Applying for UK Naturalisation is one of the biggest milestones in the life of any migrant parent. It is long, personal, and emotional. You go through every year of your UK journey while thinking about your family’s future.
When I completed my form, I realised one thing. It is not only an application. It is my whole story on paper.
Here’s how I completed each part of the form, including every document I submitted and the cost of the application.
This guide explains each part of the application and what information the Home Office expects from you.
1. PERSONAL DETAILS
This section confirms who you are. You provide your full legal name, date of birth, nationality, marital status, and passport details.
You also need to meet a key rule, which is being physically present in the UK exactly five years before the Home Office receives your application. If you apply on 10 January 2025, you must have been in the UK on 11 January 2020.
How to answer:
• Use the exact name written in your passport.
• Check your dates carefully. Accuracy is important.
2. CONTACT DETAILS AND ADDRESS HISTORY
You must list every UK address you lived in during the last five years.
How to answer:
• Provide complete addresses with start and end dates.
• There should be no gaps in your address timeline.
• Use council tax letters, tenancy agreements, or bank statements as evidence.
3. IMMIGRATION STATUS AND LAWFUL RESIDENCE
You confirm your immigration status, such as your BRP details and the date you received ILR or Settled Status.
If you hold ILR or Settled Status, this normally proves your lawful residence for the qualifying period.
How to answer:
• Enter your BRP number, issue date, and expiry date.
• Upload proof of ILR or Settled Status.
4. TRAVEL HISTORY (ABSENCES FROM THE UK)
You must list every trip outside the UK in the last five years. This section checks if you meet the absence limits.
Rules:
• No more than 450 days outside the UK during the five-year period.
• No more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months.
• Only full days outside the UK count. The day you leave and return are not counted.
How to answer:
• Check your passport stamps, emails, and flight confirmations.
• List each trip clearly with dates and countries visited.
• If you exceeded the limits, you must explain why.
5. FUTURE INTENTIONS
You need to confirm that the UK will continue to be your main home after becoming a British citizen.
How to answer:
• If your family lives here and you plan to stay, simply answer “Yes.”
6. LIFE IN THE UK TEST
You must pass the Life in the UK test and provide the reference number from your pass notification.
How to answer:
• Enter the test reference number exactly as shown on your certificate or email.
7. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
You must show English language ability. You can use:
• A B1 English test from an approved provider (might change to B2 English as per new proposal)
• A UK degree
• An overseas degree taught in English (supported by Ecctis)
• Previous ILR application evidence (if applicable)
How to answer:
• Choose the option that applies to you.
• Upload the correct certificate or Ecctis confirmation.
8. GOOD CHARACTER REQUIREMENT
This section checks your background. The Home Office reviews your criminal record, financial history, tax compliance, and immigration history.
How to answer:
• Declare all convictions, driving penalties, fines, or tax issues.
• Be honest. Not declaring something can cause refusal or future revocation of citizenship.
9. TAX AND NATIONAL INSURANCE CHECKS
The Home Office will check your tax and NI record with HMRC.
How to answer:
• Make sure your tax affairs are up to date.
• If you are self-employed, include your Self Assessment documents.
10. REFEREES
You need two referees who have known you for at least three years:
• One must be a British passport holder.
• One must be a professional (not related to you or each other).
How to answer:
• Choose people with good standing.
• Make sure they agree to be your referees.
11. BIOMETRICS
After submitting the form, you will be asked to give biometrics or the Home Office may reuse your previous biometrics.
How to answer:
• Attend your appointment when required.
• Missing your appointment can make your application invalid.
12. DOCUMENTS TO SUBMIT
The system will give you the final lists of evidence that you will need to submit. Some of the documents to submitted:
• Passport
• BRP
• ILR letter or digital status
• Life in the UK test reference
• English language evidence
• Travel history
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Council tax documents
• Bank statements
• Proof of address for five years
• Employment documents
• HMRC tax records
You should only submit documents relevant to your answers.
13. COST OF APPLICATION
Naturalisation comes with a significant cost.
The fee includes the application and the citizenship ceremony (1,735). It is normally not refunded, even if refused.
Always review your form before submitting.
FINAL THOUGHTS AS A PARENT APPLYING FOR CITIZENSHIP
This application forces you to look back at your full journey in the UK. You review every home you lived in, every country you travelled to, every job, every document.
As a parent, the process feels heavy but meaningful. You complete it because you want long-term stability for your family. You want your child to grow up secure, with roots in a place you worked hard to call home.
Once you press “submit,” the process becomes a waiting game. But at that moment, you also feel proud. You see how far you’ve come. You see the life you built. And you see the future you want for your child.
That is the real journey behind naturalisation.
This blog gathers everything I’ve learned and understand so your own journey will be smoother.
– Until then, love you bye! And that’s #Dadbuhay.
Disclaimer: I answered each questions based on my understanding and what I have answered during my ILR application.
DadBuhay 
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