Citizenship Ceremony cancelled due to Covid-19

[Yazzz95]

once you book ceremony, you get email of confirmation from council within few minutes.

[shahzy970]

Sorry, I replied to your post by mistake. Was suppose to reply to Yazz.
I hope you get your invitation letter soon. Also, check with the council if they can arrange your ceremony without the invitation letter. I am sure I have seen a few posts here.. in which councils arranged ceremonies without invitation letters.

Thanks & Good Luck

Thanks shahzy, I hope i get my invitation letter before 2n
I suggest you to call registrar office tomorrow to book your ceremony. Today when system found my details and took me to booking page, there were plenty of slots available for group ceremony. (They're doing it every Tuesday from 2 to 2.30 pm).
Thanks.

Hi Yazz,

thanks for the update -silly questions but it's defo Newham council right?
I am using this link https://www.newham.gov.uk/advice-suppor ... ryId=20000

let me know if it's the same one?

I have been trying since Dec tbh- but every time I try it says Home office reference not found.

driving me mad

Yep thats the one.
BTW I have just noticed that once you book your ceremony fist time, you cannot login again in the system.
Yesterday when system found my details I booked my ceremony straightaway. But now just to see if I can login again, system can't find my details anymore.
So I think once the ceremony is booked and to do any changes you have to contact council directly and can't reuse the system)
Just thought to share this.

Thanks, Yazz!

I will try and ring them tomorrow- thanks for your help.

Good luck with the ceremony.

Thanks

[Yazzz95]

Thanks shahzy, I hope i get my invitation letter before 2n
I suggest you to call registrar office tomorrow to book your ceremony. Today when system found my details and took me to booking page, there were plenty of slots available for group ceremony. (They're doing it every Tuesday from 2 to 2.30 pm).
Thanks.

Hi Yazz,

thanks for the update -silly questions but it's defo Newham council right?
I am using this link https://www.newham.gov.uk/advice-suppor ... ryId=20000

let me know if it's the same one?

I have been trying since Dec tbh- but every time I try it says Home office reference not found.

driving me mad

Yep thats the one.
BTW I have just noticed that once you book your ceremony fist time, you cannot login again in the system.
Yesterday when system found my details I booked my ceremony straightaway. But now just to see if I can login again, system can't find my details anymore.
So I think once the ceremony is booked and to do any changes you have to contact council directly and can't reuse the system)
Just thought to share this.

Thanks, Yazz!

I will try and ring them tomorrow- thanks for your help.

Good luck with the ceremony.

Thanks

Thank you. And good luck. I hope you manage to book the earliest slot.
The earliest group ceremony was available on 26th jan Tuesday (14:00 -14:30). Didn't check the private ones.

[shahzy970]

Hi Yazz,

thanks for the update -silly questions but it's defo Newham council right?
I am using this link https://www.newham.gov.uk/advice-suppor ... ryId=20000

let me know if it's the same one?

I have been trying since Dec tbh- but every time I try it says Home office reference not found.

driving me mad

Yep thats the one.
BTW I have just noticed that once you book your ceremony fist time, you cannot login again in the system.
Yesterday when system found my details I booked my ceremony straightaway. But now just to see if I can login again, system can't find my details anymore.
So I think once the ceremony is booked and to do any changes you have to contact council directly and can't reuse the system)
Just thought to share this.

Thanks, Yazz!

I will try and ring them tomorrow- thanks for your help.

Good luck with the ceremony.

Thanks

Thank you. And good luck. I hope you manage to book the earliest slot.
The earliest group ceremony was available on 26th jan Tuesday (14:00 -14:30). Didn't check the private ones.

Thanks - I hope so. I really need to get this sorted quickly so I can apply for a passport, as I have to travel asap... and the delay is really frustrating.

I update you soon.

Thanks

[dragon098]

Hi,

I was approved on 21 OCT and last week I noticed that my council Wandsworth had my certificate by checking online but I haven't received my invitation letter yet. Royal Mail in Wandsworth (SW18) has severe delays, last week didn't get to see any postman.
However, I did email my council and they called me back and booked me in for 26th Jan virtual ceremony in Teams for FREE. I did tell her that I don't have my invitation letter but hopefully, I'll get it within this week. She told me, that I need to have an invitation letter and Passport. I am now worried what will happen when my turns comes and I don't have invitation letter.

Anyone from Wandsworth, have you guys received invitation letter.

Hello,
I have actually the same situation as you. Strange. I was approved on 27OCT and I also checked Wandsworth council online and my council had my certificate but I have not received my invitation letter yet. I just email the register office and told them the postal situation in the SW18 area and ask them that Can I book the ceremony without an invitation letter. waiting reply.

Update me if you get something.

To be honest, when I emailed them I did not tell them about me not receiving my invitation letter but when they called me I did mention. I told her that hopefully, I should be getting within this week so she booked me in for ceremony coming Tuesday but she did tell me make sure to have your passport (ID) and Invitation letter.

I think you can try doing that too but it took that lady atleast 4 days to give me a call and they will call you from private number. Worst thing that can happen to us is that they will cancel our ceremony but good thing is that it is FREE.

I'll update you asap I get my invitation but really annoyed with this Royal Mail out of all it had to be Wandsworth

[Bazaar]

Home office response received via email,
However, we can confirm that we have just completed the processing of certificates and ceremony invitations for applications that were approved on and before 3 November and have now commenced processing those for applications approved on 4 November 2020. Ceremony invites are sent by 2nd class post and can take up to 10 working days to be delivered.
We will update our website with any new information, in particular, in relation to the time it might take to despatch certificates. Please be assured that once a customer receives their Citizenship Ceremony Invitation Letter, they will still have up to six months within which to complete ceremony.

when they say they will update their website with information.. where exactly? do you have a link?
thanks

[avaixhah]

Hi

My friend has received ceremony invitation from council Blackburn but have not received any letter from HO, is it possible to attend ceremony without HO letter?

[PhantomPermit]

looks like HO have lost the data for October.

[PhantomPermit]

"How much it costs
The cost of your ceremony is included in your application fee.

You might need to pay more for a private ceremony - check how much with your local council."

why are people paying even for non private ceremonies??

[CULLINAN]

"How much it costs
The cost of your ceremony is included in your application fee.

You might need to pay more for a private ceremony - check how much with your local council."

why are people paying for the ceremonies??

Varies with each council. Some councils are doing virtual ceremonies free of cost. Some charging only £10 to post certificate. Some charging around £100-150. And private ceremonies can vary from £70-£265 etc depending on different councils.

[aliabbas]

looks like HO have lost the data for October.

Strange any updates ??
Mine is 16 oct approval and nothing yet

[Jefymum]

"How much it costs
The cost of your ceremony is included in your application fee.

You might need to pay more for a private ceremony - check how much with your local council."

why are people paying for the ceremonies??

Varies with each council. Some councils are doing virtual ceremonies free of cost. Some charging only £10 to post certificate. Some charging around £100-150. And private ceremonies can vary from £70-£265 etc depending on different councils.

Hounslow offered free ceremony.... earliest date was April. I requested for earlier date and was told that was the earliest I could get. Then I asked what about those who are paying? I was given date for late next week £125(virtual).

[PhantomPermit]

looks like HO have lost the data for October.

Strange any updates ??
Mine is 16 oct approval and nothing yet

i am 15th october nothing yet. Some of the novembers have had there ceremonies already.

[CULLINAN]

Hounslow offered free ceremony.... earliest date was April. I requested for earlier date and was told that was the earliest I could get. Then I asked what about those who are paying? I was given date for late next week £125(virtual).

Good luck. Request the registrar if you can collect the certificate the same day after virtual ceremony (if that is something you would like to do). Otherwise you will get in post.

[Bjp20]

I received invitation letter today.

Approval: 3rd November

[Baba_Ge]

Update:

Invitation arrived by post today.
Application date: 9th July 2020
Approved on 27th Oct 2020
Invitation letter print date: 9th Jan 2021
Invitation letter arrival date: 20th Jan 2021

[jasmine89]

Has anyone had any luck with Manchester City council?

[Missi]

Hi

My friend has received ceremony invitation from council Blackburn but have not received any letter from HO, is it possible to attend ceremony without HO letter?

Hiya! Some council are doing ceremonies without the invitation letter from home office, best thing is to confirm with council, can you please mention the approval date of your friend’s application.

[Jefymum]

Hounslow offered free ceremony.... earliest date was April. I requested for earlier date and was told that was the earliest I could get. Then I asked what about those who are paying? I was given date for late next week £125(virtual).

Good luck. Request the registrar if you can collect the certificate the same day after virtual ceremony (if that is something you would like to do). Otherwise you will get in post.

Thanks I live 5 mins away. So I'll request that...it's always good to know that you have that option too because sometimes they don't let you know...thank God for this forum.

[YA0148]

Is it possible to change to a council which is doing ceremonies?
and how long does it take to get such a change?
(i have applied but not yet had my biometrics booked to the 04/02)
Thanks

[qoolnaren]

Latest Update: Today received call from Milton Keynes council and booked appointment for Ceremony on 29 Jan 2021. Only had to pay £7.50 to arrange certificate sent by post. Below is my timeline

Application sent & fee paid: 27 August 2020
Receipt of your application: 28 August 2020
Document Upload to UKVCAS: 29 August 2020:
Documents submitted to UKVI: 05 September 2020
Biometric reuse email: N/A
Invitation to use UKVCAS IDV APP or Biometrics: 02 September 2020
Photo and document submitted using IDV APP or Biometrics: 18 September 2020 (UKVCAS Centre)
Date of Approval letter: 15 October 2020:
Date of receipt of approval: 15 October 2020 (By email)
DBS Issued: 06 Dec 2020
DBS Received: 09 Dec 2020

Date of receipt of ceremony letter by post: 15 Jan 2021
Date of Ceremony: 29 Jan 2021 (Milton Keynes Council)

[CULLINAN]

Hounslow offered free ceremony.... earliest date was April. I requested for earlier date and was told that was the earliest I could get. Then I asked what about those who are paying? I was given date for late next week £125(virtual).

Good luck. Request the registrar if you can collect the certificate the same day after virtual ceremony (if that is something you would like to do). Otherwise you will get in post.

Thanks I live 5 mins away. So I'll request that...it's always good to know that you have that option too because sometimes they don't let you know...thank God for this forum.

You must know the feltham area well then where Hounslow Registrar office is located. But if not, the registrar office is just on the main Harlington Road. I kind of missed it first when I passed through it.

PS: Hounslow Council is charging £125 for virtual ceremony whereas many other councils charging no money or only for postage of certificate. Since I am have attended mine, I am thinking to make a complaint about the fees charged!!

[avaixhah]

Hi

My friend has received ceremony invitation from council Blackburn but have not received any letter from HO, is it possible to attend ceremony without HO letter?

Hiya! Some council are doing ceremonies without the invitation letter from home office, best thing is to confirm with council, can you please mention the approval date of your friend’s application.

It was approved on 25th September. He called council and they said letter was sent out on 14th January but i havent received it yet..

[myukqueries]

Has anyone had any luck with Manchester City council?

I have today received my Invitation Letter.

Council - Manchester City Council
Application Date - 14th Sep 2020
Approval Date - 5 Nov 2020
Date on Invitation Letter - 14/01/2021
Date invitation letter received - 20/01/2021

I have just tried calling the registrar office on the number provided in the invitation letter. Apparently the phone number is not in use anymore due to Covid 19. All requests should be emailed.

I have now emailed them and will update as soon as I have received a response.

Any other numbers that people may suggest for Manchester City council.

Thanks

[dragon098]

Hello,
I have actually the same situation as you. Strange. I was approved on 27OCT and I also checked Wandsworth council online and my council had my certificate but I have not received my invitation letter yet. I just email the register office and told them the postal situation in the SW18 area and ask them that Can I book the ceremony without an invitation letter. waiting reply.

Update me if you get something.

Hi asifmahmood36, Guess what Postman delivered my letter and my ceremony is coming Tuesday.

So, I am pretty sure yours should be on your way too, if you get call from council just book your ceremony.

Good Luck to you and everyone, hopefully, everyone gets their Letter soon.