Form AN British Citizenship: Step-by-Step 2026 Guide

Form AN is the application form for British citizenship by naturalisation — the standard route for adults who have lived in the UK for five or more years. You apply entirely online through your UKVI account. The current fee is £1,839 for adults.

Key Facts

Topic	Detail
Form name	Form AN (Naturalisation as a British Citizen)
How to apply	Online via UKVI account at gov.uk
Fee (adult)	£1,839
Processing time	Up to 6 months
Referees required	2 (at least 1 must be a professional with a UK passport)
Referees must have known you	At least 3 years
Biometrics	Required — book UKVCAS appointment after online submission
Citizenship ceremony	Mandatory — certificate only issued at the ceremony
Is the fee refundable if refused?	No

Quick Overview

✅ You apply entirely online — there is no paper Form AN for most applicants
✅ After submitting online, you book a separate UKVCAS appointment for biometrics
✅ Two referees are required — at least one must be a professional (doctor, solicitor, teacher, etc.)
✅ You must attend a citizenship ceremony to receive your naturalisation certificate
⚠️ The application fee is non-refundable — if refused, you do not get the money back
⚠️ You must declare all criminal matters, including spent convictions and cautions
⚠️ Do not submit a second application if you think you made a mistake — the Home Office will contact you
⚠️ Your application may take up to 6 months — plan ahead if you need a British passport by a specific date
📌 Your Life in the UK test pass certificate reference number is required — keep it safe
📌 You must have held ILR (or equivalent) for at least 12 months before applying
💡 Check the good character requirement guide before you apply — it covers what the Home Office looks for
💡 See British citizenship requirements 2026 for the full eligibility checklist

Introduction

Naturalisation is the main route to British citizenship for adults who have built their life in the UK. The application — once called "Form AN" — is now submitted entirely online. This guide walks through every section of the application, the documents you need, the referee rules, and what happens after you submit. For a full overview of who qualifies, see the British citizenship requirements guide. For the cost breakdown, see how much British citizenship costs.

Who Can Apply Using Form AN?

Form AN (naturalisation) is for adults who:

Are 18 or over
Have held ILR (or Settled Status) for at least 12 months — OR have been married to a British citizen for 3 years (different qualifying period applies)
Have lived lawfully in the UK for at least 5 years (or 3 years if applying as the spouse of a British citizen)
Have met the continuous residence requirement (no more than 450 days absent in the 5-year period, and no more than 90 days absent in the final 12 months before applying)
Pass the Life in the UK test (unless exempt)
Meet the English language requirement
Meet the good character requirement

If you are under 18, or applying for a child, a different form applies.

How to Start the Application

The application is online. You do not download or print a paper form.

Steps to start:

Go to GOV.UK and search "apply for British citizenship"
Sign in to or create a UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account
Select "Apply to naturalise as a British citizen"
Complete all sections of the online application

You will save your progress as you go. You do not need to complete the application in one session.

What the Online Application Covers

The online application is detailed. Expect it to take several hours over multiple sessions if you are gathering documents as you go.

Personal Details

Your full legal name, date of birth, nationality, place of birth, and current address. If you have ever used a different name, you must declare it.

Family Details

Your partner's details (if applicable), including their nationality and immigration status. If your partner is a British citizen, this affects which qualifying period applies to you.

Immigration History

Every visa, leave to enter, and immigration status you have held in the UK. This includes the dates, visa categories, and any periods of unlawful presence. Be accurate — the Home Office has access to immigration records.

Travel History (Absences)

Every trip outside the UK in the last 5 years (or 3 years if applying under the spouse route). You need the dates of departure and return, and the country visited.

This is the most time-consuming section for most applicants. Keep a travel record from day one of your qualifying period. If you do not have records, you can try to reconstruct absences from passport stamps, bank statements, or email confirmations.

Employment History

Your employment in the UK over the qualifying period. Self-employed applicants should include their business details.

Life in the UK Test

Your unique reference number from your Life in the UK test pass certificate. The Home Office verifies this directly — do not enter an incorrect number. Keep your pass certificate from the day you receive it.

English Language Evidence

How you are meeting the English language requirement. Options include:

An approved English language test (e.g., IELTS Life Skills, Trinity College London GESE)
A degree taught and assessed in English (UK or overseas)
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the Home Office list)

Upload the certificate or evidence as part of your application.

Referees

You must provide details of two referees. Both must:

Have known you for at least 3 years
Be aged 25 or over
Hold a current British passport
Not be a family member
Not be employed by UKVI or the Home Office

At least one referee must hold a professional role. Accepted professions include:

Doctor, nurse, or dentist
Teacher or lecturer
Solicitor or barrister
Police officer
Bank manager
Minister of religion
Civil servant (established)
Accountant

Your referees do not usually need to attend an appointment. They may be contacted by the Home Office if the application requires verification.

Good Character Declaration

You must declare all criminal matters. This includes:

Criminal convictions (in the UK or abroad)
Cautions, warnings, and reprimands
Fixed penalty notices for certain offences
Civil penalties
Any time spent in prison

The Home Office applies the good character requirement. Declaring something does not automatically mean refusal — but concealing something can result in refusal and potential prosecution. When in doubt, declare.

Documents to Upload

Gather these before you start the application — uploading as you go is possible but slower.

Document	Notes
Current passport	All pages, including blank pages
Previous passports	Any that cover the qualifying period
BRP card or eVisa evidence	Proof of current immigration status
Life in the UK test pass certificate	Or the unique reference number
English language certificate	If using a test — original certificate
Name change documents	Deed poll, marriage certificate, etc.
Referee details	Full name, address, occupation, passport number

If you have a degree taught in English, you may need the degree certificate and a letter confirming it was taught in English.

Paying the Application Fee

The current fee for adult naturalisation is £1,839. This is paid online when you submit.

The fee is non-refundable. If your application is refused, you do not get the money back.

Additional fees may apply:

If you need a certified copy of documents translated
If you need to travel to a UKVCAS appointment that is not your local centre

Check the full cost breakdown for British citizenship before you budget.

After You Submit: The UKVCAS Appointment

After submitting the online application, you must book a biometrics appointment. This is done at ukvcas.co.uk — not through GOV.UK.

At the UKVCAS appointment, you will:

Give your fingerprints
Have your photograph taken
Submit original documents for verification (or upload them in advance through the UKVCAS system)

Some UKVCAS locations offer free standard appointments. Premium and enhanced appointments (faster service, out-of-hours slots) cost extra.

Book your UKVCAS appointment as soon as you can after submitting — popular slots fill up quickly in cities.

Processing Time

The Home Office aims to process naturalisation applications within 6 months. Some applications take longer, particularly those requiring additional checks.

You cannot withdraw your application to get your passport back during processing — if you need to travel urgently, contact UKVI.

There is no standard way to speed up processing. "Super priority" is not available for naturalisation.

The Citizenship Ceremony

When your application is approved, you receive a letter inviting you to a citizenship ceremony. You must attend the ceremony. You cannot receive your naturalisation certificate without attending.

At the ceremony, you will:

Take an Oath of Allegiance to the Crown
Make a Pledge of loyalty to the UK and its values
Receive your naturalisation certificate

Ceremonies are organised by local councils. You usually have a set number of weeks to book your slot. If you cannot attend within the timeframe, contact your local council to explain — extensions may be available.

After receiving your certificate, you can apply for a British passport. See the citizenship ceremony guide for a full breakdown of what to expect on the day.

What Happens If You Make a Mistake on the Application?

Do not submit a second application. The Home Office will contact you if they have a query or need more information. Submitting a duplicate application creates confusion and may cause delays.

If you notice a mistake before you submit, correct it. If you notice after submitting, call the UKVI helpline and explain.

Common Mistakes

❌ Forgetting to record all absences. The Home Office cross-checks absence information. Missing trips, especially short ones, can lead to delays or queries. Reconstruct your travel history fully before you start the form.

❌ Choosing referees who do not have a British passport. Both referees must hold a current British passport. Non-British referees — even if they are permanent residents or EU citizens with Settled Status — do not qualify.

❌ Not keeping the Life in the UK test pass certificate. You need the unique reference number. If you lose the certificate, contact the test centre where you sat — they may be able to reissue confirmation of your pass.

❌ Underdeclaring criminal history. The good character check is thorough. The Home Office has access to police and court records. Anything you do not declare that they find will damage your application more than the original matter would have. Declare everything and let the Home Office assess it.

❌ Booking the UKVCAS appointment too late. Biometrics appointments in London and other large cities can be fully booked for weeks. Book your appointment the same day you submit your online application.

Expert Tips

Build your absence log before starting the application. The travel history section is the biggest bottleneck for most applicants. Before you open the form, prepare a spreadsheet of every trip outside the UK in the past 5 years — with exact dates. Use your passport stamps, email bookings, and bank statements to check.
Choose your professional referee before you apply. Ask your GP, solicitor, or accountant whether they are willing to be a referee before you name them. Referees can be contacted by the Home Office and need to verify your details — confirm they are available and have an active British passport.
Use the Life in the UK test pass certificate number — not your name — to check your record. The Home Office verifies your test pass directly. If you are unsure your pass is recorded correctly, contact the test centre before applying.
Read the good character guidance carefully if you have any criminal history. A caution, a fixed penalty notice, or a drink-driving conviction does not automatically mean refusal — but how you declare it matters. Get immigration advice before submitting if you have any concerns.
Allow 6 months in your timeline. Do not plan a trip, a career change, or a passport-dependent event within 6 months of submitting. You cannot get your passport back during processing without withdrawing your application.

FAQs

Is Form AN a paper form or online?

For most applicants, the naturalisation application is completed entirely online through a UKVI account at GOV.UK. There is no longer a downloadable paper form for standard adult naturalisation.

How long does naturalisation take?

The Home Office aims to process naturalisation applications within 6 months. Some cases take longer. There is no premium processing option for naturalisation.

What are the referee requirements for Form AN?

You need two referees who have known you for at least 3 years, are aged 25 or over, hold a current British passport, and are not family members or Home Office employees. At least one must hold a professional role (doctor, solicitor, teacher, police officer, etc.).

Do referees need to attend an appointment?

Not usually. Your referees provide their details, which you enter into the online application. The Home Office may contact them directly if verification is needed.

What happens after I submit Form AN?

You book a UKVCAS biometrics appointment separately at ukvcas.co.uk. After biometrics and document submission, the Home Office processes your application. If approved, you receive an invitation to a citizenship ceremony where you collect your naturalisation certificate.

Can I get a British passport before the citizenship ceremony?

No. You become a British citizen at the ceremony — not when your application is approved. The naturalisation certificate is issued at the ceremony, and you need the certificate to apply for a passport.

What if I am refused?

If refused, the Home Office will explain the reasons in writing. The application fee is not refunded. You may be able to appeal or submit a new application — depending on the reason for refusal. Seek immigration advice before taking any action.

Is the fee refundable?

No. The £1,839 application fee is non-refundable if your application is refused or withdrawn.

How This Aligns With Official Guidance

This guide is based on the Home Office's official guidance on naturalisation as a British citizen, the British Nationality Act 1981, and current GOV.UK application process guidance. Application procedures and fees are reviewed regularly by the Home Office. Always check GOV.UK for the current process, fee, and document requirements before submitting your application — this guide reflects the position as of June 2026.

Official Resources

Our Free Tools

Mock test practice — pass the Life in the UK test as part of your naturalisation requirements
Cheat sheet — key dates and facts from the handbook, one page
Citizenship planner — check your timeline from ILR to British passport
FAQ — common questions about naturalisation and citizenship

The naturalisation application is long — but it is manageable if you prepare your documents and absence record before you start. The most important next step is to pass the Life in the UK test if you have not already. Start free practice now so the test is not the thing that delays your application.