Life Episodes

This section provides information about British citizenship and other forms of British nationality. It has links so that you can gain information on British citizenship, how you can apply for British citizenship and other forms of British nationality, and how you can give up your citizenship.

Only British citizens have an automatic right to live and work in the United Kingdom and to apply for a British passport. Those with other forms of British nationality must obtain permission to live and work here. They may be entitled to register as British citizens in certain circumstances.

How do I apply for British citizenship or another form of British nationality?

Click on this link to find out about applying for British Citizenship.

Citizenship

Citizenship ceremonies are the final step in the process of becoming an official British Citizen. Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 all applicants who are aged 18 years of age and over and who are accepted for naturalisation or registration by the Home Office as a British citizen must take a citizenship oath and pledge at a citizenship ceremony.

The ceremony will involve prospective citizens making an oath or affirmation to Her Majesty the Queen and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom. These ceremonies can take place at designated venues throughout Staffordshire.

What happens at a citizenship ceremony?

Citizenship ceremonies start with a welcome speech by the Superintendent Registrar. The ceremony also typically includes speeches by other local dignitaries on what it means to become a British citizen. This is followed by the citizenship oath and pledge, which is a legal requirement and is the point at which citizenship is conferred. New citizens are then called upon individually to receive their certificate, information pack and commemorative gifts.

The certificate is presented by a local dignitary on behalf of the Home Secretary and this certificate can subsequently be used in support of passport applications and to prove the individual is a British citizen. The ceremony closes with a speech and the playing of the national anthem. Afterwards there may be an informal celebration where new citizens have the opportunity to have their photographs taken with their guests and the dignitaries in attendance.

• The Home Office
• The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
• Life in the UK Test
• Directgov