On 10 February 2025, the Home Office introduced changes to the good character guidance for those applying to naturalise as a British citizen. The changes will be effective for all citizenship applications made on or after 10 February 2025.
There are two main changes:
- Applications will normally be refused if an applicant has entered the UK illegally (i.e. without permission) regardless of when the illegal entry took place.
- Applications will normally be refused if an applicant has entered the UK without permission or electronic travel authorisation, having made "a dangerous journey". 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 arrival as a passenger with a commercial airline.
All applications submitted before 10 February 2025 where the applicant has entered the UK without permission will continue to have their application reviewed to determine whether that immigration breach should be disregarded. Where immigration breaches relating to lawful residence are not disregarded, if the person has previously entered the UK illegally and this illegal entry is confirmed as having occurred during the preceding 10 years, it will normally be appropriate to refuse the application.
If the date of entry cannot be confirmed, or the person subsequently goes to ground or absconds, the period of 10 years starts from the date on which the person last brought themselves to or came to the attention of the Home Office.
For advice and assistance, please contact our experienced Personal and Family Immigration Team.