The Genie AI logo

Cover Letter for UK Citizenship Application (Naturalisation, Non-EEA)

Try using genie's free ai legal assistant.

  • ‍ Ask anything about the document to better understand the language
  • Customise the document by explaining your situation and task and it will suggest better wording for different clauses.
  • Import any document and use our AI Risk Review feature to highlight high, medium and low risk clauses (Coming October '23)
  • Create any new document from scratch (Coming October '23)

Open any document on Genie and our AI Legal Assistant will appear.

Sign up and try our AI Legal Assistant freely today

Create doc / use template

Chat to our AI Legal Assistant

Edit, collaborate & share

Export to .docx

Templates properties

cover_letter_for_uk_citizenship_application_(naturalisation,_non-eea)_template.docx

England and Wales

Free to use

🖊️ Covering letter

A covering letter is a formal document that accompanies a submission to a journal, conference, or other publication. The covering letter should outline the motivation for the submission and the contributions of the work. The covering letter also provides a venue for the authors to declare any potential conflicts of interest.

Apply for naturalisation

Easy-fill with questionnaire

Tweak with our online editor

Export to .docx format

Save, clone, print & share

Similar legal templates

Advisor agreement (payment via share options), consultancy agreement - company appointing an individual consultant (not using a personal service company), senior employment agreement (genie), website privacy policy, intellectual property assignment (for founders to assign ip to company), intern agreement letter, saas (software) subscription agreement (pro-supplier), one way nda uk, saas agreement (yc).

YCombinator

United States

Commercial Lease (for Mutuals & Cooperatives)

UK Government

Standard Notice By Tenant Indicating Preference To Deal Directly With The Other Landlord

Standard notice to complete by tenant (served on landlord), try the world's most advanced ai legal assistant, today.

The Genie AI logo, a dual-shaded purple fountain-pen nib, with the words Genie AI written in Black underneath.

Kats Gone Global

A Helpful Guide to Applying for UK Citizenship by Naturalisation

The time has finally come where I can apply for my UK Citizenship and I thought I would document my process so you know what to expect when applying. The Indefinite Leave to Remain application prepared me for this phase of the process and I used some of the evidence I gathered for that in this application.

Disclaimer: This is based on my experience (I’m not a lawyer or immigration advisor) and you should seek professional legal advice if you are unsure. Go to GOV UK to check if there have been any changes to the visa rule & fees.

As things are changing (due 2020 events) with UKVCAS service please keep up to date with UKVI latest information and UKVAS .

Disclaimer: Hi! this post may contain affiliate links which will take you to online retailers that sell products and services. If you click on one and buy something, I may earn a commission, see my  Affiliate Disclosure  for more details.

How Long Does It Take to Get British Citizenship?

As the routes to citizenship vary this can either be a few years to over 10 years. For me to become a British citizen I have spent five years living here on a UK Ancestry Visa and one year living here on Indefinite Leave to Remain before I could apply for citizenship and now I am waiting for my application to be approved. The whole process will be about six and a half years.

How Can I Apply for UK Citizenship?

There are several ways to apply for British citizenship, the most common ways are:

  • If you were born in the UK
  • You have a British parent
  • You have indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
  • You have ‘settled status’ under the EU Settlement Scheme
  • You have ‘permanent residence’ status
  • You’re married to or are in a civil partnership with, a British citizen
  • A few other exceptions  

If you are applying for UK citizenship through indefinite leave to remain (ILR), settled status, permanent residence or married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen then the information in this article will be applicable.

Before You Start Applying

There are a few steps you should complete before starting the application, they are:

  • Pass your ‘Life in the UK Test’ also known as the citizenship test
  • Have two referees – one needs to be on the list of professional standing and can be of any nationality (see document section for more details)
  • Prove your English language ability (unless exempt)

Make sure that you get the Life in the UK test and English language requirement done as soon as possible, these can take a bit of time to prepare for. I was lucky, I did my Life in the UK Test as a part of my ILR and Australia is exempt from the English language requirement. All I had to do was find two willing people to be my referees and find the confirmation that I have passed the ‘Life in the UK Test’.

Documents You Should Read

Here are all the documents I found useful when applying and explaining some of the rules and requirements. They are also linked in the sections where I used them as a guide to apply or meet a certain requirement.

  • Nationality Policy: general information – all British nationals
  • Nationality Forms Guide
  • Naturalisation Articles
  • Become a British citizen by naturalisation (form AN)

Applying Yourself or Using a Company For Your UK Citizenship?

For this application, I applied by myself as it was pretty straight forward. If you feel more comfortable going via a company then definitely do it. If you have a complicated application you should look to getting advice from a lawyer or immigration advisor to help the success of your application.

If at any point you are unsure do read the documents issued by the Home Office, contact the UKVI or hire an immigration lawyer.

British Citizenship Application Form

Prerequisite information.

Before commencing the application there are several details I suggest you gather ahead of time. This will make the application a lot quicker than digging around that document’s cabinet each time a lengthy question pops up.

Here is the evidence I gathered before filling out the application form (not in order):

  • Previous addresses for the past 5 years including the dates that you lived there from and to
  • National Insurance Number
  • Parent’s details like DOB and place of birth
  • Referee details which includes full name, addresses for the past 3 years, DOB, job title, phone number, email address and passport number
  • Tax reference which will be on your recent payslip
  • Work History (UK only) – 10 years – including start/end dates and address. This will be different if you run your own company
  • Previous application details – date applied, reference number, date of fingerprints
  • Time outside the UK (that was more than two days) with country, reason, entry and exit dates (holiday or work trips and I needed to provide 5 years)
  • Identity card (if you have one)
  • Degree information (if you have one)
  • English test information (if required)
  • Biometric details

Filling in the Application

To fill in the online application here .

The paper version is for people applying from the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or a British Overseas Territory or you can use this form if you wish to post your application and documents.

There is digital support for anyone needing help filling out the application (this is not for advice or questions).

You should also read:

  • the AN guidance  to check if you can apply
  • the nationality forms guide  to help you fill in the form

The form itself is relatively simple to fill out once you have the information to hand. My fingers did get a little sore entering in all my holidays!

One thing to note; my friend made a mistake when he was filling in his application in that he accidentally put an unrealistic date, say 2035 or similar, meaning the form showed that he had over 4,000 days outside of the country. There is no verification so if I put 1990 it still allows me to enter that date. Just make sure that you check that it’s the right date and year in your application. Otherwise, it will show you that you’ve had way too many days outside, but his application was still approved even though he did that.

Here Is The Video Guide on Filling Out The Online Form

In this video, I go into all the questions and answer that pop up in the form.

Original or Copies?

Let’s start with a question I get asked a lot! Do you need originals or can they be copies? It states in the application (copied directly from the document section):

You must provide your documents after you submit your application, these can be originals or copies. Any passports provided must be originals. You will be able to upload copies of your documents on our commercial partner’s website, or you can take your documents to your biometrics appointment to be scanned and uploaded by our commercial partner for a fee. Your application may be rejected if you do not provide all mandatory documents. If your application is rejected due to documents not being provided, it will not be considered and an administration fee for each person included in the application will be deducted from your refund.

Documentation Required

Once you have filled in all the questions you will reach the documentation screen. The checklist will cover all of the information you need to provide based on your answers. For the most part it will be similar to mine, but they may ask you to provide other documents if you’re applying via marriage or civil partnership.

All the titles and italics in this section of the article are the documents required by the Home Office for my application and what I have provided to meet these.

On the application it states that you should tick each document to confirm that you have read the requirement, even if you cannot send it. If you are unsure about any of the evidence, read the guidance.

This AN form guide will also give you information on evidence to provide as a part of your application and super helpful!

The passport issued by Australia

Easy, I will provide my passport.

The Australian passport, identity card or official letter to prove the level of English language required

Again, I will be providing my passport for this as Australia is exempt.

Interestingly I have had a few comments from other people saying when they submit their degree information and are from an exempted country it is still prompting them to provide evidence. The advice is to click ‘NO’ to the degree to get around the NARIC prompt on the document list and then write a covering letter with the application to explain why this had been selected (glitch). Please check with UKVI beforehand.

If you are someone that needs to prove this requirement, then UKVI will only accept English language qualifications from the Home Office approved list of acceptable qualifications.

You can find more about the information here:

  • an English qualification at B1, B2, C1 or C2 level
  • a degree taught or researched in English

Proof of freedom from immigration time restrictions

  • Your passport showing permission to remain permanently in the UK
  • The Home Office letter by which you were given permission to remain permanently in the UK

For this one, I have my passport and Home Office letter when I was granted ILR.

Just to note, the information in the checklist isn’t updated to reflect the BRP cards, here is a statement from UKVI:

You’ll usually have applied for indefinite leave to enter or remain. You’ll have a stamp in your passport or a letter from the Home Office . You could also have a ‘vignette’ (sticker) or a biometric residence permit. Source: Gov.UK

Therefore it was really my BRP card that I needed to provide for my application, at least it was included already!

Life in the UK Test pass notification

Previously completed as a part of my ILR so thankfully didn’t have to do the test again and just provided my pass notification.

When you went for the test in the past your were issued with a pass letter, however, they now just issue you with a number that you enter into your application. This should be emailed to you roughly 10 minutes after you have passed the test.

Current Biometric Residence Permit

Easy, I have one this time!

Proof of living in the UK

  • If you are married to, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen, you must have been in the UK for the past 3 years.
  • If you are not married, or in a civil partnership with, a British citizen, you must have been in the UK for the past 5 years.
  • If you are an EEA National, you need to include letters from employers, educational establishments or other government departments, indicating your presence in the UK during the relevant 3- or 5-year period.
  • If you are a Non-EEA National, you need to include your passport to prove you have lived in the UK for the relevant 3- or 5-year period.
  • If you do not have your passport or it was not stamped when you entered the UK, you need to include letters (for example, from your employer or government department) as proof.
  • Bank statements or household bills are not suitable proof you have been living in the UK. I get asked this a lot and no you cannot provide these as evidence.

I went a little over re the evidence for this one. I do have both my passports that were mainly stamped on all my entry and exits but I was worried that this wouldn’t be enough, so I included:

  • All my P60’s since living in the UK (6 in total). If you do not pay tax through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) arrangements, then provide your most recent HM Revenue & Customs Self-Assessment Statement of Account.
  • HMRC Letter stating the tax I paid from my ILR application.
  • Two employment letters, one from my ILR and a new one.

To get an HMRC letter is really easy just  0300 200 3300,  ask for 5 years’ worth of employment history to be sent to you in a letter. This is the same letter HMRC will provide you if you have lost your P60’s so if you have any gaps do this as soon as you can. It takes roughly a week to arrive.

All of these documents prove that I have been living here, paying taxes and working. Plus, they are not bank statements or household bills.

Two referee declarations

The part of the application, in my opinion, is more difficult, before we get to the detail, I have two wonderful friends to be referees and they met certain criteria. I provided two signed forms and passport photos with my name/DOB on the back of the photo. 

Details of Good Character requirement can be found here.

Who can be a referee for British citizenship?

At the time of applying the Nationality Policy: general information – all British nationals stated that:

  • One referee should be a person of any nationality who has professional standing.
  • One referee must normally be the holder of a British citizen passport and either a professional person or over the age of 25.
  • Known you for over 3 years. (To read more about the 3-year requirement, read page 10 of this document ).
  • Willing to give their information such as passport, three years of addresses etc.

The referee must also:

  • not be a relative.
  • not be a solicitor or agent representing you on this application.
  • not be related to the other referee.
  • not be employed by the Home Office.
  • not have been convicted of an imprisonable offence during the last 10 years (unless that conviction can be disregarded in line with the table shown in the Guide).
  • advise the Home Office of any reason why the applicant should not be registered.

British Citizenship Referee Professional Standing

Here is the Professional Standing list that one of your referees must be.

British Citizenship Referee Form and Process

I was searching for this form for ages, turns out even though documents page requests you tick the box the form will only be given to you in the next part of the application. You can also search online as well, here is a copy.

The form states that you need to put DOB and name on the back of the photo but if you are applying online and uploading to UKVCAS portal then you just need to upload the form with a photo and no need to fill in the back of the photo. Hopefully this will be corrected on the form in the future.

As a part of the application process, your referee will need to provide you:

  • Address(es) for last 3 years
  • Date of birth
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • British passport number (if British)
  • How they know you

These details need to be entered by you in the online application form.

Frequently Asked Questions on Referees

On my YouTube channel I get asked a lot of the same questions so I thought I would encorporate my answers into this post to.

  • Who fills in the form: the referee fills in the form.
  • Where do I put my referee details: You add the information in the online application. I show an example somewhere in this video around the 5:40 mark: https://youtu.be/RfIxdedOZJE
  • Why do I need to have 3 years of addresses and passport number of my referee? The online application form asks for this so I provided as requested.
  • Where do I upload my referee form: I uploaded this with my other documents on the UKVCAS portal. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/MRIchfmFW64
  • Can xyz professional be included: Contact UKVI if you are unsure if your referee meets the requirements.

Evidence of identity

You must include one of the following:

  • your passport
  • your national identity card
  • your Home Office travel document
  • your Home Office entitlement card
  • your Home Office ARC letter
  • your BRP card
  • your birth certificate
  • your driving licence

You must include evidence you have legally changed your name if it is now different to the one on your supporting document.

If you took the Life in the UK Test and used one of the above documents as evidence, you should use the same one here.

I used my old passport as my proof of identity when I took my Life in the UK test, so I included that plus my most recent passport. Additionally, they need my BRP card to support another requirement so that should meet everything.

Here’s The Video Guide Covering The Documents You Need For Your Application

Declarations

The next step of the application is the referee declaration which are the downloadable forms I mention above and confirming the information you provided is correct. Once you are happy, tick the boxes and you will be taken to the payments screen.

Pay (British Citizenship Application Fee)

Unlike ILR you will not get the option to speed up the process and it will be the standard service you choose. To become a British citizen by naturalisation will come to a total of £1,349.20 which is £1,330 for the application and £19.20 for the biometrics.

You will get a warning/ bold statement at this point saying that once you pay there is no going back on the application.

The biometric appointment is the next phase of the application process, you can read more about it here . You can watch these videos on Citizenship Ceremony and applying from your British passport.

More UK Visa Articles

  • Biometrics Appointment (UKVCAS Process Explained)
  • UK Visas Premium Service (Super Priority) – Appointment Tips and Process
  • A Guide to Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Via UK Ancestry)
  • Everything You Need to Know About the Life in the UK Test

katherine nairn profile pic

Kat Hi, I'm Kat, an Australian that moved to London in 2013 to start a  new adventure.  What a roller-coaster that was! I love helping others move to the UK  and people  explore the world ! I’d be honoured if you’d say, “Thanks!” with a £3 coffee on Ko-fi.

Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi button

Tuesday 2nd of February 2021

Do you know how to enter a fixed fine traffic ticket (i.e. parking ticket etc), when the date is unknown as it is from about 20 years ago.

Monday 1st of February 2021

I have a question regarding document upload. Incase of P60s or payslips where there are multiple documents do I put them together in 1 pdf or leave them separate?

And for the passport copy do I only scan pages with stamp on them or the complete passport from start to finish.

Thanks Nick

Tuesday 19th of January 2021

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It can feel like a pretty daunting process but your posts/ videos make it feel simple and do-able.

I'd love your POV on a couple of things.

1. Do you think employer letters are necessary, if I'm submitting an HMRC employment history letter for the last 5 years, ILR evidence, all of my P60s except for the past 10 months - for which I'll provide P45s? I could also include JSA letters and payslips as that surely proves what an employer letter would indicate. I'm confident that my ILR documents cover most of the evidence but I'm feeling anxious about proving the last year - the pandemic has meant that I've not had steady employment.

2. The HMRC employment letter will be dated 2-weeks before my application eligible date, due to the time it takes to arrive in post. If they're very strict on proving residence, this leaves 2 weeks unaccounted for. Is this where a current employer letter would come in handy, even if I've only been employed with them for a few weeks?

Thanks, Sarah

Tuesday 26th of January 2021

When I applied for ILR I had only been with my current company for a month and they just said I was employed from x date/my details. I just added extra things on this application as I wanted to be sure, it says for: If you are a Non-EEA National, you need to include your passport to prove you have lived in the UK for the relevant 3- or 5-year period. If you do not have your passport or it was not stamped when you entered the UK, you need to include letters (for example, from your employer or government department) as proof. As there were a few gaps in my stamps I added these documents.

Tuesday 12th of January 2021

Thank you for pulling al this information together. Im just about to start the whole process and a bit confused.Im an EEA nationality anf have a settled status and a perm resident card already. Do i still need to have BRP? or this has been attached to my passport already? Also - i know this was mentioned before but still not 100% sure- about the referees.If i submit my application online how do i get the photo on to the application?And shall i ask the 2 referees to fill up the form themselves by hand and scan it or they should do it online? Many thanks, Judit

Wednesday 13th of January 2021

No you just need to provide documents to support you have EEA settled status. BRP card is just what they issue visa holders and there is a different process EEA.

There is a form you download, linked in this article that your referee fills in but the application will give you a form like steps 4/5 in the screens. Then you upload that to the UKVCAS portal.

Lauren Risbey

Friday 8th of January 2021

Hi Kat, thanks for putting together this really helpful guide. I followed your ILR last year and that was approved in Dec 2019 so I'm now able to apply for citizenship. I basically have everything together from ILR application however had a couple of questions and would be interested to know your thoughts. Appreciate that any responses are not official advice but if you can help that would be great.

1, I would like to apply in the next week especially whilst we are locked down however am moving in 6 weeks time. Do you think there is any issue with moving address whilst your application is being processed. Do they send anything to you? I know with ILR they couriered our BRP's.

2, Proof of Address - we have plenty of evidence for having lived in the UK however for our current poof of address we only have bank statements and payslips as we are just staying here inbetween moving in 6 weeks so not on any official bills.

3, Referees - we have a few people I believe we can use though the list isn't overly helpful because it doesn't specifically mention that professions but surely being part of professional institute would constitute? We have various friends who are part of the following Chartered Insurance Institute, Certified Institute of Marketing, Chartered Institute of Building. These aren't specifically mentioned on the list but are professionals. Also I have read that you can have one British referee and another of any nationality. We have Irish friends who are Accountants and Physio and so they tick the professionals box. They have apparently done it before.

4, How long did your application take? I know it says up to 6 months and obviously covid/lockdowns will be delaying things however just curious. I'd be tempted to wait until we move to make it easier but then 6 months basically takes away all of summer which I am optimistic might be open for travel this year.

Any thoughts you have on the above would be most appreciated.

Thank you, Lauren

Monday 11th of January 2021

1. Yes, the address you use on the application drives where your citizenship ceremony is held and the invitation letter. 2. They don't accept bills or bank statements so it's your payslips in this case. 3. I went with what was stated on the list, you would have to confirm with UKVI if they accept other professionals. It sounds like your Irish friend meets the professional requirements. 4. I applied before COVID times and it was like 2 months from applying to getting my certificate. Most people seem to be waiting for their ceremonies which can be a couple of months.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Facebook Pixel

  • (888) 777-9102
  • Learning Center

Citizen Path Immigration Document Services

  • How It Works
  • All Packages & Pricing
  • I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
  • I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé
  • I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
  • I-131 Application for Travel Document
  • I-485 Adjustment of Status Application
  • I-751 Remove Conditions on Residence
  • I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
  • I-821D DACA Application Package
  • I-864 Affidavit of Support
  • N-400 Application for Naturalization
  • N-565 Application to Replace Citizenship Document
  • Citizenship Through Naturalization
  • Citizenship Through Parents
  • Apply For Citizenship (N-400)
  • Apply for Certificate of Citizenship (N-600)
  • Replace Citizenship Document (N-565)
  • Apply for a Green Card
  • Green Card Renewal
  • Green Card Replacement
  • Renew or Replace Green Card (I-90)
  • Remove Conditions on Green Card (I-751)
  • Green Card through Adjustment of Status
  • Adjustment of Status Application (I-485)
  • Affidavit of Support (I-864)
  • Employment Authorization (I-765)
  • Advance Parole Application (I-131)
  • Adjustment of Status Fee
  • Family-Based Immigration Explained
  • Search the Learning Center
  • Request Support
  • Find an Immigration Attorney

Citizen Path Immigration Document Services

  • Application for Naturalization & U.S. Citizenship (Form N-400)

Do you have a sample cover letter to submit with Form N-400?

Home » Do you have a sample cover letter to submit with Form N-400?

April 20, 2021

CitizenPath has created a sample cover letter to help you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization . You are not required to use a cover letter when filing Form N-400. However, an N-400 cover letter can be helpful if you have unusual circumstances or need to clarify the details of your case.

Always keep your cover letter short and simple. Include the vital information such as your name and alien registration number. Be concise when explaining the purpose of the letter.

Sample N-400 Cover Letter

Use this sample cover letter as a guide. Do not submit this letter without updating it to fit your specific situation.

sample n-400 cover letter for standard applications

You may want to simply itemize the contents of your naturalization application package. Or you can use the cover letter to bring information to the attention of the USCIS officer who will be reviewing your case. For example, you may want to make sure the officer knows you will be requesting a waiver of the English language or civics exam requirement due to your age. The N-400 cover letter is the appropriate place to highlight this.

RECOMMENDED: Top 7 Questions When Applying for Citizenship

Mistakes on your N-400 application can cause costly delays or a denial.

Where to address your cover letter for form n-400.

Address your letter to the same address that you file Form N-400. Refer to the USCIS instructions for your applicable filing address. Or if you’ve used CitizenPath to prepare your N-400 application, refer to the custom filing instructions for the USCIS mailing address.

Immigration Form Guides Form I-90       Form I-129F       Form I-130       Form I-131       Form I-131A       Form I-134       Form I-485       Form I-751       Form I-765       Form I-821D       Form I-864       Form N-400       Form N-565       Form N-600

Sign Up to Receive Free Monthly Information for Your Immigration Journey

© Copyright 2013-2024, CitizenPath, LLC. All rights reserved. CitizenPath is a private company that provides self-directed immigration services at your direction. We are not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. The information provided in this site is not legal advice, but general information on issues commonly encountered in immigration. CitizenPath is not a law firm and is not a substitute for an attorney or law firm. Your access to and use of this site is subject to additional Terms of Use .

CitizenPath is a Reviews.io Trusted Website

Applying for British citizenship

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

You should check if you’re eligible to apply for citizenship - there are different routes to apply.

Most adults who have migrated to the UK get citizenship by applying to ‘naturalise’.

Applying for citizenship takes time and you will not get your money back if your application is refused.

Check how much it costs to apply

You usually pay £1,330 to apply for adult citizenship or £1,012 for children. If you’re applying for citizenship as an adult you’ll also have to pay:

£50 to do the Life in the UK Test

around £150 if you have to do an English test

You will not get most of your money back if your application is refused - for example, if you’re not eligible or you sent the wrong documents.

You can find out more about the fees for citizenship applications on GOV.UK .

If you’re applying for a child and you can’t afford the fee

You can apply for a ‘fee waiver’. If you get a fee waiver, you will not have to pay the fee.

To apply for a fee waiver, you have to show you don’t have enough income and savings to pay for both the fee and essential costs like food and rent. You’ll need to send documents showing your income and spending for the last 6 months, for example your:

bank statements for all your accounts

tenancy agreement

utility bills

If social services give you money to help you look after your child, you’ll automatically get a fee waiver - you’ll need to send documents to prove this.

You can apply for a fee waiver on GOV.UK .

Check what you need to apply

Before you apply for citizenship, it’s worth preparing what you’ll need. 

When you apply for citizenship through naturalisation, you’ll need to: 

prove how long you’ve lived in the UK

pass the Life in the UK Test 

prove you understand English 

check you’re of ‘good character’ - this means showing you haven't recently broken the law or gone bankrupt

give the names of 2 people who can help prove your identity - these are called ‘referees’

If you're applying for citizenship for your child

You’ll need to make a separate application for your child. 

If your child is under 18 years old, you can apply to ‘register’ them as a British citizen. Registering is a way of applying for British citizenship. 

The application process is easier for children - they don't have to:

prove their knowledge of English 

do the citizenship ceremony

You can check if your child can get British citizenship and what form you should use .

Prove how long you’ve lived in the UK 

You usually need to prove how long you’ve lived in the UK - this is called the ‘residency requirement’.  

You need to prove your residency even if you've done it before - for example, by applying for 'settled status'. 

The length of time you need to prove will depend on your situation.

These are the steps you should follow:

1. Work out when you were in the UK

You should work out exactly when you were in the UK during the last: 

3 years if you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen 

5 years if you’re not married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen

To help with this, you could make a list of the dates you travelled outside the UK by:

checking old calendars

checking travel bookings

looking for exit and entry dates stamped in your passport

You also need to make sure you were in the UK on the same day 3 or 5 years ago as the day you’re applying. If you weren’t in the UK exactly 3 or 5 years ago, it’s usually best to wait until it’s been 3 or 5 years since the date you returned to the UK and then apply. If you were out of the UK for a long time, talk to an adviser .

2. Check what absences from the UK are allowed 

You should check how many days you were outside the UK - if it's over the limit you might be refused. You'll need to separately count these for the:

3 or 5 years you’re providing evidence for in your application 

12 months before you apply

You can be out of the UK for up to 90 days in the year before you apply. If you were away for longer, you could delay applying. This would mean your absence is counted in the 3 or 5 years you’re using in your residence requirement. 

3. Check you have the evidence to show you were in the UK 

You’ll need to give the Home Office your current passport and old passports that cover the time you’ve been in the country. If you have any entry and exit stamps in your passport, check they match the dates you’ve said you were in and out of the country on your application.

Check if your passport has an entry stamp for when you first entered the UK. You might not have one if for example you’re an EU citizen.

If you don’t have a passport with an entry stamp, you’ll need other evidence to show you were in the UK, for example:

payslips and P60s

a letter from your employer or education provider with start and end dates

a letter from a benefits provider like the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showing when you got benefits

You might also be able to use other evidence, like household bills.

If you don’t have a passport or travel documents because you’re a refugee, the Home Office should accept that you didn’t leave the UK after you arrived.

Pass the Life in the UK Test 

You need to pass the Life in the UK Test before you apply for citizenship. 

The test asks questions about UK laws and the legal system, working and other details of life in the UK. 

You can do the test any time before you apply.

Check if you need to do the test 

You don’t need to pass the Life in the UK Test if:

you’ve already passed it - for example, if you took the test when you applied for 'indefinite leave to remain' 

you’re under 18 or over 65 years old

If you’re aged 60 to 64 and can show you’re unlikely to pass the test before you turn 65, the Home Office might agree you don’t have to do the test. For example, if you're receiving medical treatment for a serious illness.

If you have a physical or mental condition that stops you passing the test, you might not have to do it. You'll need to ask your doctor to confirm that your condition:

is unlikely to change

makes it impossible for you to pass the test - for example, a learning disability or brain injury that stops you remembering facts

You can get a form for your doctor to fill in on GOV.UK. 

Doing the test 

You can do the test as many times as you need to - but you have to pay a fee each time. 

You need to study the official handbook to pass the test. You can also buy an app to practise - search for the official Life in the UK Test app by TSO (The Stationery Office). 

Some colleges offer short courses to help prepare for the test. You'll have to pay a fee to attend.

You can book the Life in the UK Test and buy the official handbook on GOV.UK.

Prove you understand English

You need to prove you understand English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic before you can apply for citizenship. 

Check if you need to prove you understand English

You don’t need to prove you understand English if:

you’re from a country that’s exempt - check which nationalities don't have to prove they understand English on GOV.UK

you have a degree that was taught or researched in English - check how to show your degree was in English on GOV.UK

If you’re aged 60 to 64 and can show you’re unlikely to learn English before you turn 65, the Home Office might agree you don’t have to prove your knowledge of English. For example, if you're receiving medical treatment for a serious illness.

makes it impossible for you to learn English - for example, a learning disability or brain injury that stops you learning the language 

You can get a form for your doctor to fill in on GOV.UK.

Proving you understand English

You'll need to pass a speaking and listening test at an approved centre - you can find a secure English language test provider on GOV.UK.

The test costs around £150. Tests are usually valid for 2 years - if you’ve already done a test, you can check your English language test is still valid on GOV.UK. 

Check you’re of good character 

You usually need to prove you’re of good character before you can apply for citizenship. 

The Home Office look at a range of things to decide this.

For example, the Home Office might decide you’re not eligible if you have:

unpaid taxes in the UK

an NHS debt 

been declared bankrupt

a criminal record

broken a condition of your leave in the last 10 years - for example working or claiming public funds without permission

If you have any points on your driving licence, you must print a summary of your record from the DVLA website and include it with your application.

You should say if you've received any fixed penalty notices in your application. Your good character won't be affected, as long as you've paid them.

It’s important to be honest and include anything that’s relevant to your application - for example, a criminal conviction. If the Home Office finds you've left something out, they might refuse to accept your application.

If you think you’ll have problems with proving you are of good character, you should talk to an adviser before you apply.

Provide 2 referees

You’ll need to give the names of 2 referees on your application. These are people who know you and can help prove your identity. 

Both of your referees should have known you personally for more than 3 years. They must not be: 

your relative

your solicitor or agent 

employed by the Home Office 

They can't be a referee if they've had a criminal conviction in the last 10 years, unless a certain period of time has passed. This is called the ‘rehabilitation period’. For example, the rehabilitation period for a fine is 1 year. You can find the rehabilitation periods on GOV.UK.  

Your referees should include: 

a person who has 'professional standing' - for example, a civil servant of any nationality

a person who is a British passport holder and either has professional standing or is over the age of 25

The Home Office has a list of people they accept as referees - they’re called ‘acceptable professional persons’. 

Before you apply, check the list and the rest of the rules for referees in the nationality guidance on GOV.UK. The list of who can be a referee is under 'Commonly used terms'.

Check your application carefully

It’s important to check you have the right information and documents before you apply. If something is missing or wrong, the Home Office can refuse to accept your application and you will not get your money back.

If the Home Office decide you lied on your application, they might stop you applying again for 10 years.

If you need help preparing your application 

You should talk to an adviser if you need help with completing your application or providing evidence. 

How to apply 

You can usually apply for citizenship online or by post. 

If you’re from the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or a British Overseas territory, you must apply by post.

It's a good idea to send your paper application by recorded delivery, so you can make sure it's delivered.

Find out more about applying if you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen on GOV.UK. 

If you're not married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, the way you apply will depend on your current immigration status. You can find out how to:

apply if you have indefinite leave to remain or settled status on GOV.UK

apply if you have permanent residence status on GOV.UK

Submit your documents 

If you’ve applied on a paper form, you’ll need to submit your documents - for example, send your passport with your application.  

If you’ve applied online, you can scan your documents and upload them to your online application - you don’t have to physically send them to the Home Office. 

It’s a good idea to download or print a copy of your finished application for your records.

Book your biometric appointment 

You’ll usually get an email asking you to book an appointment to have your photograph and fingerprints taken. These are called your ‘biometric information’.

You’ll need to book an appointment on the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service website .

You can check what to bring and if anyone needs to go with you on GOV.UK .

After you’ve applied 

You need to tell the Home Office if you change your personal details during this time. For example, if you change your address. 

The amount of time you wait for the Home Office’s decision will not affect your existing rights in the UK - for example, you can continue to work or claim benefits.

The Home Office will write to you if they need more details about your application. You should reply within 2 weeks if you can. If the Home Office doesn't hear from you by then, they might make a decision on your application based on the information they already have.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will try to make a decision about your application within 6 months, but it might take longer. If you’re worried about a delay, you can:

contact UKVI to check if there’s a problem with your application - check how to contact UKVI on GOV.UK

make a complaint about the delay - check how to complain to UKVI on GOV.UK

Travelling outside the UK before you get British citizenship 

You can travel outside the UK if you’ve applied for British citizenship. You should make sure you can get emails and letters about your application while you’re away. 

Organise a citizenship ceremony 

If your application is successful, you must arrange a citizenship ceremony. These are usually held at your local council. Find out more about booking your citizenship ceremony on GOV.UK. 

Replace or correct a UK citizenship certificate 

You’ll have to pay a fee to replace or correct a UK citizenship certificate. Find out more about replacing or correcting your citizenship certificate on GOV.UK.

Travelling outside the UK after you get British citizenship 

If you want to travel outside the UK after getting British citizenship, you’ll need to apply for a British passport. 

Make sure the details on your current passport are the same as your citizenship certificate. For example, check your name is spelled the same. If any of the details are different, you will not get a British passport.

You can find out more about how to apply for a British passport on GOV.UK.

Register to vote 

Becoming a British citizen means you can vote in all elections or referendums. You can register to vote on GOV.UK. 

If your application is unsuccessful 

If your application is unsuccessful, the Home Office will write to you and tell you why. 

It will not affect your current right to stay in the UK.

Help us improve our website

Take 3 minutes to tell us if you found what you needed on our website. Your feedback will help us give millions of people the information they need.

Letter Templates & Example

Letter from Employer for British Citizenship Template: A Complete Guide

Are you an immigrant living in the UK and aspiring to become a British citizen? If so, one of the requirements in the application process is obtaining a letter from your employer confirming your employment status. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a letter from employer for British citizenship template that you can use as a guide. With this template, you can easily compose a letter that meets the required specifications and presents your employment status in an accurate and professional manner. You can find examples of this template online and edit them as needed to ensure that you convey your employment situation correctly. So, take advantage of our letter from employer for British citizenship template and ensure a successful application process towards your British citizenship.

The Best Structure for a Letter from Employer for British Citizenship Template

If you’re an employee applying for British citizenship, you may need a letter of support from your employer. This letter is an essential part of your application and can make all the difference in your approval process. However, crafting the right letter can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure of what structure to follow.

The best structure for a letter from employer for British citizenship template should be straightforward and include essential information. It should begin with a formal greeting to the immigration officer who will be reviewing your application. You can address them as “Dear Sir/Madam” or use their name if you know it.

The first paragraph should introduce the employer and their relationship with you. Include how long you’ve been employed, your job title, and your responsibilities in the company. Also, mention your employer’s understanding of the citizenship process and their willingness to support you in your application.

In the second paragraph, focus on your strengths, including your work ethic, professional skills, and positive contributions to your employer. Share details about your punctuality, ability to handle deadlines, and your proficiency in your job. Provide specific examples of how you’ve made a significant impact in your role.

The third paragraph should highlight your employer’s confidence in you as an employee and support for your application for citizenship. Include how your employer values your work, and the potential benefits of you obtaining British Citizenship for the company.

The final paragraph should wrap up the letter summarizing the key points. Thank the immigration officer for their time and consideration of your application. Include your employer’s contact details for verification, including their phone number, email, and physical address.

In conclusion, the structure of a letter from employer for British citizenship template should be straightforward and include essential information. Start with a formal greeting, an introduction to the employer, and your employment history. Highlight your strengths, including your work ethic, professional skills, and how you have positively contributed to the company. Convince the immigration officer of your employer’s confidence in you as an employee and support for your citizenship application. Finally, wrap up by summarizing the key points, including your employer’s contact details for verification. With these tips, you can prepare a successful employer support letter for your British citizenship application.

Employer Letter Template for British Citizenship

Employment verification letter.

It is my pleasure to verify that [Full Name] has been employed with our company [Company Name] since [Joining Date] and has been an asset to our team. As a [Designation], [Full Name] has demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication in their work.

During their tenure, [Full Name] has been responsible for [Job Responsibilities], and has always been punctual and diligent in carrying out their duties. [He/She] has a great work ethic and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that [Company Name] meets its objectives.

Based on [Full Name]’s conduct, I highly recommend [him/her] for British Citizenship, and I trust that [he/she] will excel in [his/her] future endeavors.

[Your Name]

Work Reference Letter

I am writing this reference letter to support [Full Name]’s application for British Citizenship. [He/She] has been [Designation] within our organization [Company Name], since [Joining Date] and has been an outstanding member of our team.

[Full Name] has all the attributes of an ideal employee, including a strong work ethic, dedication to achieving company goals, and excellent interpersonal skills. [He/She] has shown great leadership and organizational skills and is always willing to help others.

During [Full Name]’s employment with us, [he/she] has consistently displayed excellent communication skills, which has helped [him/her] to effectively work and communicate with colleagues and clients alike. [He/She] has shown remarkable leadership skills and played a crucial role in [Project Name], which resulted in a significant increase in revenue for our organization.

I have no doubt that [Full Name] will be an asset to the UK, and I wholeheartedly endorse [him/her] for British Citizenship.

Yours truly,

Character Reference Letter

I am writing this reference letter in support of [Full Name]’s application for British Citizenship. In all of my interactions with [him/her], I have found [him/her] to be honest, hardworking, and trustworthy.

[Full Name] and I have known each other for [Number of Years], and during this time, [he/she] has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the community and helping those in need. [He/She] has actively volunteered and supported various charitable organizations in the UK and has been instrumental in giving back to the community.

I wholeheartedly recommend [Full Name] for British Citizenship, and I am certain that [he/she] will continue to make the UK proud. [He/She] has a genuine passion for supporting and making a positive impact in the community.

Good Conduct Letter

I am writing this letter to confirm [Full Name]’s good conduct during [his/her] tenure with our organization. [He/She] has been an exemplary employee, and [his/her] conduct at work has been impeccable.

[Full Name] has always adhered to our company’s code of conduct and ethics and has been a great ambassador of our organization. [He/She] has shown professionalism and integrity and has been a role model for [his/her] colleagues.

Based on [Full Name]’s conduct and integrity, I highly recommend [him/her] for British Citizenship. [He/She] is an asset to our organization and will undoubtedly make valuable contributions to the UK.

Yours sincerely,

Immigration Reference Letter

I am writing this reference letter to support [Full Name]’s application for British Citizenship. As an employer, [I/We] have had the opportunity to observe [his/her] work ethics and character, which are exceptional.

During [Full Name]’s tenure with us as a [Designation], [he/she] has shown exceptional skills, dedication, honesty, and integrity. [He/She] seamlessly navigated complex projects, and [his/her] problem-solving and leadership skills have been invaluable to our company.

In my role as [Your Designation], I have active involvement in our organization’s immigration-related matters, and based on [Full Name]’s exemplary conduct, I have no doubt that [he/she] will be a great addition to the UK. I confidently endorse [him/her] for British Citizenship and wish [him/her] the best in [his/her] future endeavors.

Employment Support Letter

I am writing this letter to express my full support for [Full Name]’s application for British Citizenship. [He/She] has been a valuable employee to our organization and has demonstrated exceptional skill in [his/her] previous line(s) of work.

[Full Name] has consistently shown dedication, commitment, and exceptional work ethics in [his/her] job responsibilities. [He/She] is excellent at multitasking, and always goes above and beyond what is expected, which is a testament to [his/her] work dedication and commitment.

As a responsible employer, I am confident that if granted British Citizenship, [Full Name] will thrive, contribute positively to the UK, and be an excellent representative of our organization. I highly recommend [Full Name] for British Citizenship.

Best regards,

Employment Relationship Letter

I am writing this reference letter to support [Full Name]’s application for British Citizenship. [He/She] has been an exceptional employee, and we have enjoyed an excellent employment relationship during [his/her] tenure.

[Full Name] has always represented our organization with utmost professionalism and integrity. [He/She] has shown dedication, discipline, and a strong work ethic, which has earned [him/her] the respect of [his/her] colleagues and superiors alike.

I am confident that granting [Full Name] British Citizenship would be an excellent recognition of [his/her] outstanding performance and contributions to our organization and the UK. I strongly recommend [him/her] for British Citizenship.

Best wishes,

Tips for Writing a Letter from Employer for British Citizenship Template

When an employee applies for British citizenship, a letter of recommendation from their employer is often required. This letter should outline the employee’s character, work ethic, and contributions to the business. Here are some tips to help create an effective letter from employer for British citizenship template:

  • Be honest: The letter should include specific details about the employee’s role in the company, their strengths and weaknesses and their overall character. It is important to be truthful and accurate in this assessment.
  • Explain the length of employment: The letter should mention how long the employee has worked for the company, as it is an important factor in determining their eligibility for citizenship.
  • Highlight contributions: The letter should discuss the employee’s contributions to the company, including any special projects, recognition, awards, or promotions they have received.
  • Use professional language: The letter should be written using professional language and tone. Avoid using slang or casual language that could detract from the seriousness of the matter.
  • Include contact information: The letter should include contact information for the employer, including their name, title, and contact information, so that the authorities can verify the authenticity of the letter if necessary.
  • Proofread and edit: The letter should be proofread and edited to ensure that there are no spelling or grammar errors. An error-free letter shows that the employer takes the employee’s application seriously.
  • Endorsement: In conclusion, the letter should include an endorsement of the employee’s application for British citizenship. This can be simple, but should emphasis why the applicant deserves to become a citizen.

Overall, it is important to take the time to write a thoughtful and well-crafted letter. This is not only important for the employee’s immigration application, but it is also a reflection of the employer and company. The more detailed and positive the letter, the better the chance the employee has of receiving approval for their British citizenship application.

Frequently Asked Questions about Letter from Employer for British Citizenship Template

What is a letter from employer for British citizenship?

A letter from employer for British citizenship is a document that certifies that you have been employed by a specific company or organization for a certain period of time, and that you are of good character and conduct.

Why do I need a letter from employer for British citizenship?

You need a letter from employer for British citizenship to prove that you have been working in the UK, and to meet the requirements of the British citizenship application process.

What should be included in the letter from employer for British citizenship?

The letter should include your job title, salary, employment start date and end date (if applicable), and confirmation that you are of good character and conduct.

Can I write my own letter from employer for British citizenship?

No. The letter must be written on official company letterhead and signed by a higher-level representative of the company, such as a manager or director.

How should the letter from employer for British citizenship be formatted?

The letter should be formatted on a standard A4 paper, and include the company logo and contact information. The font should be easy to read and have a professional tone.

Can the letter from employer for British citizenship be in a different language?

If the letter is in a language other than English, it should be accompanied by a certified translation.

How long should I have worked for the company before getting a letter from employer for British citizenship?

The length of time required may vary depending on your situation. Generally, it is recommended that you have worked at the company for at least 12 months before applying for British citizenship.

Okay, now go grab that citizenship!

Now that you have all the tools you need to get your British citizenship, what are you waiting for? Get that letter from your employer, fill out your application, and start enjoying all the benefits that come with being a British citizen. Oh, and before you go, don’t forget to thank your employer for being a great reference and showing their support for your journey towards citizenship. Thanks for reading and make sure to come back for more helpful tips and tricks in the future. Good luck!

How to Create a Professional Self Employment Letter Template Sample Employment Letter for Singapore Citizenship Application: A Comprehensive Guide 10 Key Elements to Include in Your Employment Contract Sample Nigeria How to Write an Effective Employment Letter Request Sample 5 Tips for Creating a Professional Employment Commitment Letter Template 10 Return from Maternity Leave Letter Templates from Employers: Free Samples and Tips

The four most common errors in British citizenship applications

uk citizenship application cover letter

Hi, I'm Nick Nason, director of Edgewater Legal.

I review around three British citizenship applications a week, and have done so via our popular review service for the last several years.

So I have seen A LOT of naturalisation applications.

The following is my list of problems areas most commonly encountered by clients.

Insufficient evidence of residence

The Home Office guidance on what is required from applicants in respect of their evidence of residence in the UK lacks clarity, so it is not surprising that applicants get confused.

You need to show (a) you’ve been physically present in the UK for the qualifying period without excess absences.

But you’ve also got to show (b) that the period you’ve been in the UK has been lawful.

I see lots of applications where insufficient evidence is provided in respect of these two criteria.

EU nationals in particular often have to work harder when attempting to address physical and lawful presence.

This is because (i) almost none have their passports have been stamped into the UK at the border and (ii) there was no requirement to hold a visa for EU nationals in the UK until Brexit.

In respect of the physical presence requirement, EEA nationals are therefore in the same position as other nationals who aren’t stamped at the border (e.g. Americans), and who need to provide alternative evidence of presence.

Check out our presentation covering these points, and what alternative evidence of residence might be provided (from 5:15 onwards).

Further background is given in our " How to complete your British Citizenship Application " video where we go through an online form (see 28:30 onwards).

Poor document presentation

I think I spend most of my time advising on this during application reviews .

Organising your documents in a user-friendly way and including a covering letter with the application and supporting evidence can really help a decision-maker navigate your application.

I review lots of applications where document files are unnamed, are in no particular order, are blurry or not properly sized, or where it is not entirely clear why they have been submitted in support of an application for naturalisation.

A covering letter acts as a useful “guided tour” to the application, enabling applicants to list enclosures, provide a (very) brief background (e.g. main activities during time in UK, with dates etc), which is sometimes difficult to figure out based on the form alone.

We offer a complementary template covering letter as a part of our review service .

Misunderstanding the referee requirements

All applicants for British citizenship must provide two referees to establish their identity.

Applicants must provide details of referees within the application form itself (e.g. name, contact details etc).

But a sizeable minority of applicants don't appreciate that referees also need to sign a declaration, on a form downloaded from within the application portal.

Because the form can't be downloaded until after an applicant has moved through all of the application questions, it sometimes comes as a surprise where an applicant is looking to submit, and can delay applications.

Completing the form itself - with confusing guidance from analogue pre-digital application days - can sometimes lead to questions from clients, with misleading directions to applicants, for example, to write their name on the back of the photo (which is unnecessary, given that the photo is going to be attached onto a scanned document).

And it is the photo of the applicant which should be placed on the declaration form, NOT a photo of the referee (have seen this quite a few times)!

I wrote a pretty detailed explanation of the referee requirement here .

Non-disclosure of minor character issues (e.g. traffic offences)

This is another regular discussion point.

The application form is confusingly worded, and requests information to be provided for driving offences, but then gives two examples ("for example disqualification for speeding or no motor insurance").

Lots of my clients take the view that unless their driving offence relates to those two examples, they do not need to be declared.

My view has always been that the requirement is not to be read in that way, and that all driving offences (e.g. fixed penalty notices for speeding etc) and other - even minor - matters should be declared.

Moreover, the risk of non-disclosure is made clear in the guidance

Where the applicant fails to disclose information that would result in the application being refused on good character grounds, the application must be refused and any further application for citizenship will normally be refused for the next 10 years. This applies unless it is accepted that the failure to disclose was unintentional and a genuine error.

You can read the good character guidance here which lists the conduct the Home Office can consider (and which should therefore be declared).

If you are in doubt about this requirement then we strongly suggest you seek independent legal advice before submitting your application.

This post is intended to provide general background on the relevant issues and does not constitute legal advice. The law may have changed since the date this article was published. You should always take legal advice relating to your individual circumstances.

logo

  • Open 7 days a week check office hours
  • Email address [email protected]
  • Speak to an expert 0044 20 3930 3900
  • UK Immigration Services
  • Commissioners For Oaths
  • British Citizenship Applications
  • Visit Visa UK
  • Family Visa Applications
  • Work Visa Applications
  • Sponsor Licence Applications
  • Long Residence Applications
  • Private Life Applications
  • Discretionary Leave Applications
  • Ukraine Scheme Visa UK
  • Student Visa Applications
  • EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Applications
  • Returning Resident Visa UK
  • Other Immigration Applications
  • Spouse / Partner Visa UK
  • ILR As A Victim Of Domestic Violence
  • ILR As A Bereaved Partner
  • Parent Of A British Child Visa UK
  • Applications By Children
  • Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) Visa
  • Dependant Visas UK
  • Sponsor Licence
  • Super Priority Service
  • Book An Appointment
  • UK Visa Entry Clearance Applications
  • Switching Visas
  • UK Visa Extensions
  • ILR Applications
  • Naturalisation As A British Citizen
  • Challenge UK Visa Refusals

Business Coming Soon

Preparing Cover Letter For UK Visa and Immigration Application

A cover letter for an immigration application is an important document to explain all the relevant information, requirements and documents related to your UK visa and immigration application. Our specialist team of immigration solicitors can prepare a detailed cover letter in support of your UK visa and immigration application to show how you meet the relevant requirements of the UK immigration laws for your application to be successful. 

Preparing a cover letter in support of your immigration application is a one-off service and all the work on the cover letter will be completed in one session lasting up to 60 minutes.

The cover letter our immigration solicitors and lawyers prepare in support of your immigration application may contain the following:

  • relevant background information and immigration history;
  • referencing the relevant UK immigration laws applicable to your immigration application;
  • listing and explaining all the relevant supporting documents to meet the relevant requirements of the immigration laws;
  • addressing any complex issues in the immigration application, where necessary;
  • explaining how you meet all the relevant requirements for your application to be successful.
  • Other One-Off Immigration Services
  • Immigration Advice Service UK
  • Immigration Documents Checking Service
  • Application Form Completion Service
  • Submitting Application Via Priority/Super Priority Service
  • Uploading Supporting Documents Online

Our Fixed Fee For Preparing Cover Letter

  • Our immigration lawyers will charge a fixed fee ranging from £300 to £600 (no VAT) to prepare a detailed cover letter in support of your UK visa and immigration application.
  • The agreed fixed fee will be dependent on the type of application, complexity of the matter and volume of work involved in preparing the cover letter.

Our Fixed Fees For One-Off Immigration Services

Our fixed fees for one-off immigration services are as given in the fee table below:

Premium Solicitors is a London based law firm with specialisation in UK visa & immigration matters. Premium Solicitors is the trading name of Premium Solicitors Ltd (company registration number 14268786). Premium Solicitors Office is regulated by Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) under SRA ID 8001468. Premium Solicitors are also members of Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA).

Copyright © 2024 Premium Solicitors, All rights reserved

Useful Links

Privacy Policy

Office Information

Wimdbeldon Business Centre Old Town Hall Centre Court Shopping Centre 4 Queens Road London SW19 8YB

Facebook Twitter Instagram

  • Book An Appointment Online
  • Our Fixed Fees
  • UK Visas & Immigration Applications
  • Family Visas UK
  • Priority Service - Sponsor Licence
  • Switching Visas Within UK
  • UK Visa Extension / Renewal
  • Challenge UK Visa Refusal Decisions
  • Commissioners For Oaths London

Skip to content

uk citizenship application cover letter

  • Call Workpermit.com for a paid service +44 (0)344-991-9222
  • Board index United Kingdom - non-Tier British Citizenship

Naturalisation Cover letter

Moderators: Casa , push , JAJ , ca.funke , Amber , zimba , vinny , Obie , EUsmileWEallsmile , batleykhan , meself2 , geriatrix , John , ChetanOjha , archigabe

Iran

Refugee with ILR applying for naturalization

Post by artsy » Wed Dec 16, 2020 7:04 pm

User avatar

Re: Refugee with ILR applying for naturalization

Post by CULLINAN » Wed Dec 16, 2020 7:11 pm

artsy wrote: ↑ Wed Dec 16, 2020 7:04 pm Hi I came to the UK on student visa and then applied for asylum, now it's about 12 months after my ILR and I'm applying for naturalisation. I have 2 Qs regarding the previous immigration applications, Do the applications for Travel document and work permission count? Count where? To list in previous UK immigration applications? Aslo. in my previous application for Travel document I forgot to include an application I made 10 years ago and I had no issue, should I include it in the naturalisation app? What application you made 10 years ago that you forgot? I appreciate your help.

Post by artsy » Wed Dec 16, 2020 8:38 pm

CULLINAN wrote: ↑ Wed Dec 16, 2020 7:11 pm artsy wrote: ↑ Wed Dec 16, 2020 7:04 pm Hi I came to the UK on student visa and then applied for asylum, now it's about 12 months after my ILR and I'm applying for naturalisation. I have 2 Qs regarding the previous immigration applications, Do the applications for Travel document and work permission count? Count where? To list in previous UK immigration applications? To clarify, should I list travel document applications as previous immigration applications? Aslo. in my previous application for Travel document I forgot to include an application I made 10 years ago and I had no issue, should I include it in the naturalisation app? What application you made 10 years ago that you forgot? A Tier 4 application that was refused I appreciate your help.

Post by CULLINAN » Wed Dec 16, 2020 8:57 pm

Post by artsy » Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:42 pm

Post by CULLINAN » Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:44 pm

artsy wrote: ↑ Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:42 pm Thanks very much, I appreciate your help.

Post by artsy » Fri Dec 18, 2020 10:24 pm

CULLINAN wrote: ↑ Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:44 pm artsy wrote: ↑ Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:42 pm Thanks very much, I appreciate your help.

Post by CULLINAN » Fri Dec 18, 2020 10:46 pm

Post by artsy » Sat Dec 19, 2020 9:59 pm

CULLINAN wrote: ↑ Fri Dec 18, 2020 10:46 pm Do you have Home Office Travel Document or not? What are the issue and expiry dates of HOTD’s in the last 5 years?

Post by CULLINAN » Sat Dec 19, 2020 10:23 pm

You must not normally accept doctors' letters on their own as proof of residence. However, if nothing else is available and the doctors can confirm that they have seen the applicant on a regular basis during the period concerned these may be accepted. If there are gaps in a person’s evidence of residence and it is clear from the information available that they could not have travelled, you must accept this. Examples of this might include a refugee who has no means of travel or where immigration records confirm continuous residence.
The following can be used as evidence of residence: • passports or travel documents which have been stamped to show arrival in the UK and entry and departure from other countries: o these should be checked against the list of absences provided on the application form • Home Office records

Post by artsy » Sat Dec 19, 2020 11:00 pm

CULLINAN wrote: ↑ Sat Dec 19, 2020 10:23 pm Your HOTD’s stamps covering last 5 years are enough. You do not need anything else to prove your continuous residency. Also add/giver reference to the following guidance in the cover letter. You must not normally accept doctors' letters on their own as proof of residence. However, if nothing else is available and the doctors can confirm that they have seen the applicant on a regular basis during the period concerned these may be accepted. If there are gaps in a person’s evidence of residence and it is clear from the information available that they could not have travelled, you must accept this. Examples of this might include a refugee who has no means of travel or where immigration records confirm continuous residence.

Post by CULLINAN » Sat Dec 19, 2020 11:04 pm

Post by artsy » Sun Dec 20, 2020 6:35 pm

CULLINAN wrote: ↑ Sat Dec 19, 2020 11:04 pm 1) Answer: No 2) ILR BRP copy

Post by artsy » Fri Jan 08, 2021 7:30 pm

User avatar

Post by CR001 » Fri Jan 08, 2021 7:32 pm

artsy wrote: ↑ Fri Jan 08, 2021 7:30 pm Hi Thanks for your help so far, do you know what is the tax office number? is it the tax code or payroll number? Much appreciated

Post by artsy » Fri Jan 08, 2021 7:41 pm

Post by CULLINAN » Fri Jan 08, 2021 7:42 pm

Post by artsy » Fri Jan 08, 2021 7:52 pm

Post by artsy » Fri Jan 08, 2021 11:51 pm

Post by CULLINAN » Sat Jan 09, 2021 12:11 am

Post by artsy » Sat Jan 09, 2021 1:36 am

Post by artsy » Sat Jan 23, 2021 10:49 am

User avatar

Re: Naturalisation Cover letter

Post by alterhase58 » Sat Jan 23, 2021 12:34 pm

Post by artsy » Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:07 pm

Return to “British Citizenship”

  • ↳   Announcements
  • ↳   Employment offers and job seekers
  • ↳   Newly Arrived in UK - General How To queries (NO immigration/visa/ILR queries)
  • United Kingdom - Points-Based Tiers
  • ↳   UK Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visas
  • ↳   UK Tier 1 (Investor) visas
  • ↳   UK Tier 5 (Temporary Work) visas
  • ↳   UK Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visas
  • ↳   UK Tier 1 (General) Visas
  • ↳   Claiming Benefits
  • United Kingdom - non-Tier
  • ↳   Start-up and Innovator Visas
  • ↳   UK Global Talent Visas (GTV)
  • ↳   UK Student Visas
  • ↳   Skilled Worker Visas (UK Employer Sponsored)
  • ↳   Immigration for family members
  • ↳   EU Settlement Scheme
  • ↳   Indefinite Leave to Remain
  • ↳   British Citizenship
  • ↳   General UK Immigration forum
  • Immigration to other countries
  • ↳   Europe immigration forum
  • ↳   Ireland
  • ↳   US immigration
  • ↳   Canada forum
  • ↳   Australia & New Zealand
  • ↳   Other countries
  • Other forums
  • ↳   Comments about discussion board
  • ↳   Respected Gurus forum
  • Referendum-News and Developments
  • Board index
  • All times are UTC

Copyright SIA Workpermit.com Riga, Latvia

Cover Letter for UK Citizenship Application (Naturalisation, Non-EEA)

Genie Team

When to use this template

The legal template titled "Cover Letter for UK Citizenship Application (Naturalisation, Non-EEA) under UK law" is a document designed to assist individuals in drafting an effective cover letter when submitting an application for UK citizenship. It specifically caters to individuals who are seeking naturalisation and belong to non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries.

This legal template provides a framework that guides applicants on the essential elements to include in their cover letters. These elements may involve details such as personal information, residence history, employment details, education qualifications, and any other relevant background information required by the UK authorities. The template ensures that applicants convey their motivations, reasons, and eligibility for obtaining British citizenship in a clear and concise manner.

It is crucial for the cover letter to adhere to UK immigration laws and regulations, making this legal template an invaluable tool in assisting applicants in maintaining compliance throughout the application process. By using this template, applicants can create a professional and tailored cover letter that highlights their commitment to the UK and satisfies the requirements set forth by the Home Office.

Ultimately, the "Cover Letter for UK Citizenship Application (Naturalisation, Non-EEA) under UK law" legal template serves as a comprehensive and structured guide that aids individuals in presenting a compelling case for their desire to acquire UK citizenship, increasing their chances of a successful application outcome.

Key issues covered in this template

  • Biometric Residence Permit
  • English proficiency
  • Medical exemption
  • Payment received

What to watch out for

This standard document can form the basis of the covering letter from a legal representative to the Home Office when submitting an application for naturalisation as a British citizen based on the applicant's marriage to or civil partnership with a British citizen

This letter should not be used by EEA nationals

The Genie Team consists of lawyers and paralegals. Our aim is to open source the law and provide high quality, regularly reviewed legal documents.

Organisations that used this template

Terms of use, additional information.

Business categories

Business activities

Apply for naturalisation

Contract type

Covering letter

Relevant sectors

Relevant company sizes

Governing law

England and Wales

Gender neutral

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

uk citizenship application cover letter

  • Entering and staying in the UK
  • Permanent stay in the UK
  • Citizenship

Apply for citizenship if you have British nationality

After you've applied.

You’ll get a letter confirming your application. It can take up to 4 weeks.

When you’ll get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take longer.

It may take longer than the usual 6 months to get a decision because of coronavirus (COVID-19). This will not affect the decision.

You’ll get a letter if you need to give more information to help with your application.

If your circumstances change

You should contact UK Visas and Immigration (part of the Home Office) if your situation changes during your application (for example, you move house, get married or are arrested).

Nationality contact centre [email protected]

You might be asked to attend an interview where you’ll need to speak without an interpreter.

Attending a citizenship ceremony

You’ll need to attend a citizenship ceremony if your application is successful and you’re 18 years old or over.

Travelling to and from the UK

Once you get a British passport you must use this to enter the UK.

If you do not want a British passport you can apply for a certificate of entitlement instead.

You cannot enter the UK using your certificate of British citizenship.

Related content

Is this page useful.

  • Yes this page is useful
  • No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

IMAGES

  1. Corporate Citizenship Cover Letter

    uk citizenship application cover letter

  2. Sample Cover Letters for Form N-400 U.S. Citizenship Application

    uk citizenship application cover letter

  3. Invitation Letter For Tourist Visa Singapore

    uk citizenship application cover letter

  4. Corporate Citizenship Cover Letter

    uk citizenship application cover letter

  5. ads/responsive.txt

    uk citizenship application cover letter

  6. How To Apply For A British Nationality

    uk citizenship application cover letter

VIDEO

  1. The Craziest Question I've Seen in a USCIS Interview

  2. Naturalization and U.S. Citizenship Book

  3. My Citizenship Interview & Oath Taking Day 2023

  4. US Citizenship Interview. What to bring to USCIS citizenship Test

  5. 100 U.S Citizenship Questions 1-35 Part 1

  6. I’m officially an American

COMMENTS

  1. Electronic Application Form and Cover Letter Tool

    Details This tool is designed to help applicants determine the additional information required in the Cover Letters and eAFs of initial and variation applications. You should answer all of the...

  2. Cover Letter for UK Citizenship Application (Naturalisation, Non-EEA

    This legal template is a cover letter specifically designed for individuals applying for UK citizenship (naturalisation) under the UK law, who are not citizens of the European Economic Area (Non-EEA). It assists in submitting a comprehensive application, ensuring all necessary documents and information are included.

  3. Citizenship application forms

    28 June 2022 Form Apply to register as a British national Apply for British citizenship as a person of Chagossian descent Register child under 18 as British citizen (form MN1) 16 June 2022...

  4. A Helpful Guide to Applying for UK Citizenship by Naturalisation

    Here are all the documents I found useful when applying and explaining some of the rules and requirements. They are also linked in the sections where I used them as a guide to apply or meet a certain requirement. Nationality Policy: general information - all British nationals Nationality Forms Guide Naturalisation Articles

  5. Sample N-400 Cover Letter for Naturalization

    CitizenPath has created a sample cover letter to help you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You are not required to use a cover letter when filing Form N-400. However, an N-400 cover letter can be helpful if you have unusual circumstances or need to clarify the details of your case. Always keep your cover letter short and simple.

  6. Applying for British citizenship

    tenancy agreement utility bills If social services give you money to help you look after your child, you'll automatically get a fee waiver - you'll need to send documents to prove this. You can apply for a fee waiver on GOV.UK. Check what you need to apply Before you apply for citizenship, it's worth preparing what you'll need.

  7. Check if you can become a British citizen

    Home Citizenship and living in the UK British citizenship Check if you can become a British citizen There are different ways to apply for British citizenship (or 'naturalisation')...

  8. British Citizenship Applications

    Providing your British Citizenship application supporting documents. Once you have submitted your online application form, and before you attend your biometric enrolment appointment, you will need to upload your supporting documents. In this video we look at what evidence can be provided in support of a naturalisation application.

  9. Letter from Employer for British Citizenship Template: A Complete Guide

    If you're an employee applying for British citizenship, you may need a letter of support from your employer. This letter is an essential part of your application and can make all the difference in your approval process. However, crafting the right letter can be challenging, especially if you're unsure of what structure to follow.

  10. The four most common errors in British citizenship applications

    A covering letter acts as a useful "guided tour" to the application, enabling applicants to list enclosures, provide a (very) brief background (e.g. main activities during time in UK, with dates etc), which is sometimes difficult to figure out based on the form alone.

  11. Mistakes, errors and omissions on citizenship applications

    Errors and omissions with the list of trips. These can be rectified by providing a correct list and writing a note in the cover letter. Wrong answers and errors on the form, in general, can be rectified/clarified in the cover letter. Applications are not refused over errors filling in the form, only when the applicant doesn't meet the criteria.

  12. cover letter for citizenship application

    cover letter for citizenship application by rnr79 » Thu May 12, 2011 6:48 pm Guys...does anyone have some fomrat for covering letter of any sample cover letter please? thanks Last edited by rnr79 on Thu May 12, 2011 8:03 pm, edited 1 time in total. vinny Moderator Posts: 32688 Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:58 pm by vinny » Thu May 12, 2011 7:16 pm

  13. Preparing Cover Letter For UK Visa and Immigration Application

    Written by: Arshad Mahmood Last Updated: 12 April 2023 A cover letter for an immigration application is an important document to explain all the relevant information, requirements and documents related to your UK visa and immigration application.

  14. Naturalisation Cover letter

    Sat Dec 19, 2020 10:23 pm. Your HOTD's stamps covering last 5 years are enough. You do not need anything else to prove your continuous residency. Also add/giver reference to the following guidance in the cover letter. You must not normally accept doctors' letters on their own as proof of residence.

  15. Cover Letter For Uk Citizenship Application (Naturalisation, Non-eea

    The legal template titled "Cover Letter for UK Citizenship Application (Naturalisation, Non-EEA) under UK law" is a document designed to assist individuals in drafting an effective cover letter when submitting an application for UK citizenship.

  16. The most important document

    UK Immigration cover letterIn this video we discuss the following questions:1. Should you include a cover letter with your application?2. What should be in t...

  17. UK Cover Letter for Visa Application

    Cover Letter for UK Visa Application Sample. Here is a simple sample you can refer to when writing your cover letter: My name is Stojan Nikola (passport number: NM22330011). I am a Macedonian citizen who lives in Skopje, Macedonia, where I work as a graphic designer and have an income of DEN 50,000.

  18. Citizenship guidance

    Register as a British Overseas Territories citizen (BOTC) In this collection you'll find guidance for citizenship applications to: register as a British national. naturalise as a British citizen ...

  19. Apply for citizenship if you have British nationality

    You'll get a letter if you need to give more information to help with your application. If your circumstances change You should contact UK Visas and Immigration (part of the Home Office) if...

  20. Sample Cover Letter to Include With Form N-400 Application for ...

    Creating a letter to USCIS to send in with your citizenship application (Form N-400) can help organize you as well as alert USCIS to what's in your packet and what fee you believe you qualify to pay. By Ilona Bray, J.D., University of Washington School of Law

  21. Cover Letter for AN Application

    Hi, I have had a look into the forum and searched for Cover Letter, I have found a page dedicated to it, with an explanation of what the contents of the cover letter should be, good work! Thank you very much. However, I would like to ask if there is a "template" the we should follow to write our personal cover letter

  22. How to Write an Application Letter—Examples & Guide

    An application letter sample for any position that's better than most others out there. Step-by-step guide on how to write an application letter for a job. Tips on setting the proper letter of application format. Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy.

  23. How to write a data entry cover letter (with example)

    Example cover letter for a data entry job opportunity Here's an example to show how to write your cover letter for a data entry application: Michael Williams, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration +44 7862 307526 | [email protected] | Cardiff 20 December 2022 Learn Hive Secondary School Dear Catherine Meadow, I'm writing to apply for the Data Entry Cerk position with Learn Hive ...