Citizenship Reconsideration
If your British citizenship application has been refused, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road. Whether you applied through naturalisation, registration, right of abode or another route, you may still have the option to request a reconsideration of the decision.
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What Is Citizenship Reconsideration?
If your application for British citizenship—or registration as a British citizen—has been refused, and you believe the decision was incorrect or unjust, you may be able to request a reconsideration by the Home Office. This process is not a formal legal appeal but an internal review conducted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
A successful reconsideration can overturn the original refusal and approve your application without the need to submit a new application or pay the full fee again.
However, before pursuing this option, it’s essential to have clear and valid grounds for why reconsideration is appropriate in your case.
When Can You Request Reconsideration?
You may request a reconsideration if:
- The Home Office made an error when assessing your application (e.g., misinterpreting facts or applying the wrong legal test).
- They did not consider all the evidence that you submitted.
- There was a procedural issue, such as not being given a chance or adequate time to respond to concerns.
- You believe they have incorrectly applied the law or ignored published policy.
- The refusal was based on character grounds due to a criminal conviction which was either later quashed on appeal or involved a case of mistaken identity (i.e. you were not the person convicted of the offence).
The burden of proof is on you to prove the above, or if there are such exceptional circumstances where discretion should have been exercised. You cannot request reconsideration simply because you disagree with the decision or if you’ve acquired new evidence not included in the original application. Such a case would require submitting a new application.
Citizenship Reconsideration vs. Administrative Review
| Feature | Citizenship Reconsideration | Administrative Review |
|---|---|---|
| What it applies to | Refusals of British citizenship or registration | Errors in decisions related to visa or immigration applications (e.g. Tier 2, Skilled Worker, etc.) |
| Legal basis | Not a statutory right—an internal Home Office review process | Statutory right under UK immigration law |
| Purpose | To challenge an unjust or incorrect citizenship refusal | To correct a casework error in a visa decision |
| Handled by | UKVI internal review team (citizenship-specific unit) | Different Home Office official (not the original decision-maker) |
| Timeframe to apply | No fixed legal deadline, but should be done promptly (ideally within 3 months) | Usually 14 or 28 days, depending on the application type |
| Fee | Typically £482 for naturalisation and registration, or £589 for certificate of entitlement to the right of abode | Typically £80, depending on the case |
| Outcome | May overturn the refusal and grant citizenship | May overturn the decision and issue the visa/leave to remain |
| When to use | When you believe the refusal was based on a mistake or the evidence was not properly considered | When there is a clear caseworking error in the visa refusal decision |
Fees
The fee for reconsidering a citizenship application for naturalisation or registration is £482, while the cost for reconsidering a certificate of entitlement to the right of abodeis £589.
Processing Time
The Home Office does not have a specific timeframe for processing citizenship reconsideration applications. We generally advise clients to allow at least one month, and certainly more, depending on the case's complexity.
How to Request Reconsideration
Here’s how the process works:
1. Complete the Reconsideration Request Form
The Home Office provides a specific Form NR, usually titled "Request for Reconsideration of decisions to refuse British citizenship." This must be filled out clearly, explaining why you believe the decision was incorrect.
2. Attach Supporting Documents
Include a copy of the refusal letter and any relevant documentation showing an error. For example, this might be proof of residence, correspondence with UKVI, or a reference to guidance they failed to follow.
3. Submit the Application by Post
Requests should be sent to the postal or email address in the Home Office’s guidance. Make sure to keep proof of postage or a copy of the email.
Department 73
UK Visas and Immigration
The Capital
New Hall Place
Liverpool
L3 9PP
4. Wait for a Response
There is no fixed timeframe, and responses often take several weeks or months. If you have not received an update, we may follow up after a reasonable time.
What Happens Next?
If the Home Office agrees that a mistake was made, they will overturn the refusal and continue processing your citizenship application.
If not, you may still have the option of pre-action protocol for judicial review application—a legal challenge before escalating via the courts—but this is a separate and more complex route.
Tips for a Strong Reconsideration Request
- Be specific and factual: Point out where the decision-maker went wrong, referencing the law or Home Office policy where applicable.
- Stay professional: Avoid emotional arguments. Focus on facts and procedural fairness.
- Seek expert advice: UK nationality law is complex. Immigration lawyers can help frame your argument effectively, improving your chances of success.