How to Challenge a Citizenship or Nationality Decision
Citizenship refusal, naturalisation delays, deprivation orders. Home Office complaints and SIAC escalation route.
If your application for British citizenship or naturalisation has been refused, you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons. There is no formal right of appeal against most citizenship refusals, but you can request administrative review or make a fresh application addressing the reasons for refusal.
For deprivation of citizenship decisions (where the Home Secretary proposes to remove your British citizenship), you have a right of appeal to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) or the First-tier Tribunal depending on the grounds.
For delays or service failures in processing your application, complain using the UK Visas and Immigration complaints process and escalate to the Parliamentary Ombudsman if necessary.
Key Legislation
- British Nationality Act 1981
- Immigration Act 2014