Citizen Frances

It has finally happened: I am now a United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland citizen*. That means no more visas, no more immigration stress, and no more money wasted on application fees.

To simplify my immigration story: It has been over 23 years since I first arrived in Scotland for a year’s study abroad. At the time, I thought I would be here for a year and then return to America where I would make my home and build my future. But fate had other plans because I met an amazing man halfway through that year. We later got married but I was subsequently widowed. Flash-forward from there, I completed my master’s and PhD degrees in Scotland, got a permanent job, bought a house, and generally built a life here.

And so, citizenship just made sense!

Over the past 23+ years, I have had many different visas – and more than my fair share of visa headaches. But I finally applied for my Indefinite Leave to Remain (November 2023) and I applied for citizenship in November 2024.

Waiting for an outcome

I expected a standard “up to six months” processing time when I first applied. But then I checked some immigration forums online and saw people were talking about 3-week approval times. I was excited about that idea but also aware that the Christmas and New Year holidays would impact the quick turnarounds. I did allow myself the hope of an early approval (January, maybe?) but I also braced myself for waiting the full six months.

In the end, my approval email came two months to the day after my application was made – on the 27^th of January 2025. This was just shy of eight weeks after my biometrics appointment which was on the 5^th of December 2024.

The approval email was straightforward and contained details for the next steps, including how to book a citizenship ceremony, how to apply for a passport, and information about dual national status.

I am pleased to tell you that your application for British citizenship has been approved.

The citizenship ceremony

I scheduled a private booking for my citizenship ceremony because the timing suited me better than the public offering which was several weeks out. (The fee was £80**; a public ceremony would have been free.) This meant I could invite more than two guests, however the short notice meant that people already had commitments. (I chose a date in the first instance that suited my two referees so they could attend.)

In the end, my guests were my two referees and another local friend who was very excited to be a part of my day. I also dialled in for a video call with my sister, Royann. However, I failed to reverse the camera, so she got to stare at an empty chair for the 8-minute ceremony. (Oops.)

When I stood up in front of the flags to begin the ceremony, I was overcome with joy and could feel my eyes starting to mist. For a moment, I wasn’t sure if I was going to start crying and I found myself wishing I had a handkerchief in my pocket. However, I found the strength to keep the tears at bay and managed to speak without my voice cracking.

Once I finished the recitations (see below), they played the National Anthem (the British one, not the Scottish one). The melody is also set to alternative lyrics as an American patriotic song, My Country ‘Tis of Thee, and forms my foundational understanding of the tune. And so, when the anthem was played – with only the melody and not the words – my mind went straight to “land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!” rather than the British lyrics of “God save our gracious King! Long live our noble King! God save the King!”

This realisation nearly brought me to external laughter, but rather than respond outwardly, I began to think about the broader symbolism. There I was, a newly minted British citizen, and therefore a newly minted dual citizen*** with a love and passion for my Homeland of America and my Heartland of Scotland**** – always torn between the two places I love. And now, I was torn between two versions of the same melody: One celebrating my American roots and the other celebrating my adopted home*****. That gave me an odd form of comfort, finding that even in music, my nationalities work well together.

When the anthem ended, the registrar (a left-hander, which brought me joy) completed my certificate of naturalisation. She then presented that and a small commemorative medallion to me before saying a few words welcoming me into the fold of citizenship.

Next up was some photos with my friends because if I didn’t have photos for Facebook, it didn’t really happen! I wanted to wear something special for my citizenship ceremony, given the last time I acquired national citizenship I was naked and didn’t have a choice in the matter. I wasn’t sure what I could wear that would be appropriate – both in terms of style and symbolism. A couple of attempts at buying a new (to me) frock from the charity shop failed, so I opted to wear a nice floral dress (with pockets!) that my sister, Royann, gave me a couple of years ago. I also chose a “bling ring” that I bought myself for my first post-widowhood birthday and a necklace and earring set from Paul so that he was there with me, too. (Although I still wear my wedding rings, so I’m always reminded of my undying love.)

The recitations

At the ceremony, you have a choice between an oath of allegiance or an affirmation. I opted for the affirmation for many reasons, including my faith and an unsettled feeling about pledging an oath to God to bear allegiance to a king. Following the affirmation of allegiance, a pledge is said – something I was happy to do as it’s about the culture rather than a single person.

The text for these recitations is below. But if you’re worried about your own recitation, don’t worry: You repeat after the registrar who gives you just 2-3 words at a time. No need to memorise anything but your full name!

Oath of allegiance
I, (name), swear by Almighty God that, on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, his Heirs and Successors, according to law.

Affirmation of allegiance
I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British Citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, his Heirs and Successors, according to law.

Pledge
I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.

The post-ceremony celebration

After the ceremony, the four of us returned to Castle Ryan for celebration cupcakes and fizz – followed by coffee and tea. How very British of us! We talked about the ceremony, genealogy, the weather, and gardening. So, again, how very British of us!

After my friends left, I cleaned up before relaxing and taking in the joy of the day – after a very long, very winding journey from study abroad student to British citizen.

Up next is my passport application. Then my driver’s licence (finally) and a car and then… who knows!

* Now that I get full UK voting rights, I’m hopeful I’ll manage an upgrade to Scottish in the not-too-distant future! Bring on IndyRef2!
** Fees are set by the councils, so your fee might be different.
*** I will not be relinquishing my American citizenship (or the right to vote that goes with it).
**** Whilst my citizenship is technically “British”, I am one of those Brits who considers herself Scottish with a British passport. I don’t feel this contradicts my pledge as I have the right and freedom to think this way (and it is not contrary to the law to feel this way).
***** As I feel Scottish, not British, my adopted national anthem is The Flower of Scotland. But the UK in general has the broader GSTK as their option. So, that’s my national anthem, too.