Apply for citizenship if you're stateless

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After you鈥檝e applied

You鈥檒l get a letter confirming your application. It can take up to 4 weeks.

Biometric information

You must also provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo). You鈥檒l get a letter explaining how.

When you鈥檒l get a decision

You鈥檒l usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take longer. If yours will take longer you鈥檒l be told before 6 months have passed.

You鈥檒l 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.

Attending a citizenship ceremony

You鈥檒l need to attend a citizenship ceremony if your application is successful.

Travelling to and from the UK

Once you have 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.