Good Character Changes for British citizenship

Good character changes for British citizenship applications were introduced with immediate effect on 10 February 2025

The policy by which an individual’s good character is assessed in an application to naturalise as a British citizen has been tightened by the Home Office in respect of those who entered the UK illegally. Individuals impacted by the change should consider consulting a British nationality or citizenship lawyer.

The change follows on the heels of impending increase to applications fees for those applying to become a British citizen. 

What is the policy update to the good character requirement for British citizenship?

The changes to the good character requirements for naturalising as a British citizen will affect applicants who entered the UK illegally. The important cut-off date for how an application will be processed is 10 February 2025.

Already controversial, the change has been described as leaving refugees forever as second class citizens within the UK and is a dog-whistle change which will prove an active bar to integration. 

Applications to naturalise as a British citizen made on or after 10 February 2025 

Any individual applying for British citizenship from 10 February 2025, who previously entered the UK illegally will  normally be refused, regardless of the length of time that has passed since the illegal entry took place. 

This is a marked movement away from policy which has been in place since 1983. Clearly aimed at disincentivising those entering the UK via small boats, it reflects the Government's manifesto pledge to tackle illegal immigration to the UK. Specific provision is made for those making a "dangerous journey":

"A person who applies for citizenship from 10 February 2025 who has previously arrived without a required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation, having made a dangerous journey will normally be refused citizenship. 

A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance. It does not include, for example, arrival as a passenger with a commercial airline."

Although there appears to be discretion to deviate from the policy, the threshold to do so is likely to be interpreted very highly.

The main groups of people that will be impacted by this change are refugees and those who enter illegally but subsequently become lawful either through long residence, relationships or parenthood of a British child.

Application made pre-10 February for British citizenship

The Home Office will consider the application according to previous policy. In other words, if illegal entry took place within the last 10 years, the application will likely be rejected. 

Any person applying for citizenship before 10 February 2025 where illegal entry is a factor, will continue to have their application reviewed to determine whether that immigration breach should be disregarded for the purpose of the character assessment.

What you should do if you are impacted by the 11 February 2025 change to the good character requirement for British nationality

Whether you fall into the pre or post 10 February 2025 timeline, we recommend you consult an immigration or British nationality lawyer. 

It will be important to assess your circumstances and see what action if any you should take.