Becoming a citizen of the United Kingdom provides a range of benefits, including the right to vote, work without restrictions, and access to certain public services. However, obtaining UK citizenship can be an expensive process, with various costs involved at each stage of the application process. In this article, we will discuss the cost of UK citizenship in 2023 in detail, including the fees associated with different stages of the process.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Citizenship
Before discussing the cost of UK citizenship, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria that must be met to apply for citizenship. The eligibility criteria include:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old before applying for UK citizenship.
- Residency Requirement: You must have been living in the UK for a minimum of five years. If you are married to a UK citizen or have other special circumstances, you may be eligible for citizenship after three years.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): You must have ILR, which is also known as permanent residency, in the UK for at least one year before you can apply for UK citizenship.
- Good Character: You must demonstrate that you are of good character, meaning you have no criminal record and no outstanding debts or liabilities.
- English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate that you are proficient in English.
Cost of ILR
The first step toward obtaining UK citizenship is to acquire Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). There are several fees associated with obtaining ILR. These fees include:
- Application Fee: The application fee for ILR is £2,389 per person. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Fee: You must pay a fee of £19.20 to obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP). This fee covers the cost of producing and delivering your BRP.
- Healthcare Surcharge: You must pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your ILR application. The surcharge is £624 per year for each person over 18 years old, and £470 per year for each dependent child under 18 years old.
- English Language Test Fee: You must pass an English language test approved by the Home Office before applying for ILR. The fee for this test varies depending on the provider you choose.
- Life in the UK Test Fee: You must also pass the Life in the UK test before applying for ILR. The fee for this test is £50.
Cost of UK Citizenship
After holding ILR for at least one year, you can apply for UK citizenship. There are various fees associated with the UK citizenship application process, including:
- Application Fee: The application fee for UK citizenship is £1,330 per person. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
- Biometric Data Processing Fee: You must pay a fee of £19.20 to provide your biometric data. This fee covers the cost of processing your fingerprints and photograph.
- Citizenship Ceremony Fee: If your application for UK citizenship is successful, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony. The fee for this ceremony is £80 per person.
- English Language Test Fee: As mentioned earlier, you must demonstrate proficiency in English before applying for UK citizenship. The fee for this test varies depending on the provider you choose.
- Life in the UK Test Fee: You must also pass the Life in the UK test before applying for UK citizenship. The fee for this test is £50.
Conclusion
Obtaining UK citizenship is a lengthy and expensive process that requires meeting various eligibility criteria and fulfilling different requirements. The cost of UK citizenship includes various fees, such as application fees, biometric data processing fees, healthcare surcharges, English language test fees, and Life in the UK test fees. However, despite the costs involved, obtaining UK citizenship can provide a range of benefits, including unrestricted access to public services, political rights, and the right to work without restrictions. It is important to consider all these factors before deciding to apply for UK citizenship and to plan accordingly to meet the financial obligations associated with the application process.
