How to apply for a certificate of entitlement to right of abode
This page explains how you can apply for a certificate that shows you have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom without any immigration controls.
Applications in this category are made using application form ROA. Before you make your application for a certificate of entitlement to right of abode you should read guide ROA. This guide provides full details of the requirements you need to meet and how to complete the application form. You will need to confirm on the application form that you have read and understood the guide.
If you are in the United Kingdom, the UK Border Agency will deal with your application. If you are in another country, you must apply to the nearest British diplomatic post.
There is a fee for each application. If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom, your British diplomatic post can tell you what the fee is.
Before you make your application you should read the page on certificates of entitlement to right of abode to make sure you qualify to be issued with a certificate. If your application is refused because you do not qualify for right of abode, or you do not send enough evidence to support your claim, your fee will not be refunded.
To make an application within the United Kingdom, send your completed application form (form ROA), supporting documents including your passport and application fee, and two passport-sized photographs to:
UK Border Agency
Nationality Team (right of abode)
PO Box 306
Liverpool
L2 7XS
You will receive a certificate if you have sent us the necessary original documents to prove that you qualify for right of abode and have paid the application fee. It is a criminal offence if, as part of your application, you tell us anything that you know or believe is not true.
If someone is helping you with your application, such as a solicitor, you should put their details on the form. People who work as advisers on immigration or citizenship (whether paid or unpaid) are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), an independent body. If you intend to use an advisor you should make sure they are registered with the OISC. Solicitors and barristers do not need to be registered with the OISC.
To find out how long your application is likely to take, see waiting times.
We treat the information you give us as confidential but may share it with other government departments, agencies and local councils to help with their own work.
If we refuse your application, you will have the right to appeal against our decision. We will tell you about this when we send you our decision.
Application forms
Certificate of entitlement to the right of abode
See also
Terms explained
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British diplomatic post
A British diplomatic post is a United Kingdom embassy, high commission or consulate.