Form B(OTA): guidance
Guidance on registering as a British citizen for Irish citizens and certain types of British national.
Documents
Details
Guidance on registering for British citizenship using form B(OTA).
Use guide B1 if you鈥檙e a British Overseas Territories citizen.
Use guide B2 if you have lived in the UK for 5 years and you鈥檙e a:
- British Overseas Territories citizen
- British National (Overseas)
- British Overseas citizen
- British subject
- British protected person
Use guide B3 if you鈥檙e an Irish citizen.
Updates to this page
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The form B(OTA) guidance has been split into 3 guides, following the creation of a new route to citizenship for Irish citizens.
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Updated the section on good character.
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Updates to the guidance, including how to prove being free from immigration restrictions, evidence of identity, travel after submitting an application, citizenship ceremonies and returning BRPs.
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Updated the sections on how to prove being free from immigration restrictions, evidence of identity, travel after submitting an application, citizenship ceremonies, returning biometric residence permits and citizenship-related queries.
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Amended to reflect that a biometric residence permit can be used for 18 months from the date of expiry.
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Updated Form B(OTA): guidance to update the section on 'Citizenship ban' to reflect changes as a result of the Illegal Migration Act 2023.
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Document format and style updated. Outdated information removed or updated accordingly. References and links to fees updated.
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Guidance updated to reflect changes introduced by the Illegal Migration Act 2023 and revisions to the sections on good character, lawful residence and freedom from immigration time restrictions.
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The guidance has been amended to reflect the changes the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 has made to the requirements for British nationals registering as a British citizen based on a period of residence in the UK.
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Added accessible version of guide.
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First published.