On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form Form AN?)
- Context and workflow
- Do you need this visa?
- Eligibility Category Codes
- Failure prevention (What causes Form Form AN rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form Form AN ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form Form AN?)
- Checklist (What is the Form Form AN checklist?)
- Fees
- Where to file
- Form sections (What sections does Form Form AN have?)
- Key terms
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form Form AN?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Form AN?)
- Edge cases and variations
- In-depth guidance
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#Check if you’re eligible another way If you’re eligible in more than one way you can choose which way to apply. For related guidance, see the How to Apply for a UK page.
BRITISH-CITIZENSHIP: British Citizenship
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form Form AN?)
#Form AN is used to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. It is intended for individuals who have indefinite leave to remain or settled status in the UK and meet specific residency and character requirements. Applicants must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years and held indefinite leave to remain or settled status for 12 months, unless they are married to a British citizen, in which case the 12-month waiting period is not required. It is crucial to ensure you were physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives your application.
Additionally, applicants must prove their knowledge of English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic, have passed the life in the UK test, and intend to continue living in the UK.
First page of Form AN form
Official Form AN PDF first page
Context and workflow
#Starting the journey to become a British citizen is outlined in the British Citizenship guide.
Why this matters
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Processing time for Form AN varies by case type and current workload — always check the official UKVI processing time tool.
- Initiating the process of becoming a British citizen.
- Application acknowledgement letter from UKVI.
- Attend biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS service point.
- Decision on citizenship application.
Who uses it
Form AN is used to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. It is intended for individuals who have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settled status in the UK and meet specific residency and character requirements. You can apply for citizenship if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and have had ILR or settled status for 12 months. If you’re married to a British citizen, you do not need to wait 12 months to apply. Additionally, you may be eligible if you have pre-settled status and meet specific residency and activity requirements. Ensure you were physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before the Home Office receives your application. Check if you’re eligible another way, and if eligible in more than one way, you can choose which way to apply. For related guidance, see the How to Apply for a UK page.
When it is used
- BRITISH-CITIZENSHIP: British Citizenship
- When applying for British-citizenship — Form AN is typically required as part of the application
Do you need this visa?
#Eligibility Category Codes
#Eligibility information for this form. Confirm your category in the official instructions before filing.
This is a shortlist of common categories. The official instructions include many more.
| Code | Who applies |
|---|---|
| General | Check if you’re eligible another way If you’re eligible in more than one way you can choose which way to apply |
| Eligibility | Form AN is used to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. It is intended for individuals who have indefinite leave to remain or settled status in the UK and meet specific residency and character requirements. |
Failure prevention (What causes Form Form AN rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Incorrectly filled sections leading to processing delays.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Inaccurate travel history or residency dates.
- Insufficient evidence of language proficiency or cultural knowledge.
- To avoid applying before holding ilr for 12 months: Verify your ILR grant date and count forward 12 months before submitting.
- To avoid exceeding allowed absences from the uk: No more than 450 days absent in the 5-year qualifying period, and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months.
- To avoid referees not meeting requirements: One referee must be a professional; both must have known you for 3+ years and be British citizens.
What it asks for (What does Form Form AN ask for?)
#- Prove you were in the UK exactly 5 years before the day the Home Office receives your application.
- Prove your knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.
- Have passed the life in the UK test.
- Applicant biographical and contact information
- Proof of eligibility (citizenship or residency as applicable)
- Evidence of parent-child or guardian relationship where applicable
- Identity and supporting documentation
- Applicant or guardian certification and signature
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form Form AN?)
#- Valid government-issued identification
- Filing fee or fee waiver documentation
- Proof of passing the life in the UK test
- Evidence of language proficiency in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic
Checklist (What is the Form Form AN checklist?)
#- Access the latest Form AN and accompanying instructions directly from the official UKVI website.
- Before submitting your application, carefully review the official instructions for Form AN.
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Sign, date, and submit Form AN with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form form an. Check the current fee on the official UKVI fee schedule. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeA biometrics fee may be required depending on your category. Check the official fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form Form AN fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
UKVI will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Form SU07.
Fees change; always verify on UKVI.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated UKVI office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the UKVI office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official UKVI website before submitting. For related guidance, see Form VAF4A APPENDIX 1.
Form sections (What sections does Form Form AN have?)
#Personal Details
Applicant identity and immigration history.
- Full name, date of birth, nationality
- Current and previous passports
- ILR/BRP details
Residence and Travel
UK address history and absences.
- UK addresses for the past 5 years
- All absences from the UK in the qualifying period
- Employment history
Good Character
Character declaration and criminal record.
- Criminal convictions (UK and overseas)
- Civil judgments and penalties
- Tax compliance
Referees
Two referees who can confirm your identity and character.
- Full name, address, and occupation of each referee
- How long they have known you
- One must be a professional person
Key terms
#- Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Permission to stay in the UK without time limit.In this form: A status that allows you to apply for British citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
- Settled Status
- Indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme.In this form: A status that allows you to apply for British citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Applying before holding ILR for 12 months | Rejection | Verify your ILR grant date and count forward 12 months before submitting. |
| Exceeding allowed absences from the UK | Rejection | No more than 450 days absent in the 5-year qualifying period, and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months. |
| Referees not meeting requirements | Delay | One referee must be a professional; both must have known you for 3+ years and be British citizens. |
Examples (What are examples for Form Form AN?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Common weakness: An applicant fails to provide accurate travel history, resulting in a request for additional information and delayed processing.
- Scenario: A software engineer submitted their petition with all supporting documents The case was approved within the standard timeline Prepare all evidence before filing to avoid delays
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Form AN?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
- Some applicants assume that being married to a British citizen automatically grants them citizenship, but they still need to meet specific residency and application requirements.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update Form AN, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
In-depth guidance
#How to complete this form reliably
Treat Form AN as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.
Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"
Scenarios
#An applicant who received ILR via Skilled Worker 14 months ago applies for naturalisation with Form AN, having passed the Life in the UK test and English language requirement.
Application approved after 6 months. Applicant attends citizenship ceremony and receives Certificate of Naturalisation.
Ensure all timing requirements are met before applying. The 12-month ILR holding period is strictly enforced.
An applicant submits Form AN but has been absent from the UK for 500 days in the 5-year qualifying period.
Application refused due to excessive absences. Applicant must wait until absences fall within limits before reapplying.
Track your travel carefully. The Home Office calculates absences precisely from passport stamps and travel records.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form MN1: Form AN is for adults applying for naturalisation, while Form MN1 is for registering a child under 18 as a British citizen.
- Unlike Form ILR ONLINE APPLICATION: Indefinite Leave to Remain Application: Next step after approval: Must hold ILR before applying for naturalisation (Citizenship pathway)
- Unlike Form MN1: Registration of a Child Under 18 as a British Citizen: Alternative option: For registering a child as a British citizen instead (Citizenship pathway)
Why it matters
#Next steps
#- Receive an application acknowledgement letter from UKVI.
- Attend a biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS service point.
- Await a decision on the application from UKVI.
- If approved, attend a citizenship ceremony to receive the certificate of naturalisation.
Verification
#This guide is based on official UKVI instructions for Form AN and is updated with changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official UKVI website.
FAQs
What happens if I fail the life in the UK test?
You can retake the test if you do not pass initially.
What is Form AN?
Form AN serves as the Application for Naturalisation as a British Citizen and is an official document from UKVI. Before proceeding, carefully review the official instructions to confirm its relevance to your circumstances.
Where can I get Form AN and its instructions?
Download the current edition of Form AN and its instructions from the official UKVI website. Always verify you are using the most recent form version before filing.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for Form AN?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, UKVI allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
What does Form AN do and who needs it?
Form AN is used to authorize a specific immigration benefit as defined by UKVI. Whether you need to submit this depends on your visa category, nationality, and individual circumstances. Check the official UKVI website for the most current eligibility criteria and requirements for your situation.
When will Form AN be processed and what is the workflow?
Processing timing for Form AN varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official UKVI processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.
What are common mistakes when filing Form AN?
Common mistakes include submitting incomplete forms, missing required signatures, paying incorrect fees, and failing to include all required supporting documents. Even minor errors can cause significant delays or outright rejection of your application. Double-check every section, verify fee amounts on the official UKVI schedule, and review the instructions thoroughly before submitting.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
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