Thousands beat UK Citizenship test

British Citizenship applications increased significantly last year, as foreign nationals that hold permanent residence in the UK rushed to Naturalise ahead of the introduction of the new Life in the UK test requirement.

According to the UK Border Agency, more than 200,000 settled foreign nationals applied for British Citizenship in 2005. In 2004, the figure stood at less than 140,000.

In November 2005, the Life in the UK test was introduced as a requirement for everyone who wished to apply for British Citizenship. Applicants need to purchase a Life in the UK test guide to study for the test. Once prepared, applicants need to book and sit a 45 minute multiple choice test. In that time, they will need to answer general knowledge questions about life in the UK.On successful completion of the exam, a certificate will be issued. This certificate can then be submitted with an application for Citizenship.

From April 2007, all foreign nationals hoping to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK will also need to pass the Life in the UK test. Those who complete the Life in the UK test for the purpose of an ILR application will not need to complete the test a second time, when they wish to apply for British Citizenship.

The main foreign groups naturalising in the UK in 2005 were Indians, Pakistanis, Somalis, South Africans and Nigerians.

In total Asians accounted for just under 40% of the total number of applications.