Last Updated: 16 February 2025

UK citizenship application includes consideration of a person’s ‘good character‘ which includes but is not limited to, immigration law breaches, criminality, deception as well as positive factors such as a contribution to society. 

In response to the “small boats crisis“, on 10 February 2025, the Home Office updated their Nationality: Good Character guidance. 

The changes include the impact of illegal entry into the United Kingdom. The update in guidance can significantly impact UK citizenship applications. 

The guidance now states:

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

Where you are not disregarding immigration breaches relating to lawful residence, if a person has previously entered the UK illegally, it will normally be appropriate to refuse the application for citizenship if the illegal entry is confirmed as having occurred during the preceding 10 years. If the date of entry cannot be confirmed, or if 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.”

The same guidance also states:

“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.”

Under the updated guidance, anyone who has entered the UK illegally will normally have their UK citizenship application refused, regardless of how much time has passed since their illegal entry. This means that if you entered the UK unlawfully, even many years ago, it could affect your eligibility for citizenship. The wording of the guidance indicates that there is some room for discretion.

If you have entered the UK illegally and it’s been within the past 10 years, your UK citizenship application will likely be refused. This applies even if your illegal entry occurred many years ago, as long as the breach took place within the last decade.

The 10-year period is calculated from the date when you last came to the attention of the Home Office. This could include when you applied for a visa, were encountered by immigration authorities, or when your immigration status was reviewed. If the illegal entry can’t be confirmed or if you’ve gone into hiding, the 10-year period starts from the date you were last known to the Home Office.

What Does This Mean for Your Citizenship Application?

If you’re planning to submit a UK citizenship application, it’s essential to be aware of these changes and how your immigration history may affect your application. If you’ve ever entered the UK illegally or had issues with your immigration status, it could result in a refusal of your UK citizenship application—especially if the breach happened within the past 10 years.

There is no right of appeal for UK citizenship applications and the remedies are limited. 

Conclusion

The new rules mark a tough stance on those who have entered the UK illegally, and the impact of these changes will be significant for future UK citizenship applications. If you’ve had any issues with your immigration status, it’s wise to seek legal advice before applying for UK citizenship to understand how these rules may apply to your case.