The UK government has introduced significant changes to British citizenship rules, particularly tightening the good character requirements for naturalisation. These amendments, implemented in 2023 and 2025, focus on criminal records and immigration history, impacting many prospective citizens.

Revised Criminality Thresholds (July 2023)

On 31 July 2023, the Home Office updated its good character requirement guidance for British citizenship applications, enforcing stricter assessments of criminal records.Under the new rules, an applicant will normally be refused citizenship if they:

• Have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, in the UK or overseas.
• Have consecutive sentences totalling 12 months or more.
• Have a record of persistent offending or disregard for UK laws.
• Have committed an offense that resulted in serious harm.
• Have been convicted of a sexual offense or are listed on a police register.

For minor offenses, applications will typically be refused if the applicant has:

• A custodial sentence of less than 12 months.
• A non-custodial sentence or an out-of-court disposal recorded on their criminal history.

The Home Office evaluates each application case-by-case, considering factors such as rehabilitation, time elapsed, and the severity of offenses.

Unlawful Entry into the UK (February 2025)

On 10 February 2025, new UK citizenship rules came into effect, preventing individuals who entered the UK illegally from qualifying for British citizenship.

Under the updated guidance, any person applying for naturalisation who previously entered the UK unlawfully will normally be refused, regardless of how much time has passed.
This policy has sparked legal challenges, with critics arguing it disproportionately affects asylum seekers and undermines refugee rights under international law.

Exceptions & Discretionary Considerations

Despite these strict rules, the Home Office retains discretion to approve British citizenship applications in cases where mitigating factors apply. If you believe your circumstances warrant an exception, it is crucial to present strong supporting evidence.

Key Considerations for Citizenship Applicants

If you’re applying for naturalisation in the UK, take these essential steps to improve your chances:

• Disclose All Relevant Information – Be honest about your criminal and immigration history. Concealing information can lead to automatic refusal.
• Seek Expert Legal Advice – The good character requirement is complex. Consulting with a UK immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process and improve your chances of approval.

Final Thoughts

With these strict new British citizenship rules, it is more important than ever to ensure that your naturalisation application meets all the necessary requirements. Understanding the good character requirement and seeking expert legal guidance can significantly impact your success.

For personalised advice on British citizenship applications, sponsor licences, and UK immigration compliance, contact our expert team today!