Good character policy changes affecting citizenship applications

The Home Office has introduced significant updates to its good character guidance, which now apply to British citizenship applications made from 2025 onwards. These changes have already led to an increase in refusals, particularly where applicants have historic immigration issues such as illegal entry or periods of overstaying.

For many applicants, the good character requirement has long been one of the most complex and misunderstood aspects of British citizenship. The updated guidance places greater emphasis on immigration history over the previous 10 years, and in some cases beyond, meaning that issues previously considered spent or minor can now have serious consequences.

This article explains the 2025 changes to the good character requirement, why refusals are increasing, and why taking specialist legal advice at an early stage is critical.

Understanding the 2025 changes to good character guidance

Anyone applying for British citizenship must satisfy the good character requirement. This applies to both naturalisation applications and registration routes where good character is required by law or policy.

Under the updated 2025 good character guidance, the Home Office has clarified and, in some respects, tightened its approach. Caseworkers are now directed to take a more rigid stance when assessing an applicant’s conduct, particularly in relation to immigration breaches.

A key feature of the guidance is the 10-year good character requirement. Applicants are expected to demonstrate good character throughout the 10 years preceding their application (or three years for spouses of British citizens). However, serious issues outside this period may still be considered relevant.

The guidance confirms that decision-makers must assess:

• Criminality and convictions
• Financial soundness
• Deception and dishonesty
• Compliance with immigration laws
• Conduct casting doubt on good character

While these factors are not new, the way they are being applied in practice has changed. Immigration compliance is now given significantly more weight, even where the applicant has since obtained lawful status.

Why “illegal entry” now leads to more citizenship refusals

One of the most impactful changes relates to how “illegal entry” is treated when assessing good character for British citizenship.

The updated guidance makes clear that entering the UK illegally will normally result in a refusal of citizenship, even if the applicant later regularises their status and has lived lawfully in the UK for many years. This applies regardless of whether the illegal entry occurred more than 10 years ago.

In practice, we are seeing refusals where applicants:

• Entered the UK without valid entry clearance
• Used false documents or deception at the border
• Claimed asylum after entering illegally

Even where applicants have since obtained indefinite leave to remain and have strong family and community ties in the UK, the Home Office may conclude that illegal entry demonstrates a failure to meet the good character requirement.

The updated guidance may disproportionately affect refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals who have experienced trafficking or modern slavery. This represents a significant shift from how similar cases were treated in previous years.

Why you need specialists for your initial application

Given the stricter interpretation of the good character guidance, submitting a British citizenship application without specialist advice now carries substantial risk.

The Home Office does not allow applicants to correct or clarify issues before refusing an application. A refusal not only results in the loss of the application fee but can also make future applications more difficult.

Specialist immigration solicitors can:

• Identify good character risks before an application is submitted
• Assess whether historic immigration issues are likely to lead to refusal
• Prepare detailed legal representations addressing the guidance
• Advise on timing and strategy to maximise prospects of success

Where there are concerns about good character for citizenship, careful preparation is essential. Generic explanations or assumptions that past issues are “spent” are no longer sufficient.

If you would like to learn more about our immigration services, you can get in touch with our expert immigration solicitors today.

Can I challenge a refusal based on good character?

British citizenship refusals do not carry a right of appeal. However, applicants may be able to challenge a refusal through:

• A request for reconsideration
• Judicial review, in limited circumstances

A reconsideration request asks the Home Office to review its decision where there has been a caseworking error, misapplication of the guidance, or failure to consider relevant evidence.

The success of a reconsideration depends heavily on the quality of the legal arguments submitted. Simply disagreeing with the decision is not enough; it must be shown that the refusal is unlawful or unreasonable under the Home Office’s own policy.

How we can help with reconsideration

At BHD Solicitors, we are currently assisting clients who have received refusals due to the 2025 good character policy changes. We regularly advise on whether a refusal can be challenged and prepare detailed representations in support of reconsideration requests.

Our immigration solicitors can:

• Review refusal decisions in detail
• Identify errors in the application of good character guidance
• Prepare robust legal submissions referencing policy and case law
• Advise on re-application strategies where appropriate

Early advice is crucial. Strict time limits apply to reconsideration requests, and delays can reduce the chances of success.

Speak to our immigration solicitors

If you are concerned about how the new rules for British citizenship affect your application, or if you have received a refusal based on the good character requirement, our specialist immigration lawyers are here to help.

We offer clear, practical advice on good character naturalisation and citizenship applications, including complex cases involving historic immigration issues.

You can contact our offices in London or Croydon, call us on 020 8681 5128 or email enquiries@bhdsolicitors.co.uk to arrange a consultation.