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Guidance

Form AN: guidance

How to apply for citizenship by naturalisation if you are living in the UK.

Updates to this page

From:
UK Visas and Immigration
Published:
22 March 2019
Last updated:
7 July 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated the guidance with information about the new priority service.

  2. Updated to clarify that you can use your biometric residence permit/card (BRP/BRC) for up to 24 months after the expiry date printed on the card (providing you still hold that status). You can only use an expired BRP until the end of 2026. You must destroy your BRP after you have attended your citizenship ceremony.

  3. The process for what to do with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) has been changed from returning the document to the Home Office to the applicant destroying it.

  4. The section: "travelling to and from the UK after naturalising" has been updated.

  5. Updated details on travelling to and from the UK after naturalising.

  6. Updated the postal address for PSI e-Assessments. Added more details about what you need to travel to and from the UK after naturalising.

  7. Updated to tell applicants that they do not need to request Home Office records for entry and exit from the UK before making an application.

  8. 'Returning your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)' and 'Good character' sections updated.

  9. Guidance updated on how to prove being free from immigration restriction, evidence of identity and returning biometric resident permits.

  10. Amended to reflect that a biometric residence permit can be used for 18 months from the date of expiry.

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

  12. Updated guidance published with updated formatting and links throughout.

  13. Accessible version added.

  14. Clarified the requirements for lawful residence and for demonstrating freedom from immigration time restrictions.

  15. Updated the guidance to reflect revisions to the good character policy, Royal Assent of the Illegal Migration Act on 20 July and clarification of the English language requirement.

  16. Accessible version added.

  17. Updated to reflect guidance on the Life in the UK test.

  18. Updated the guidance.

  19. Fixed broken links.

  20. Guidance updated to reflect Nationality and Borders Act changes coming into effect on 28 June 2022.

  21. Added accessible version of form.

  22. Updated guidance.

  23. Updated guidance: all references to UK NARIC, which is an EU initiative, changed to ‘Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC)’ as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

  24. Removed outdated form.

  25. Uploaded guidance for December 2020.

  26. Updated guidance.

  27. First published.

Documents

Form AN: guidance (accessible)

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Form AN: guidance

PDF, 552 KB, 48 pages

Details

Read the AN guidance to find out if you can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation.

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