What is the new citizenship rule in the UK?

The main new UK citizenship rule change, effective February 25, 2026, requires British dual nationals (e.g., British/Australian) to use their valid British passport (or Irish passport/Certificate of Entitlement) to enter the UK, rather than their non-British passport, due to the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which dual citizens are ineligible for. Additionally, new applicants (from Feb 2025) who entered without valid clearance (e.g., via dangerous journeys like small boats) face a permanent bar from citizenship, impacting eligibility for those seeking to naturalize.

What are the new rules for citizenship in the UK in 2025?

Understanding the New Rules on Good Character for British Citizens. 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.

Can a US citizen become a citizen of the UK?

British citizenship for Americans is available to eligible applicants via several different routes. British citizenship by naturalization is the standard route to citizenship, but you may also be eligible for British citizenship by birth, British citizenship by descent, or British citizenship by double descent.

What are the 5 requirements to become an UK citizen?

To become a UK citizen by naturalisation, you generally need to be 18+, have lived in the UK for a qualifying period (often 5 years with Indefinite Leave to Remain), pass the "Life in the UK Test," demonstrate English language proficiency, and meet the "good character" criteria, meaning no serious crimes or immigration rule breaches. Key requirements include residency (e.g., 12 months post-ILR), good character, English/Life in the UK tests, and intent to remain in the UK as your future home. 

What is the new law for citizenship in 2025?

Major U.S. citizenship changes for 2025 include a new, tougher 2025 Civics Test (more questions, stricter passing) and enhanced Good Moral Character (GMC) reviews, focusing more on positive community contributions, while potential legislation like the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 seeks to limit birthright citizenship, though its status is legislative, not yet law. These changes aim to restore integrity and better assess an applicant's commitment to U.S. values, impacting naturalization for applications filed on or after October 20, 2025.
 

New passport rules for Britons with dual citizenship

Did Trump change the citizenship test?

Yes, the Trump administration implemented significant changes to the U.S. citizenship test in late 2020, making it more difficult with more questions, tougher standards (12/20 correct vs. 6/10), and more complex civics questions, though these changes were briefly paused by the Biden administration before being reinstated with minor tweaks in late 2025. The updated test increased the question bank to 128 from 100, focusing less on simple facts and more on in-depth history and government, requiring a higher level of English and civic knowledge. 

Which countries allow dual citizenship with us?

The U.S. allows dual citizenship, and many countries permit it with the U.S., including the UK, Canada, Mexico, Philippines, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, South Korea, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria, Turkey, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, and several Caribbean nations like St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, and Grenada. There isn't one official "list," but most European, Latin American, and some Asian/African countries generally permit dual citizenship with the U.S., though specific rules for retaining citizenship vary by country. 

Can I live in the UK as a US citizen?

Yes, Americans can move to the UK, but you need a specific visa depending on your reason (work, study, family, investment, talent) as short visits are visa-free but longer stays require applications for routes like the Skilled Worker Visa (job sponsorship), Family Visa (partner/parent), Student Visa, Global Talent Visa, or Innovator Founder Visa, each with strict eligibility, financial, and English language requirements, and you generally must apply from outside the UK before moving. 

What is the fastest way to get UK citizenship?

Adults. An adult may be able to apply to naturalise as a British citizen if they have lived in the UK lawfully for five years and have been settled in the UK for at least one year. The spouse or civil partner of a British citizen may be able to apply after three years of residence if they are settled in the UK.

How much money is required to get citizenship in the UK?

Check how much it costs to apply

You usually pay £1,735 to apply for adult citizenship or £1,214 for children. If you're applying for citizenship as an adult you'll also have to pay: £50 to do the Life in the UK Test. around £150 if you have to do an English test.

How long can a US citizen remain in the UK?

You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment.

Will I lose my US citizenship if I apply for dual citizenship?

U.S. law does not require a U.S. citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another (foreign) nationality (or nationalities). A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their U.S. citizenship.

How many years should I live in the UK to get citizenship?

You can apply for citizenship if you've lived in the UK for 5 years and have had one of the following for 12 months: indefinite leave to remain in the UK. 'settled status' (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme')

Will migrants in the UK not get benefits?

Migrants to UK will not get benefits until becoming citizens under new plans. People who migrate to the UK will be eligible for benefits and social housing only when they become British citizens, and those who arrive by small boat could wait up to 30 years for residency, under new plans outlined by Shabana Mahmood.

Why would someone be refused British citizenship?

Common reasons for British Citizenship refusal include failing the good character test, not meeting residence or absence limits, or missing Home Office correspondence. Unlike other visa routes, there is no right of appeal for a British Citizenship refused decision.

What is the hardest country to get citizenship?

The hardest countries to get citizenship often include Qatar, Vatican City, Liechtenstein, and Bhutan, due to extremely long residency requirements, strict cultural/religious tests, or political discretion, with Qatar often cited as the toughest for its 25-year wait and potential conversion requirement, while China and Japan are also notoriously difficult due to opaque or strict processes, and North Korea is virtually impossible. 

How hard is it for an American to get UK citizenship?

Applicants must have lived in the UK for at least five years (or three years if married to a British citizen) before applying. You cannot have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the five years prior to applying. Applicants must hold ILR or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme for at least 12 months.

What are the six types of British citizenship?

These are:

• British citizenship.
• British overseas territories citizen.
• British overseas citizen.
• British subject.
• British national (overseas)
• British protected person.

Is it cheaper to live in the US or UK?

It's generally cheaper to live in the UK than the US when considering overall consumer prices and rent, with UK groceries and restaurants also typically lower, but the US offers higher purchasing power and lower housing costs outside major cities; however, specific costs vary hugely by location, with US salaries often higher but healthcare and education costs vastly different (UK has NHS/lower uni fees, US has high private costs). 

What is the 7 year rule visa in the UK?

You may be able to apply on the basis of being the parent of a child who has been in the UK for seven years. You may hear this being referred to as the “seven years residence rule”. The seven year rule is found in Appendix Private Life of the immigration rules.

Can I retire in England as a US citizen?

Frequently Asked Questions. Can I retire in the UK as a U.S. citizen? Yes, but there's no official “retirement visa.” Most Americans retire in the UK by qualifying for a family visa, ancestry visa, or investor visa, or by extending other residency permits.

What is the easiest country for an American to get citizenship?

Countries with the Easiest Citizenship by Naturalisation

• Argentina.
• Peru.
• Paraguay.
• Germany.
• Ireland.
• Canada.
• Armenia.
• Portugal.

What is the downside of dual citizenship?

Disadvantages of dual citizenship include potential double taxation, mandatory military service obligations in either country, and restrictions on certain government or sensitive jobs, alongside complexities with legal compliance, varying social benefits, and potential identity challenges, all depending heavily on the laws of the specific countries involved. 

When did the US stop dual citizenship?

The new dual citizenship bill, officially called the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, is a proposal that would ban dual citizenship for Americans and require individuals to choose one nationality. The bill is not law, and dual citizenship remains fully legal today.