Legal Gateway Solicitors Blog

Plans for new Citizenship Test Published

02-01-09 Posted In: Immigration

The Borders Citizenship and Immigration Bill unveiled in January 2009 overhauls decades of the old system of nationality based on time spent in the United Kingdom.

In its place are a series of hurdles and tests.  Prospective British citizens would need to have lived and worked in the UK for at least five years and then spend at least one “probationary” year proving their worth.

This proof will include an ability to speak English, a record of paying taxes and involvement in the community e.g. volunteering.

The probationary period will lengthen to up to five years if foreign nationals applying to become British commit minor crimes or fail the test in other ways.

Foreign nationals subject to the probationary period will e denied a number of benefits until they pass the final British citizenship tests.  They will also be asked to pay into a special fund to ease public service pressures blamed on fluctuations in immigration.

This bill is presently being debated in Parliament.  If the proposals are passed they may become law by late 2009.  It is important therefore if you are eligible to submit an application at the earliest opportunity