How to Apply for British Citizenship: Form AN Step by Step

Once you meet the requirements for British citizenship, the application itself is a defined process. Most adults applying by naturalisation use Form AN, which is completed online through gov.uk. Here is how the journey runs from start to finish.

Step 1: Confirm you are eligible

Before you spend anything, check that you qualify. On the standard route that means 5 years of residence, at least 12 months holding settled status or indefinite leave to remain, good character, and meeting the English language and Life in the UK test requirements. Spouses of British citizens apply on a 3-year route and do not need the extra 12 months after settling. If anything about your residence or absences is borderline, get the position confirmed before you apply, because the application fee is not refunded if you are refused.

Step 2: Pass the Life in the UK test

You must have passed the Life in the UK test before you apply, unless you are exempt because you are under 18 or 65 or over. The test is 24 questions in 45 minutes, and the pass mark is 75%. You book it online at least 3 days in advance and pay £50. Keep the pass notification safe, because you will need to refer to it in your application.

Step 3: Meet the English language requirement

You also need to show knowledge of English at B1 level or above, unless you are exempt. You can do this with an approved English qualification at B1 or higher from an approved provider, a degree that was taught or researched in English, or by being a national of a majority English-speaking country. Sort this out before you start Form AN, because sending the wrong evidence is a common reason for refusal.

Step 4: Gather your documents

You will need your passport, your biometric residence permit or proof of settled status, evidence of your dates of travel in and out of the UK, and two referees who meet the Home Office rules. Having your absence dates written out clearly in advance makes the form much easier to complete accurately.

Step 5: Complete and submit Form AN online

Form AN is filled in on gov.uk. You answer questions about your identity, your residence and absences, your immigration history, and your good character, then pay the fee. As of applications made on or after 8 April 2026, the naturalisation fee is £1,709, with a separate ceremony fee of £130 that is usually collected as part of the process.

Step 6: Give your biometrics

After you submit, you book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services point, known as UKVCAS, to provide your fingerprints and a photo. You can usually have your supporting documents scanned at the same appointment instead of posting originals.

Step 7: Wait for the decision

The Home Office aims to decide most citizenship applications within 6 months of your biometrics, though this is a service standard rather than a guarantee. You may be contacted during this time if more information is needed.

Step 8: Attend your citizenship ceremony

If you are approved, you are invited to a citizenship ceremony, which you must book within 3 months of the invitation. You make an oath or affirmation of allegiance and a pledge, and you are presented with your certificate of British citizenship. From that point you are a British citizen and can apply for a passport.

Because individual cases vary, treat this as a general map rather than personal advice, and rely on gov.uk or a registered immigration adviser for your own situation. The one part you can start on today is the Life in the UK test. PassCitizen has the full question bank by topic and free timed mock tests, with no account needed.

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