You may be eligible for British citizenship if in the past you should have: automatically become a citizen been able to apply to become a citizen You’ll need to show that you missed out on being or becoming a citizen because: the law was unfair in the past (for example men and women were treated differently) a government department or local authority made a mistake (for example not applying for you by a deadline) of exceptional circumstances (for example you were adopted by a British citizen but you were over 18 by the time the adoption became legal) This is one way to apply for British citizenship. Check if you’re eligible to apply another way - including through the Windrush scheme. How much it costs You might need to pay a fee, depending on your situation. You’ll be told if you need to pay when you apply. You’ll also need to pay £130 to attend a citizenship ceremony.

Documents you’ll need to apply You’ll need to provide your passport to apply. You’ll also need to provide evidence of why you think you should have either: automatically become a British citizen been able to apply to become a British citizen What evidence you need depends on your situation. If you need help to apply, you can find an immigration adviser . How to apply Fill in the form . If you apply from outside the UK You’ll be asked to make an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo). You’ll get a letter telling you how to do this after you’ve applied. If you apply from inside the UK You’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo). You’ll get a letter telling you how to do this after you’ve applied. If you’re applying from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man If you live in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you have to apply in person or by post. Check which you can do with your lieutenant-governor’s office.

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months - some applications can take longer. You’ll be told if you need to provide more information to help with your application. If your circumstances change 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 nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk Attending a citizenship ceremony You’ll need to attend a citizenship ceremony if your application is successful. If you live outside the UK, you’ll be invited to attend a ceremony in the territory or country you’re living in. Travelling to and from the UK Once you get 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.

Apply for citizenship in special circumstances

Eligibility and fees

You may be eligible for British citizenship if in the past you should have:

automatically become a citizen
been able to apply to become a citizen

You’ll need to show that you missed out on being or becoming a citizen because:

the law was unfair in the past (for example men and women were treated differently)
a government department or local authority made a mistake (for example not applying for you by a deadline)
of exceptional circumstances (for example you were adopted by a British citizen but you were over 18 by the time the adoption became legal)

This is one way to apply for British citizenship. Check if you’re eligible to apply another way - including through the Windrush scheme.

How much it costs

You might need to pay a fee, depending on your situation. You’ll be told if you need to pay when you apply.

You’ll also need to pay £130 to attend a citizenship ceremony.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Apply for citizenship in special circumstances

Eligibility and fees

How much it costs

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Apply for citizenship in special circumstances

Eligibility and fees

How much it costs

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