British Citizenship Rules Changed in February 2025: What You Need to Know About the “Good Character” Test
In February 2025, the Home Office quietly introduced one of the most significant changes to British citizenship policy in years. The update to the “good character” requirement now means that anyone who has ever entered the UK illegally will normally be refused British citizenship, even if they have lived here lawfully for years.
This blog breaks down what changed, who is affected, and what the ongoing legal challenges mean for future applicants.
What Changed in February 2025?
From 10 February 2025, any prior illegal entry to the UK is treated as a reason to normally refuse citizenship.
This includes arriving without the correct visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA), or travelling by a “dangerous journey” such as by small boat or hidden in a vehicle.
Unlike before, there is no 10-year “forgiveness period.” Historic breaches can no longer simply be disregarded.
Applications submitted before 10 February 2025 remain under the old, more flexible rules.
Who Is Affected? (It’s Not Just Small-Boat Crossings)
The new policy applies to many immigration journeys, including:
Overstayers who later regularised – Previously, overstaying could be overlooked after 10 years. Now it counts heavily against character.
Delayed asylum claims – Arriving legally but applying for asylum much later may be treated as a character issue.
Refugees transiting through other countries – Even if later recognised as refugees, the fact of an irregular UK entry can lead to refusal.
Dangerous journeys – Lorry concealments and other unsafe methods are specifically flagged.
Children who arrived irregularly – Though some child registration routes may avoid this barrier, naturalisation applications face the new test.
Real-Life Scenarios
A student who overstayed for years, later granted indefinite leave, now applying for citizenship → likely refusal under new guidance.
A recognised refugee who delayed claiming asylum due to trauma → the delay could be used to refuse on character grounds.
A trafficking survivor who entered illegally but later gained lawful status → refusal is still the “normal” position, though discretion may apply in exceptional cases.
Current Legal Challenges
Law firms and NGOs are already fighting this policy:
Wilson Solicitors are pursuing judicial review for a Syrian refugee, arguing the guidance breaches the Refugee Convention.
Campaigners call the change a “refugee citizenship ban”, warning it punishes people for the only routes they had to safety.
No binding court ruling has been made yet, but test cases are moving through the courts.
Key Takeaways
If you applied before 10 Feb 2025, the old guidance still protects you.
If you apply now, historic illegal entry/immigration breaches are a major obstacle.
Exceptional evidence (trauma, trafficking, child arrival, integration) is vital to argue discretion.
Ongoing court challenges may soften how strictly this rule is applied, but until then, refusals are the default.
Are you unsure how these changes affect you or your family?
Book a consultation today with our expert immigration team. We’ll review your journey, advise on the best timing and route, and prepare the strongest possible case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this mean all refugees are banned from citizenship?
Not technically. The rule says “normally refused.” In theory, discretion can still be applied, but the bar is higher.
Q: I overstayed years ago but have been lawful since. Will I be refused?
Very likely under the new guidance. Each case depends on evidence of exceptional circumstances.
Q: What if I applied before 10 February 2025?
You’re assessed under the old guidance, where some breaches could be disregarded after time.
Q: Can this new policy be overturned?
Possibly. Judicial reviews are underway. Court outcomes may reshape how the policy is applied.
