Immigrationboards.com

Hi guy,
I heard some rules were relaxed last year for citizenship. Like after getting ilr, rules are relaxed for good character requirement. Can you please point out that information please.
Thank you very much.

Yes, you don't need to be in the UK for 10 years to apply for citizenship.
5 years and 1 year ILR is enough.
They won't ask if you overstayed your visa or you came into the UK illegally.

alterhase58 wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 27, 2023 3:47 pm

Yes, you don't need to be in the UK for 10 years to apply for citizenship. Was there such a rule? Wasn't it always 5 years lawful residence?

Prior to last year, in addition to the 5 years lawful residence and 1 year of ILR requirements specified in the BNA 1981, the Home Office also required that there be no illegal residence in the preceding 10 years, as a part of the good character requirements. The definition of "good character" is left to the discretion of the SSHD/Home Office.

That was watered down in July 2022. I don't think that the requirement has been explicitly removed. It is more on the lines that if the applicant has ILR and meets the other requirements, the legality of any earlier residence will not be actively investigated.

Thanks for reply.
Can anyone post some link with all the details about this please.thanks