British Citizenship Refused – What You Can Do Next (UK 2025)

Being British citizenship refused can feel like the rug’s been pulled from under you. You’ve waited months, followed every instruction, and perhaps even paid thousands only to receive a refusal letter from the Home Office.

But this isn’t the end of the road. In many cases, you can take further action, and depending on the reason behind the decision, you might still be able to secure British citizenship.

This guide breaks down your options after a refusal, when to request a reconsideration, and how to improve your chances next time all in plain English.

What Does It Mean When British Citizenship Refused?

When the Home Office refuses a British citizenship application, it means they’ve reviewed your case and decided you don’t currently meet the requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981.

It’s important to understand that a refusal is not the same as a rejection.

• A rejection means the application wasn’t even processed often due to incomplete paperwork or incorrect fees.
• A refusal, on the other hand, means they looked at your case but found something that didn’t meet the rules.

You’ll normally receive a refusal letter explaining the reason. This could relate to time spent outside the UK, the ‘good character’ requirement, unpaid tax, criminal convictions, or false information.

Can You Appeal a Refused British Citizenship Application?

Unlike many other immigration decisions, there’s no right of appeal if your application for British citizenship is refused. This is because British nationality law doesn’t include a formal appeal process.

That said, you do have options and in some situations, the refusal can be challenged through a reconsideration request or even a judicial review.

Your Main Options After a Citizenship Refusal

Let’s break down what you can do if your citizenship application has been refused.

1. Request a Reconsideration

If you believe the Home Office has made a mistake in your decision, you can request a reconsideration. This is the formal way of asking them to review the refusal without submitting a new application.

When is this suitable?

• If they misunderstood your documents
• If there’s an error in law or how the facts were assessed
• If you’ve since obtained strong new evidence

Key points:

• Use Form NR to apply
• The fee is currently £372
• There’s no official deadline, but it’s wise to apply within 3 months of the refusal
• You’ll need to explain clearly why you think the refusal was incorrect and include evidence

What happens after submission?

The Home Office will review your application again. They may uphold the refusal or reverse it. Timescales vary, but it can take several months to receive a new decision.

2. Submit a Fresh Application

If your circumstances have changed or you can now fix the issues in your previous application, submitting a new application is often the better approach.

This might be more suitable if:

• You’ve now completed the required residency period
• You’ve addressed tax, criminal record, or document issues
• Your last application was refused due to missing evidence

You’ll need to pay the full fee again and submit a complete application from scratch. However, a well prepared fresh application stands a better chance if your circumstances now meet the criteria.

3. Judicial Review (Last Resort)

A judicial review is a legal process where a judge looks at whether the Home Office made an unlawful decision.

It’s a complex and costly route, usually handled by specialist immigration solicitors, and should only be considered if:

• The refusal involved a serious legal error
• You’ve exhausted reconsideration and re-application options
• You want to challenge the way the decision was made, not the outcome itself

Judicial reviews are rare for citizenship refusals but not impossible.

How to Maximise Your Chances Next Time

Citizenship refusals are often due to avoidable issues. Before applying again or requesting a reconsideration, take time to understand what went wrong.

Here are some of the most common reasons for refusal:

The Good Character Requirement

This is a broad test. Even minor offences, tax issues, or historic immigration breaches can cause refusals. Make sure your record is clean, or if not, that you’ve provided a clear explanation.

Time Outside the UK

You must usually not be out of the UK for more than 450 days in the last 5 years (or 90 days in the last 12 months). Even short excess absences can lead to refusal unless a strong case is made.

Missing or Inconsistent Documents

Even one missing document can cause a refusal. Double-check everything and ensure all supporting documents are up to date and consistent.

Incomplete History or Errors on the Form

If you left sections blank or gave conflicting answers, this might have raised red flags. Pay close attention to every part of the form when applying again.

Not Taking Legal Advice

Citizenship law can be tricky and refusals often happen because people apply without proper guidance.

How to Submit a Reconsideration Request

Here’s how to go about requesting a reconsideration from the Home Office:

• Download and complete Form NR: available on the official GOV.UK website
• Clearly explain the mistake: such as evidence being overlooked or a legal error
• Attach supporting evidence: any documents not submitted before, or clarifying letters
• Pay the £372 fee
• Send the form by post (address is on the form)

After you submit, you’ll get an acknowledgement. Then it’s a waiting game most reconsiderations take 2 to 6 months, though it varies.

Case Example: Reconsideration Success After Initial Refusal

A client applied for naturalisation after five years on ILR. He was refused due to excess absences (92 days out of the country in the last 12 months).

We helped him prepare a reconsideration request, showing his absences were due to a medical emergency involving a family member, and included supporting medical reports.

The Home Office reversed their decision and approved his British citizenship within 8 weeks of the reconsideration request being submitted.

It’s a reminder that context and supporting documents matter and errors can be fixed with the right approach.

FAQs About Refused British Citizenship Applications

What are the most common reasons for refusal?

• Failing the good character requirement
• Spending too much time outside the UK
• Providing false or incomplete information
• Criminal or immigration history

Can I get my application fee refunded if refused?

No, the Home Office does not refund the citizenship application fee in the event of a refusal.

How long does a reconsideration request take?

There’s no official timeframe, but it can take 2 to 6 months depending on the case.

Can I work or travel while waiting?

Yes. A refusal doesn’t affect your visa or immigration status. You can continue living, working, and travelling under your current leave.

What’s the difference between rejection and refusal?

• Rejection = Application wasn’t accepted for processing (e.g. missing fee)
• Refusal = Application was processed but not approved

Still Not Sure What To Do Next?

If you’ve had your British citizenship refused, don’t give up just yet. Whether it’s reconsideration or a fresh application, the right support can make all the difference.

Speak to our trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester today. We can assess your refusal letter, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps with care and clarity.

Call us now on 0161 464 4140 or Book a free 5 minute chat or email info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk