UNITED KINGDOM – Update to the “good character” requirement for nationality applications.

February 26, 2025

By: Sachini Gamage, Immigration Consultant

On February 10, 2025, the Home Office provided updated guidance on how the good character requirement is assessed in nationality applications.

Nationality applications made after February 10, 2025, will ‘normally’ be refused citizenship if the applicant has previously been an illegal entrant, regardless of the time elapsed since the illegal entry took place. This will also apply where a person has arrived in the UK without a required entry clearance or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) having made a ‘dangerous journey’.

A dangerous journey includes but is not limited to travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance. It does not include, for example, arrival as a passenger with a commercial airline. This will also apply to individuals who have already been granted refugee status.

The Home Office will continue to assess applications made on and before February 9, 2025, where illegal entry is a factor, to determine whether that immigration breach should be disregarded for the purpose of the character assessment.

One significant effect of these changes will be to bar persons granted refugee status who entered the UK illegally or arrived by small boat from obtaining citizenship.

Please reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.