Trở thành Công dân Anh
The Citizenship Process
People who want to become British citizens must go through a formal citizenship process.
A key requirement is passing the Life in the UK test — a computer-based test on British history, culture, traditions, and government. It has 24 questions with 45 minutes to complete. The pass mark is 75% (18 out of 24 correct). The test costs £50 and is available at centres across the UK.
Applicants must also demonstrate adequate knowledge of the English language (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic) and meet residency requirements — typically having lived in the UK for a specified period.
Applicants must be of good character, meaning no serious criminal record and no attempts to deceive immigration authorities. Applications are made to the Home Office.
Once approved, new citizens attend a citizenship ceremony at a local council office, where they make an oath or affirmation of allegiance and receive their citizenship.
The Life in the UK test has 24 questions, a time limit of 45 minutes, and requires 75% to pass (18 out of 24 correct)
The Life in the UK test costs £50
Citizenship applications are made to the Home Office
New citizens must attend a citizenship ceremony
Từ vựng
The status of being a legal member of a country
A test of knowledge required for British citizenship
The UK government department responsible for immigration
The minimum time a person must live in the UK before applying for citizenship
The Oath and Pledge
At a citizenship ceremony, new citizens must make either an oath of allegiance (swearing by God) or an affirmation of allegiance (non-religious). Both carry the same legal weight.
The oath of allegiance states: "I swear by Almighty God that, on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law."
New citizens also make a citizenship pledge: "I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen."
The pledge represents a commitment to loyalty, respect for rights and freedoms, support for democratic values, and obedience to the law.
The ceremony is a welcoming and celebratory occasion led by a senior local official. The new citizen receives a certificate of British citizenship.
The citizenship pledge states: "I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values."
New citizens can choose between an oath (religious) or affirmation (non-religious) — both have the same legal weight
Từ vựng
A solemn promise of loyalty sworn before God
A non-religious declaration of loyalty
A formal promise to do something
Loyalty or commitment to a country or leader
Community Participation
Becoming a British citizen is not just about passing a test — it means becoming an active member of your community.
Volunteering is one of the most popular forms of participation. Millions of people give their time through charities, local organisations, and community projects.
Voting in elections is another important way to participate. British citizens can vote in local and national elections, having a say in how the country is governed.
Citizens can also contribute by becoming a school governor, serving as a local councillor, or joining a neighbourhood watch scheme. These roles help shape the community and ensure public services meet local needs.
Respecting neighbours and contributing to a peaceful, inclusive community are everyday forms of participation. Simple actions like greeting neighbours and keeping shared spaces clean help build strong communities.
Whether born in the UK or recently naturalised, all citizens are encouraged to play an active role. Community participation strengthens democracy and helps people feel connected to society.
Citizens are encouraged to participate in community life through volunteering, voting, and local involvement
Community participation includes volunteering, becoming a school governor, serving as a local councillor, or joining a neighbourhood watch
Từ vựng
Giving time freely to help others or the community
A volunteer who helps oversee the running of a school
An elected representative in local government
A community scheme where residents look out for crime in their area
Tóm tắt bài học
- The Life in the UK test has 24 questions, 45 minutes, 75% pass mark (18/24), and costs £50
- Applicants must know English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic) and meet residency requirements
- Applications are made to the Home Office; applicants must be of good character
- New citizens attend a citizenship ceremony and choose an oath (religious) or affirmation (non-religious)
- The citizenship pledge commits to loyalty, democratic values, and obeying the law
- Active community participation includes volunteering, voting, and joining neighbourhood watch