Please Help - HO records hold a different name

[KTRN]

Hello all,

I'm in a bit of a pickle and am hoping someone can help and clear things up. I received my ILR when I was married (after my spouse visa ran out), 8 years ago. I have now submitted an application for British citizenship, however our marriage fell apart and we got divorced last year. I never changed my maiden name in my passport, as my country's rules made it too difficult, but i did use my married name throughout the marriage. I have submitted my application in my maiden name, as that is what's in my passport (but i did note that i used to be married and am now divorced) and have received an acknowledgment letter with correct details. However my biometric invitation came in my married name, with the title mrs. I contacted nationality biometrics via email, with scans of both letters, to correct this. I received a letter a week later, stating 'current home office records show that the personal information we hold, is different to the information shown on the documentation you sent with your recent application' and further confirming that the records they have is in fact Mrs Married Name.
I don't understand how that can be, as I've changed my name back with HMRC, NI and my bank. Also, they obviously have a copy of my passport, which states my maiden name (and previous expired passports with the same name). It further says I must enrol my biometrics in the details that HO hold and that they have noted my change of details, and may need to contact me to discuss this.

I don't understand why they insist on using my married name and where did their record with it come from?? And im really worried that my application will get refused because of that. I'm going to do my biometrics tomorrow and see if there's a way i can send a copy of my divorce certificate with them to hopefully clear things up..

[noajthan]

Hello all,

I'm in a bit of a pickle and am hoping someone can help and clear things up. I received my ILR when I was married (after my spouse visa ran out), 8 years ago. I have now submitted an application for British citizenship, however our marriage fell apart and we got divorced last year. I never changed my maiden name in my passport, as my country's rules made it too difficult, but i did use my married name throughout the marriage. I have submitted my application in my maiden name, as that is what's in my passport (but i did note that i used to be married and am now divorced) and have received an acknowledgment letter with correct details. However my biometric invitation came in my married name, with the title mrs. I contacted nationality biometrics via email, with scans of both letters, to correct this. I received a letter a week later, stating 'current home office records show that the personal information we hold, is different to the information shown on the documentation you sent with your recent application' and further confirming that the records they have is in fact Mrs Married Name.
I don't understand how that can be, as I've changed my name back with HMRC, NI and my bank. Also, they obviously have a copy of my passport, which states my maiden name (and previous expired passports with the same name). It further says I must enrol my biometrics in the details that HO hold and that they have noted my change of details, and may need to contact me to discuss this.

I don't understand why they insist on using my married name and where did their record with it come from?? And im really worried that my application will get refused because of that. I'm going to do my biometrics tomorrow and see if there's a way i can send a copy of my divorce certificate with them to hopefully clear things up..

It seems the biometrics department is relying on now outdated details (from several years ago) from your ILR and any associated biometrics/BRP card they have on record from that time.

They clearly haven't read your application & covering letters properly.
Or else the biometrics section is out of sync or doesn't seem able to update your records to reflect your changed status.

Your application should not get refused for this reason (after all they cannot force you to use your ex-married name forever just because its on record); the application will probably be delayed while it is all sorted out.

It sounds like you are doing all the right things, explaining everything clearly in writing together with supporting evidence.
HO/biometrics just need to get their act together.
Good luck

[KTRN]

Thank you so much.
I've never had to submit biometrics before, as they came in after I got my ILR, but perhaps you are right and they are relying on old home office records.. I'll submit my biometrics today and hope for the best..