Is there a 28 day rule for naturalization application?

[london000]

Quick question, I recently got my ILR (after 5y of Tier 1 (G)). I understand I need to have 12 months of stay in UK under ILR before I can apply but is there a 28 day period before the completion of 12 months that I can apply (just like in Tier 1).

I.e. if my 1 year period completes on 30-Mar-2015 then do i need to wait till 30-Mar-2015 to send my application in or can I apply on 03-Mar-2015 already?

And from what I understand from reading online, there is no way to get a "premium" application for naturalisation. The only ways are either directly via post or through my local council. Which one is faster normally? As is it true it takes 6 months for it to be processed normally? I.e. I wouldn't be able to travel outside the UK for these 6 months while the application is under consideration?

Many thanks!

[CR001]

There is no 28 day rule. You can only apply exactly 12 months after ILR unless married to a British Citizen.

Also, the date of application is the date+1 day that the UKVI receives your application, not the date of posting or NCS application submission.

You also need to make 100% sure that when you apply that you were physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before (to the day/date). If you don't meet this requirement, your application will be refused. So if you apply on 30th March 2015, you must have been physically present in the UK on 29th/30th March 2010.

No 'in person' option. Postal of council NCS only. If you use NCS, you get to keep your original documents and are free to travel. If you post it yourself, original documents are sent with your application and you will have to wait till you get the back.

Straightforward applications seldom take 6 months. It is usually about 6-8 weeks, but also depends on the time of year you apply.

Whichever way you apply, if you do travel a lot, have someone check your post as you have a timeframe by which you have to book your ceremony and you have attend the ceremony within 3 months of receiving approval.

[london000]

There is no 28 day rule. You can only apply exactly 12 months after ILR unless married to a British Citizen.

Also, the date of application is the date+1 day that the UKVI receives your application, not the date of posting or NCS application submission.

You also need to make 100% sure that when you apply that you were physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before (to the day/date). If you don't meet this requirement, your application will be refused. So if you apply on 30th March 2015, you must have been physically present in the UK on 29th/30th March 2010.

No 'in person' option. Postal of council NCS only. If you use NCS, you get to keep your original documents and are free to travel. If you post it yourself, original documents are sent with your application and you will have to wait till you get the back.

Straightforward applications seldom take 6 months. It is usually about 6-8 weeks, but also depends on the time of year you apply.

Whichever way you apply, if you do travel a lot, have someone check your post as you have a timeframe by which you have to book your ceremony and you have attend the ceremony within 3 months of receiving approval.

perfect, thanks makes things very clear, thanks a lot !

So I will definitely apply through PCS then. So in terms of process, I guess the way it works is that I take an appointment with council, go there with my application and docs. They see originals but allow me to take them back home (i.e. I keep my passport) and when decision is made, they send a letter notifying decision and then I need to book ceremony in 90 days. Is that more or less how it looks?

Thank you

[CR001]

NCS not PCS and yes, they check your application and photocopy all your documents and give them back to you. NCS charges a fee for this service to send your application.

When you receive your approval letter, you will either get a combined letter (approval and invitation to ceremony) or two separate letters a couple weeks apart (1 for approval and 1 for ceremony invitation).

You have 2 to 3 weeks to contact the council to book your ceremony but you have to attend the ceremony within 3 month otherwise your certificate is sent back and you risk having to apply and pay the naturalisation fee again.

[london000]

NCS not PCS and yes, they check your application and photocopy all your documents and give them back to you. NCS charges a fee for this service to send your application.

When you receive your approval letter, you will either get a combined letter (approval and invitation to ceremony) or two separate letters a couple weeks apart (1 for approval and 1 for ceremony invitation).

You have 2 to 3 weeks to contact the council to book your ceremony but you have to attend the ceremony within 3 month otherwise your certificate is sent back and you risk having to apply and pay the naturalisation fee again.

Appreciate it, thanks a lot.

[silverchloride]

There is no 28 day rule. You can only apply exactly 12 months after ILR unless married to a British Citizen.

Also, the date of application is the date+1 day that the UKVI receives your application, not the date of posting or NCS application submission.

Dear @CR001, has this rule canged now or is it still the same? The date of application is the date they recieve the application, or the date of my NCS appointment?

Many thanks!

[CR001]

There is no 28 day rule. You can only apply exactly 12 months after ILR unless married to a British Citizen.

Also, the date of application is the date+1 day that the UKVI receives your application, not the date of posting or NCS application submission.

Dear @CR001, has this rule canged now or is it still the same? The date of application is the date they recieve the application, or the date of my NCS appointment?

Many thanks!

Kindly keep your questions in your own topic rather than posting and tagging onto someone elses', it is considered rude and creates confusion. This topic is more than 3 years old, rules move one.

There is no '28 day rule' for citizenship, there never has been.

Date of application is the date of your NCS appointment, which is a change that came into effect about a year or 2 ago. The AN guidance notes/form are very clear on this.