Guidance

Form B(OTA): guidance

Guidance toon registerregistering as a British citizen iffor youIrish arecitizens aand Britishcertain overseastypes territoriesof citizen, British overseas citizen, British protected person, British subject or British national (overseas).national.

From:
UK Visas and Immigration
Published
22 March 2019
Last updated
2822 AprilJuly 2025 — See all updates

Documents

FormGuide B(OTA):B1: guidanceregistration as a British citizen – a guide for British Overseas Territories citizens (accessible)

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FormGuide B(OTA):B1: guidanceregistration as a British citizen – a guide for British Overseas Territories citizens

PDF, 375282 KB, 3421 pages

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Guide B2: registration as a British citizen following residence in the UK (accessible)

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Guide B2: registration as a British citizen following residence in the UK

PDF, 344 KB, 32 pages

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Guide B3: Registration as a British citizen – Irish citizens (accessible)

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Guide B3: Registration as a British citizen – Irish citizens

PDF, 292 KB, 29 pages

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Details

ReadGuidance theon B(OTA)registering guidancefor toBritish findcitizenship outusing ifform youB(OTA).

Use canguide registerB1 asif you’re a British citizenOverseas Territories citizen.

Use guide B2 if you arehave lived in the UK for 5 years and you’re a:

  • British overseasOverseas territoriesTerritories citizen
  • British overseasNational citizen(Overseas)
  • British protectedOverseas personcitizen
  • British subject
  • British nationalprotected (overseas)person

Use guide B3 if you’re an Irish citizen.

Updates to this page

Published 22 March 2019
Last updated 2822 AprilJuly 2025 + show all updates

  1. The form B(OTA) guidance has been split into 3 guides, following the creation of a new route to citizenship for Irish citizens.

  2. Updated the section on good character.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Amended to reflect that a biometric residence permit can be used for 18 months from the date of expiry.

  6. Updated Form B(OTA): guidance to update the section on 'Citizenship ban' to reflect changes as a result of the Illegal Migration Act 2023.

  7. Document format and style updated. Outdated information removed or updated accordingly. References and links to fees updated.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Added accessible version of guide.

  11. First published.

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