements for US citizenship, you can initiate the following step-by-step application process:
- Complete and sign Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. In addition to the form, you will also have to submit a number of documents that prove your eligibility for US citizenship
- Pay the required fees
- Schedule your biometrics appointment during which your fingerprints, photos, and signatures will be collected
- Attend an interview as scheduled by the USCIS and pass the exams that test your knowledge of the English language, as well as the history, culture, and traditions of the US. USCIS will send you a letter with the proposed date and location of your interview. If the date does not suit you, you can choose a different one and reschedule the appointment
After the interview, USCIS will process your application and then communicate its decision If your US citizenship application is approved, you will have to attend your Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
All individuals applying for US citizenship must attend the ceremony. Otherwise, their application will be considered invalid, and they will not be able to become US citizens.
US Citizenship: What Documents Must UK Nationals Submit?
As a part of the US citizenship application process, all UK citizens need to prepare and submit a number of supporting documents. These include:
- Proof of your permanent resident status
- A receipt for the application fee
- Proof of your current marital status
- Proof of legal marriage (if you are applying via the marriage route)
- Evidence of your spouse’s US citizenship (if you are applying via the marriage route)
- Two passport size photographs
- Proof of your continuous residence in the US
- Evidence that you have served or are now serving in the US armed forces (if applicable)
The failure to submit some documents may significantly delay your application. To make sure you include all the required documents, seek assistance from one of our immigration lawyers on 0333 305 9375 or reach out to us online for immediate assistance.
US Citizenship Processing Time and Fees
On average, the processing of applications for US citizenship takes up to one year. The processing may take longer depending on which field office or service centre is processing your application. Ensure to submit a completed application and sufficient supporting evidence to avoid unnecessary processing delays.
You may also be required to pay a processing fee unless you are applying for naturalisation as someone who served in US armed forces. The fee structure is as follows:
- N-400 General Filing (Online): $710
- N-400 General Filing (Paper): $760
- Fee reduction for N-400 naturalisation application where applicable: $380 (applicable if your annual household income is not more than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and you have submitted relevant supporting documents with your application to prove your economic situation)
If you served in US military and applying for naturalisation on the basis of that, you will not have to pay any processing fees.
How Can Total Law Help UK Citizens Apply for US Citizenship?
Applying for US citizenship can be a complex process. The demand is understandably high, and so the USCIS runs a rigorous scrutiny before approving an application.
Not only will you have to meet strict requirements specifically relating to your physical presence in the US for the qualifying period, but you must also complete each step in the application process very carefully. Even a small mistake can cost you dearly when applying to naturalise as a US citizen.
To avoid mistakes that could delay your application or lead to it being denied, contact our immigration lawyers for help. Thanks to their expert legal assistance, you can increase the chances of a positive outcome.
Our lawyers will guide you through the whole process and will be around to answer any questions you might have. They will also check all the forms and documents you are submitting to make sure you have completed them correctly. In short, our lawyers can make sure the whole process is as stress-free for you as possible.
To find out more about how Total Law can help, call us today on +1 844 312 4979 (US office) or +44 (0) 333 305 9375 (UK office), or contact us online.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common reason making people ineligible for US citizenship is having previously been convicted of a crime. Not all crimes deprive you of the chance to become a US citizen but many do as they contradict the condition of having to be of a good moral character.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for US citizenship, talk to our immigration lawyers. They will carefully analyse your situation and will let you know whether something can disqualify you from becoming a US citizen.
As part of your application for US citizenship, you have to pass a test that comprises two parts. These are:
- An English language test, which tests your writing, speaking, and reading skills
- An exam testing your knowledge of US history, culture, and political system.
If you hire one of our immigration lawyers, they will help you prepare for the exam.
Generally to be considered a person of a good moral character for US citizenship you should have:
- Not committed any serious crimes
- Not lied during the citizenship interview or any other part of the application process.
All applicants wanting to receive US citizenship have to be able to prove that they are a person of good moral character. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet this requirement, you will not be able to complete the naturalisation process.
Clear, professional guidance.
Get clear, professional guidance for your immigration case.
Call Now Call To Discuss