Closed petition Lower the cost of British Citizenship applications to £372.

The Government believes it is right those who use and benefit directly from the Border, Immigration and Citizenship system contribute towards meeting the costs, thereby reducing the burden on the UK taxpayer.

The Immigration Act 2014 provides that nationality fees should be set taking into account the costs of considering an application, in addition to the benefits of becoming a British citizen and wider costs of operating the Border, Immigration and Citizenship system. They are not set to reduce migration or fund social services.

The principle of charging at above cost has been in place for over a decade and has been approved by Parliament.

Being recognised as a British citizen is an important and defining moment in a person’s life and British nationality brings many benefits which applicants value highly. These benefits include eligibility for a British passport, the right to vote in general elections and eligibility for consular support outside of the UK.

While the Home Office acknowledges applicants may wish to apply to become British, citizenship, or registration of citizenship is a choice, and not necessary to live, study or work in the UK. Applicants are therefore expected to pay the specified fee. Fee waivers, exceptions and reductions not extended to citizenship applications, except in very limited circumstances.

Home Office