Absences on Naturalisation Application 2024

The Effect of Absences on Naturalisation Applications 2024 

To be eligible for naturalisation applicants must satisfy residence requirements. 

Unless you are the spouse of a British citizen, you must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years and held indefinite leave to remain for at least 12 months.

You should not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years. 

You should not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months. 

For naturalisation purposes, only whole days of absence count, arrival and departure dates are not counted. 

In certain circumstances the Home Office are prepared to exercise discretion when these requirements are not satisfied. The Home Office can exercise discretion where absences are a result of the pandemic, employment or compelling compassionate reasons. The Home Office must also be satisfied that the applicant has established their home, employment, family and finances in the UK.

BHD’s Private Immigration Department in London & Croydon offer expert advice and assistance with complex citizenship applications. Please contact us directly to find out more about the services and competitive rates on offer.