Becoming a British citizen through marriage is one of the most direct and efficient naturalisation routes available. If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship after just three years of lawful residence in the UK. This route is tailored for individuals who have already built a life in the UK with their partner and now wish to formalize their connection through full citizenship.
Our Houston-based legal team helps U.S. residents confidently apply for British citizenship via marriage, ensuring every requirement is met and every form is submitted accurately.
To qualify for this route, the following criteria must be met at the time of application:
You must be at least 18 years old.
You must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
You must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Settled Status, or Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK at the time of application.
You must have lived in the UK for at least three years before applying.
You must meet the English language and Life in the UK test requirements.
You must be of good character with no serious immigration or criminal violations.
Unlike other naturalisation pathways that require five years of residence plus an additional year with ILR, this route allows you to apply immediately after holding ILR or Settled Status, as long as you’ve lived in the UK for at least three years.
There’s no need to wait an additional 12 months once your settlement status is granted. This makes the citizenship-by-marriage route one of the fastest available.
You must have lived in the UK continuously for at least three years leading up to your application. This includes:
No more than 270 days outside the UK during the 3-year qualifying period.
No more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12 months before applying.
If you exceed these limits, you may still be eligible under discretion, but this should be assessed carefully with professional help.
Yes. You’ll need to show that you can communicate in English by passing a B1 level English language test, unless you are exempt due to age (65 or over), certain medical conditions, or having a degree taught in English.
You’ll also need to pass the Life in the UK Test, which evaluates your knowledge of British values, history, and daily life.
The good character requirement applies to all adult applicants. You’ll need to demonstrate that you have:
No serious or recent criminal convictions.
Paid any UK taxes and not had significant financial issues like fraud or bankruptcy.
Not breached UK immigration rules.
Been honest in your immigration applications.
Even minor offences, like unpaid fines or driving violations, should be disclosed and assessed.
Complete Form AN – This is the naturalisation form, submitted online.
Upload Your Documents – You’ll need proof of identity, marriage, residence, and immigration status.
Book Biometric Appointment – Attend a UKVCAS appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Attend a Citizenship Ceremony – If approved, you’ll be invited to a local citizenship ceremony where you’ll swear allegiance and receive your certificate.
Return Your BRP – After receiving citizenship, you must return your Biometric Residence Permit within 5 working days.
Typical supporting documents include:
Your current and previous passports.
Marriage certificate.
Your partner’s British passport or citizenship certificate.
Proof of residence for the past three years (bank statements, utility bills, etc.).
Proof of ILR or Settled Status.
English language test certificate and Life in the UK Test pass notification.
Two referee declarations (one must be a British citizen over 25, the other a professional).
As of 2025, the application fee for British citizenship is approximately £1,735, which includes the cost of the citizenship ceremony. This does not include professional legal assistance, English language tests, or document translation if needed.
Most applications take around 3 to 6 months to process. In some cases, delays may occur due to incomplete documents or complex immigration histories.
We help clients build strong, accurate applications from the start to avoid unnecessary delays and rejections.
If your application is denied, you’ll receive a written explanation from the Home Office. In most cases, there is no formal right of appeal, but you may:
Submit a new application with corrected documents or stronger evidence.
Request a judicial review if the refusal was legally flawed.
Consult an immigration lawyer to determine the next steps.
We can help analyze your refusal and advise you on the most efficient path forward.
Applying for UK citizenship while living in the U.S. can feel overwhelming. Our Houston office provides expert legal help for individuals and families navigating British immigration from abroad.
Here’s what makes us different:
U.S. and UK Experience – We understand the unique challenges faced by American spouses applying under UK law.
Full Application Support – From eligibility checks to document reviews, we handle everything.
Ongoing Legal Guidance – You won’t face this process alone—we’re with you at every step.
Fast and Friendly Communication – No time zone guessing games. We’re available on your schedule.
Contact us
📍 5444 Westheimer Rd Suite 1000 – 91, Houston, TX 77056, United States
📞 +1 346-355-6111
📧 info@adambernards.com