Guidance

Form RS1: guidance

How to apply to become a British citizen again after giving up (renouncing) citizenship.

• From: UK Visas and Immigration
• Published: 22 March 2019
• Last updated: 17 August 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 17 August 2026

     Replaced the nationality enquiries email address with a link to the contact UKVI webform.

  2. 20 July 2026

     Updated application processing times and information on returning your biometric residence permit.

  3. 6 March 2026

     Updated the section 'Travelling to and from the UK after becoming a British citizen'.

  4. 29 April 2025

     Updated the section on Good character.

  5. 17 April 2025

     Updated the following sections: 'IAA and immigration advice', 'biometric enrolment', 'evidence of identity', 'travel after submitting an application', 'citizenship ceremonies' and 'next steps'. Added a new section: 'will I get digital status showing I am a British citizen?' Removed the 'citizenship ban' section.

  6. 27 March 2025

     Amended to reflect that expired BRPs can be used for 18 months as ID after the expiry date.

  7. 24 July 2024

     Updated Form RS1: guidance to update the section on 'Citizenship ban' to reflect changes as a result of the Illegal Migration Act 2023.

  8. 4 October 2023

     Document format and style updated. Outdated information removed or updated accordingly. References and links to fees updated.

  9. 27 July 2023

     Accessible version added.

  10. 21 July 2023

      Updated to reflect changes introduced by the Illegal Migration Act 2023.

  11. 17 February 2022

      Added accessible version of document.

  12. 22 March 2019

      First published.

Documents

Form RS1: guidance (accessible)

HTML

Form RS1: guidance

PDF, 287 KB, 22 pages

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Details

Read the RS1 guidance to find out if you can apply to become a British citizen again after previously renouncing your British citizenship.