After 12 long years and countless hurdles, I'm finally a British citizen! 🇬🇧🎉🧑‍🎓👋🇬🇧 Here's a few notable things to mention about the whole journey:

Long Road

Here's my journey towards British citizenship

1. 2010: Arrived in the UK as an A-Level student
2. 2012: Started at University of Bath
3. 2017: Graduated from University of Bath
4. 2017: Youth Mobility Visa keeps me here for another 2 years
5. 2019: Work visa keeps me here for another year
6. 2020: Became a permanent resident via the 10-year route
7. 2022: Applied for citizenship a year later (required) and Covid delays
8. 🎉

Citizenship Ceremony

Attending a citizenship ceremony is a must for successful applicants to actually obtain the citizenship. I picked Camden as this is where I've lived most of my time in London.

An "official" photographer was at hand who took two pictures of each new citizen - one of you holding two Union Jacks, and one with the mayor when you receive the citizenship certificate in front of the official portrait of the Queen (and more flags). Both costs £10 each (you can guess which one I bought, and which one I didn't...)

The ceremony is facilitated by a host / organiser from the council, and the mayor in their full regalia. My host was very enthusiatic was hyping up the event. The mayor gave a speech and was the figurehead of handing out certificate. The obligatory singing of God Save the Queen followed, and there were even refreshments after the ceremony.

It was quite a welcome and experience, if anything!😂

🙏Thank You

Thank you for everyone who helped me along the way! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

👉What's Next

Well, I guess I'm finally "free" to build the life I want, just in time for the big 3-0 in several months! Otherwise, life goes on as it is!