A Life in the UK handbook, which will form the basis of the new 'Britishness test' for immigrants who want to become UK citizens, has been published by a government advisory board.

The survey has found that rates of volunteering and participation generally have increased since 2001, but in most cases have remained unchanged over the last two years.

In December 2012, the UK Border Agency (UKBAUnited Kingdom Border Agency - government body overseeing visas and immigration) changed the rules relating to good character when applying for naturalisation. Previously, convictions spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act need not be disclosed. However, it is now the case that all convictions or character issues must be disclosed on the application form.

For many of us, being able to call ourselves a British citizen is something that we take for granted.

Since citizenship ceremonies were launched in February, British nationality has been bestowed on 31,000 immigrants to the UK.

Applications for British citizenship fell by 8 per cent in 2004 to 135,085 (paragraph 1).

Qualifying for US citizenship if the child is born abroad after 1986:

She is an unworldy, vulnerable teenager who cannot cook or drive and admits that she is "still a child".