Applyy for Registeration of a BOC as a British Citizen

If you are a British Overseas Citizen (BOC), you may be eligible to register as a British Citizen if you meet the relevant eligibility requirements of the British Nationality Act 1981. A person holding British Overseas Citizen (BOC) status may be eligible to register as a British citizen under the provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981. Eligible British Overseas Citizens normally apply using Form B(OS).

Registration as a British citizen allows a BOC to obtain full British citizenship, including the right of abode in the UK, unrestricted right to live and work in the UK, and eligibility to apply for a British passport.

At Premium Solicitors, our specialist team of immigration and nationality solicitors provide expert legal advice and representation for applications relating to registration as a British citizen for British Overseas Citizens (BOCs). Our experienced SRA-regulated immigration solicitors can assess your eligibility, prepare your application, and represent you throughout the process until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI.

Free Immigration Advice for British Citizenship

Our specialist team of immigration solicitors can provide one-off, 5-minute free immigration advice regarding your application for British citizenship. Ask a question online to our specialist team of immigration solicitors for free immigration advice online, or book an appointment online for detailed immigration advice and consultation with one of our immigration solicitors regarding your application for British citizenship.

What Is a British Overseas Citizen (BOC)?

British Overseas Citizen (BOC) is one of the six forms of British nationality. BOC status was generally created for certain former citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKC) who did not automatically become British citizens or British Overseas Territories citizens after changes to nationality laws.

A British Overseas Citizen:

• Can hold a British passport;
• Can receive consular assistance from UK diplomatic missions abroad;
• Is normally subject to UK immigration control unless they also hold British citizenship;
• Does not automatically have the right to live or work in the UK.

Registration Based on Five Years Residence

To be eligible to register under the five-year residence requirement, you must:

• have been resident in the United Kingdom for at least five years; this is known as the residential qualifying period; and
• have been present in the United Kingdom for five years before the date of your application; and
• have not spent more than 450 days outside the United Kingdom during the five-year period; and
• have not spent more than 90 days outside the United Kingdom in the last 12 months of the five-year period; and
• have not been in breach of the immigration rules at any stage during the five-year period; and
• be free from immigration time restrictions (holding ILR) for the last 12 months of the five-year period of your stay in the United Kingdom.

Meeting The Residential Requirement

The residential qualifying period will be worked out from the day the Home Office UKVI receives your application. You must show you were present in the United Kingdom at the start of this period. For example, if Home Office UKVI received your application for registration as a British Citizen on 25 November 2020, you would have to show that you were in the United Kingdom on 26 November 2015.

You cannot count the time you have spent in the United Kingdom while exempt from immigration control as part of the residential qualifying period. If you are in the United Kingdom as a diplomat or as a member of visiting armed forces, or if you are in any place of detention, you would be considered exempt from immigration control. This time would be treated as an absence from the United Kingdom.

Registration Based on Crown Or Similar Service

If you do not meet the five-year residence requirement, you may be eligible to register as a British citizen on the basis of your own crown or similar service.

You will need to show that:

• you have been or are in crown service under the government of a British overseas territory; or
• you have been or are in service as a member of a body established by law in a British overseas territory, the members of which are appointed by or on behalf of the crown.

Registration on the basis of crown or similar service is only granted in exceptional circumstances. You need to show that you:

• have been or are the holder of a responsible post; and
• have given outstanding service; and
• have a close connection with the United Kingdom.

Registration as a British Citizen If You Are a British Overseas Citizen (BOC) With No Other Nationality

The following are the requirements you need to meet to be eligible for registration as a British citizen by descent.

You must:

• be a British Overseas Citizen;
• not hold any other citizenship or nationality;
• not have given up any citizenship or nationality;
• not have lost any citizenship or nationality by action or inaction.

It is possible to be a citizen or national of a country even if you have never held a passport issued by the authorities of that country. You should make sure this does not apply to you before you make your application.

Benefits Of Becoming a British Citizen

Registration as a British citizen provides significant benefits, including:

• Full right of abode in the UK;
• Ability to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions;
• Eligibility for a British citizen passport;
• Access to public services and benefits, subject to eligibility;
• Ability to pass British citizenship to children in certain circumstances;
• Greater security of immigration status.

Why Choose Premium Solicitors?

At Premium Solicitors, we are proud to be regarded as one of the leading immigration law firms in London for British nationality and immigration matters. We offer:

• Specialist British nationality solicitors
• Fixed-fee services with no hidden charges
• Fast and efficient case preparation
• Appointments 7 days a week
• Remote legal services across the UK and internationally
• Representation from the application stage until the decision
• Excellent client care reflected in our 5-star Google reviews

Our highly experienced immigration solicitors regularly assist clients with complex British citizenship and nationality matters.

How Can We Help?

Our expert team of nationality law solicitors in London can represent you in your application for registration as a British Citizen and carry out all the work on your British Citizenship application until a decision on your application is received from the Home Office UKVI. As part of our professional legal services in relation to your application for registration as a British Citizen, our specialist team of immigration solicitors will carry out the following immigration casework:

• We will assess your eligibility for registration as a British Citizen by considering all the relevant information, including your past immigration history.
• We will advise you on the chances of success of your application for registration as a British Citizen and draw your attention to any weaknesses in your application.
• We will advise you on the list of documents to be submitted in support of your application for registration as a British Citizen.
• We will assess all the supporting documents to ensure that the documents you provide satisfy the Home Office UKVI requirements for registration as a British Citizen.
• We will complete the relevant application form online for your registration as a British citizen, submit it online, help you pay the UKVI Home Office fee for the application, and schedule your appointment with the application centre for enrolment of your biometrics.
• We will prepare a detailed cover letter in support of the application explaining in detail your eligibility for registration as a British Citizen by referring to all the relevant information, documents, laws and requirements;
• We will upload all supporting documents online for consideration, including our cover letter.
• We will carry out all the work on your application for registration as a British Citizen until a decision is received from the Home Office UKVI on your application.

Specialist Immigration Solicitors for British Citizenship

Our immigration solicitors are specialists in British citizenship applications. As one of the best immigration solicitors for British citizenship applications, we have an excellent track record of helping clients succeed. Our highly experienced and fully qualified immigration solicitors can provide fast, friendly, reliable, and fixed-fee immigration advice and legal representation for your British citizenship application. 

The high quality of UK visa and immigration legal services provided by our best team of immigration lawyers is evident in the 5-star Google Reviews rating from 99% of our clients. Our London-based immigration solicitors are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, offering unwavering dedication and exceptional legal support for a wide range of UK visa and immigration cases. Our team of highly regarded immigration solicitors brings together more than 6 decades of collective, specialised expertise in successfully handling UK visa and immigration applications.

Meet Our Team of Immigration Solicitors in London

At Premium Solicitors, our strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our immigration solicitors in London. We understand that British citizenship matters are life-changing, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the process with professionalism and care. 

Our team comprises a diverse group of immigration solicitors, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We are united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest level of legal support and advocacy tailored to your immigration needs.

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Schedule Your Consultation With Our Immigration Solicitors

Are you seeking expert immigration advice and consultation for your British citizenship application from our highly experienced and qualified team of immigration solicitors and lawyers in London? It's easy to secure an appointment with our dedicated British nationality law specialists. Our expert team of immigration solicitors and advisors can provide detailed immigration advice and consultation, face-to-face in our offices in London and Birmingham or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Phone. Book your appointment today using the appointment booking link provided below:

• Book An Appointment Online With Our Immigration Solicitors in London

Our immigration experts are ready to assist you with your UK visa and immigration concerns. Book your appointment today for personalised guidance and support.

Our Fixed Fees For Registration of a BOC as a British Citizen

Our fees for an application for registration of BOC as a British Citizen are as given in the fee table below: 

Our Service	Our Fixed Fees Range
Full service for an application to register a BOC as a British Citizen to cover all the work until a decision by the Home Office UKVI	From £2,000 + VAT To £3,000 + VAT, IF Applicable

The agreed fixed fee will depend on the complexity of your application for confirmation of nationality status and the volume of casework involved. In addition to our fixed fee for confirmation of nationality status, the applicant will also have to pay the UKVI Home Office application fees.

Get a Fixed Fee Quote for Your British Citizenship Application