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Immigration & Visas vocabulary · Citizenship & Naturalisation

Naturalisation

Meaning in immigration & visas, with examples

/ˌnætʃərələˈzeɪʃən/nounCommon term

In immigration & visas, naturalisation means: The legal process by which a foreign citizen becomes a citizen of the country where they live, usually after several years of residence.

In Turkish: vatandaşlığa alınma, sonradan vatandaşlık kazanma

How it is used

Requirements often include a period of legal residence, language skills, a citizenship test, good character and a fee. The verb is naturalise: "She was naturalised in 2019." A person who becomes a citizen this way is a naturalised citizen.

Example sentences

  1. He applied for naturalisation as soon as he met the residence requirement.

  2. The naturalisation process took almost a year from application to ceremony.

Common collocations

  • apply for naturalisation
  • naturalisation application
  • naturalised citizen
  • become naturalised
  • citizenshipThe legal status of being a full member of a country, with rights such as voting and holding its passport, and duties such as obeying its laws.
  • citizenship testAn exam about a country's history, laws, government and way of life that many countries require before granting citizenship or permanent residence.
  • citizenship ceremonyA formal event where new citizens make an oath or pledge of loyalty and officially receive their citizenship.
  • language requirementA rule that applicants must prove a certain level in the country's language, usually with an approved test or a qualification.
  • permanent residenceThe right to live in a country without a time limit, usually also with the right to work, even though you are not a citizen.

More terms: Citizenship & Naturalisation

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.