Nationality applications - guidance good character updated to clarify that applications made after 10 February 2025 that include illegal entry will normally be refused citizenship, regardless of when the illegal entry occurred

Good character guidance amended to block refugees from naturalisation.

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.

Arriving without a required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation, having made a dangerous journey.

A person who applies for citizenship from 10 February 2025 who has previously arrived without a required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation, having made a dangerous journey will normally be refused citizenship.

A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance. It does not include, for example, arrival as a passenger with a commercial airline.

Any person applying for citizenship before 10 February 2025 where illegal entry is a factor, will continue to have their application reviewed to determine whether that immigration breach should be disregarded for the purpose of the character assessment.

For those applying before 10 February 2025 the position is as it was in the previous guidance which is that it will normally be appropriate to refuse naturalisation where illegal entry took place in the past ten years.

The presumption is that those who have arrived illegally will find their application turned down, unless they can provide a range of circumstances which are exceptional, compelling and mitigating, and where the Secretary of State may therefore choose to apply discretion to grant citizenship on an exceptional basis.

So the indication is that grants of citizenship will be very limited indeed, given the need to establish “exceptional and compelling circumstances”.