Depner Immigration

26/08/2026

A NO-BRAINER? GO FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP!

ILR is an important milestone but don’t stop here!

As we have advised our clients, Carlos and Christina (see photo):

British citizenship gives you permanent security to live in the UK without risking your legal status, travel rights, or right to return.
Permanent Security and Freedom
No time limits: Live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely.
No risk of losing status: Citizenship does not lapse after time spent abroad, unlike settled status.
Legal protection: Citizens have strong protection and long-term peace of mind.

Contact DEPNER IMMIGRATION for clear guidance, fixed fees, and peace of mind support.
[email protected]
www.depner-immigration.com

19/08/2026

TWO MORE BRITISH CITIZENS!

We have known Peter and Dianne for some time now.
They have successfully naturalised as British citizens. CONGRATULATIONS are certainly in order!
With their permission we share a photo of their citizenship ceremony herewith.
A citizenship ceremony is the final, mandatory legal step for adults (usually ages 18 and over) to complete naturalisation. During the event, applicants make an oath of allegiance and a pledge of loyalty to the nation, receiving their official certificate of citizenship.
Certificates in hand, Peter and Dianne are now able to apply for their British passports!

Contact DEPNER IMMIGRATION for clear guidance, fixed fees, and peace of mind support.
[email protected]
www.depner-immigration.com

14/08/2026

ABSENCES FROM THE UK WHEN APPLYING FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP: NATURALISATION ITO Sect 6(1) & 6(2) OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981

To meet the residence requirements when applying for Naturalisation under Sect 6(1) or 6(2) the applicant needs to show:
A. Section 6(1): The residence requirements which someone applying under Sect 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981 must meet are that the applicant was in the UK at the beginning of the period of 5 years ending with the date of the application not absent from the UK for more than 450 days in that 5-year period.
B. Furthermore, the Applicant must not have been absent from the UK for longer than 90 days in the period of 12 months ending with the date of application.
C. The Applicant must also not, at any other time in the 12-month period ending with date of application, have been subject under the immigration laws to any restriction on their period of stay in the UK.
*** This means that the Applicant must have had ILR for at least 12 months (C above refers).
Married to a British citizen?
If so, the residence requirements under Section 6(2) will apply.
The periods then applicable (see A, B and C above) will be:
D. Section 6(2): The residence requirements which someone applying under section 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981 must meet are that the applicant was in the UK at the beginning of the period of 3 years ending with the date of the application not absent from the UK for more than 270 days in that 3-year period.
E. Furthermore, the Applicant must not have been absent from the UK for longer than 90 days in the period of 12 months ending with the date of application.
F. The Applicant must also not, on the date of the application be subject under the immigration laws to any restriction on their period of stay in the UK.
*** This means that the Applicant must have had ILR on the date of the application (E above refers).
Contact DEPNER IMMIGRATION for clear guidance, fixed fees, and peace of mind support.
[email protected]
www.depner-immigration.com

11/08/2026

FAST TRACKING BRITISH CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS
Until recently it was not possible to get a faster decision for British citizenship applications. The usual waiting time for such applications is six months.
For some, delay in being granted citizenship could have all sorts of unwanted ramifications. Needless to say, applications for British passports cannot be submitted until such time British citizenship applications have been approved (and, when applicable, formal ceremonies have been attended).
Priority services for the following citizenship applications are now on offer:
• by naturalisation
• if you’re registering a child under 18
• as a British Overseas Territories citizen, British Overseas citizen, British subject, British protected person or British National (Overseas)
• if you were born on or after 1 January 1983 and lived in the UK up to the age of 10
• if you’re becoming a British citizen again after giving it up (‘renouncing’ it)
• if you were born to a British father and your parents were not married
• if you were born before 1 January 1983 to a British mother
• if you’re a stateless person
As always, the HO will tell you if you’re eligible for the priority service when you’re applying.
Notably, one cannot apply for the priority service using a paper form.
The HO additional charge (as on 11 Aug 2026) for priority services is £500.
DEPNER IMMIGRATION provides clear guidance, fixed fees, and peace of mind support.
Contact: [email protected]
www.depner-immigration.com

TRUSTED UK IMMIGRATION
SERVING WITH INTEGRITY
UK VISAS FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SKILLED WORKERS, BUSINESSES, SETTLEMENT ROUTES AND BRITISH CITIZENSHIP THROUGH NATURALISATION OR REGISTRATION.

10/08/2026

REVIEW BY SAM

SAMANTHA KING: I highly recommend Depner Immigration. Daniel is absolutely fantastic — so patient, understanding and supportive.

After losing my parents, I was going through an incredibly difficult time, and Daniel helped me with bringing my son over to the UK and, later, with getting his British citizenship.

Daniel and Sharon were both so supportive throughout the entire process. They took so much of the pressure off me at a time when I was already dealing with a lot emotionally, and I will always be grateful for the help and compassion they showed me.

I honestly can’t recommend Depner Immigration enough. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares and knows what they’re doing, they are fantastic!

DEPNER IMMIGRATION [email protected]

10/08/2026

RETURNING RESIDENTS

So often, persons with ILR status living in the UK do not realise that ‘indefinite’ isn’t truly ‘indefinite’ within the context of UK immigration.
Persons holding UK ILR status may need to return to the countries from where they first arrived in the UK. This could be due to family crises or other unforeseen events. Finally, when they do wish to return, they discover that, due to a long absence from the UK, they have lost their status as permanent residents!
All is not lost! One can apply for a so-called ‘Returning Resident’ visa!
The applicant must meet suitability and eligibility requirements. This will include showing a genuine intention to return for settlement. Decision makers are likely to consider whether an applicant has maintained strong ties to the UK, including family, property, business interests, and the balance between time spent in and outside the UK.
If you find yourself in such a situation and wish to RETURN TO THE UK, contact DEPNER IMMIGRATION at [email protected]

TRUSTED UK IMMIGRATION
SERVING WITH INTEGRITY
UK VISAS FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SKILLED WORKERS, BUSINESSES, SETTLEMENT ROUTES AND BRITISH CITIZENSHIP THROUGH NATURALISATION OR REGISTRATION.

08/08/2026

ANOTHER HAPPY CLIENT!

Mrs Moira Hancock: I cannot recommend Depner Immigration Consultants highly enough. Daniel provided clear, straightforward pricing from the outset and was exceptionally organised, professional, and supportive throughout the entire process. He was instrumental in helping me successfully secure my Indefinite Leave to Remain and complete the British Citizenship application process. His expertise, attention to detail, clear and regular communication and guidance made what could have been a stressful process feel straightforward and manageable. I am incredibly grateful for his support and would not hesitate to recommend Depner Immigration Consultants to anyone seeking immigration advice or assistance.

29/04/2026

SINGLE PARENT: 'SOLE RESPONSIBILITY' FOR A MINOR CHILD?
Sue lives outside of the UK. She has a British passport and wishes to move to the UK on a permanent basis to work and live here with her minor son Pete (non-British), currently 6 years of age.
Pete is not able to claim British citizenship through his mother (who was born outside of the UK). Sue is divorced and responsible for Pete’s day to day upbringing.
One of the common requirements to bringing a non-British minor child to the UK applicable to most routes (visa types) relates to the question on who, which parent, is responsible for the minor child (on the assumption that only one parent is moving to the UK).
A single parent must be able to prove that he/she has sole responsibility for the minor child. ‘Sole responsibility’ must be proven on the facts. It will not be sufficient for the other parent to simply consent to the minor child being removed to the UK to live here permanently. One needs to look carefully at the role each parent has played or continuous to play in the child’s life, the permanency thereof and past or current contributions made.
In some instances, it will be prudent to obtain a court order before submitting a visa application confirming that sole responsibility for a minor child has been granted to the parent wishing to relocate to the UK.
Evidence that ultimate control rests with the sponsoring parent will be required.
Daniel Dippenaar
Barrister-Immigration Consultant
Founder Member of Depner Immigration Consultants
Regulated by the Bar Standards Board (Bar Council of England and Wales)
[email protected]

23/04/2026

CHILDREN BORN IN THE UK OF PARENTS GRANTED SETTLED STATUS OR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP:
John and Mary are South African citizens living and working in the UK and will shortly be applying for indefinite leave to remain (UK settlement status).
Their two children were both born here in England. Can they apply for them to get British passports? Are they entitled automatically to claim British citizenship?
ANSWER: The British Nationality Act 1981 came in force on 1 January 1983 creating a nationality of British citizenship.
As the children were born after 1982, they would be entitled to apply under the BNA to be registered as British citizens (while under 18) as soon as John or Mary becomes a British citizen or is granted settled status in the United Kingdom.
A passport is, in essence, a travel document. The children will be able to apply for their passports after being registered as British citizens.
Note that if a minor applicant is 10 years or older, he/she will also have to satisfy the Secretary of State that he/she is of good character.
So, please make sure that your children behave well or get him registered before their 10th birthday!
DEPNER IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS provide clear guidance, fixed fees, and peace of mind support.
👉 [email protected]
🌐 www.depner-immigration.com

17/04/2026

ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY: BRITISH CITIZENSHIP – THE ULTIMATE GOAL!

Jeanne Mortimer recently naturalised as a British citizenship. Congratulations and thank you for your lovely photo!

WHY IS BRITISH CITIZENSHIP SO IMPORTANT?
It represents more than legal status, it also signifies a commitment to shared values such as democracy, equality, and respect for the rule of law. It offers the opportunity to participate in civic life, including the right to vote and stand for public office, which are essential aspects of shaping the future of the nation.

There are also practical benefits to becoming a British citizen:
• Security and Stability: Citizenship provides permanent status, removing the uncertainties associated with visas or residency renewals.
• Global Mobility: A British passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries, facilitating international travel.
• Access to Opportunities: Citizens can access certain public services, financial support, and employment opportunities that may be restricted to non-citizens.
• Family and Community: Citizenship strengthens the sense of belonging and allows for easier family reunification and long-term planning.

Ultimately, the goal is to contribute meaningfully to the UK. Becoming a British citizen is, for most, a proud milestone, a commitment to the country that has become one’s home.

DEPNER IMMIGRATION specialises in UK IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY LAW.

Contact email: [email protected]
Daniel Dippenaar
Barrister-Immigration Consultant
Founder Member of Depner Immigration Regulated by the Bar Standards Board (Bar Council of England and Wales)