Citizenship Ceremony cancelled due to Covid-19

[Teedee]

Currently waiting for invitation. Email received from HO on 7/12/2020.

Hi - HO is still working on November applications. There’s only 1 person that I know of on this forum, who has received their invitation from the 5th of December. I think they were just lucky

[YA0148]

Lucky you. Mine is on tuesday and still no sign of email.

Jasmine, have you done ur ceremony? Could you please tell me how was that and how it works? Thanks

Hi syed.

Thank God the process is finally completed:). It was very straight forward. Download the app on your tablet or phone. Click on the link in email and it will take you to the meeting. They will ask you to show them your ID and invitation letter. Once the ceremony is concluded they will send out the certificates by post. You will most likely receive it next week. Best of luck to everyone who is waiting.

One more question jasmine. Did you mean the link where it says join the meeting, and after clicking that link do I have to join as a guest or do I have to enter anything else? Also at what time I should click on the link? How long before the meeting I mean.

Pleased to know that you have done yours, mine is tomorrow and I'm confused

can it be done on desktop or has to be done through the app?

[CULLINAN]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

[Hello5]

Northampton

They have my certificate

They are not doing group/private ceremonies due to covid

They are "looking" at virtual ceremonies

Surely it cannot be rocket science....

[MALCOM2]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

All the best cullinan . Congratulations . Please when do you think I can receive my invitation letter. 25 November approval. Also what is the time line of ceremony at Southwark please is anyone to help me out.thanks

[CULLINAN]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

All the best cullinan . Congratulations . Please when do you think I can receive my invitation letter. 25 November approval. Also what is the time line of ceremony at Southwark please is anyone to help me out.thanks

Thank you. You will have to follow this group and see first hand user experiences reported to deduce when you will receive your invitation tentatively. But hopefully you are next in line now.

[Malinn]

Hello hope everyone is fine.
I thought I share my timeline for citizenship as a refugee.
Application submitted-16.10.2019 via post Solicitor.
Fee collected credit card around-01.11.2019
Biometric enrolled-10.11.2019
Approval via post-13.11.2020 received 18.11.2020.
Ceremony invitation received-02.02.2021 dated 25.01.21.
I am with Birmingham they only do virtual ceremonies by email.

Anyone with Birmingham had their ceremonies recently?
Kindly share the experience if possible please,thanks.

To all those waiting for the invitation all the best,you will get it,remember the approval is the ticking point.

[YA0148]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

Hi CULLINAN
sorry as i am bit unfamiliar with it, i am asking if i can do in on my computer as i don't have a smartphone or tablet.
thanks

[CULLINAN]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

Hi CULLINAN
sorry as i am bit unfamiliar with it, i am asking if i can do in on my computer as i don't have a smartphone or tablet.
thanks

Yes you can. Depending on which computer you have, you will have to download the app first on your computer, for example, from Microsoft store or App store etc.

[CR001]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

Hi CULLINAN
sorry as i am bit unfamiliar with it, i am asking if i can do in on my computer as i don't have a smartphone or tablet.
thanks

Yes you can. Depending on which computer you have, you will have to download the app first on your computer, for example, from Microsoft store or App store etc.

No requirement to download the app. You can log into teams from the web directly.

[CULLINAN]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

Hi CULLINAN
sorry as i am bit unfamiliar with it, i am asking if i can do in on my computer as i don't have a smartphone or tablet.
thanks

Yes you can. Depending on which computer you have, you will have to download the app first on your computer, for example, from Microsoft store or App store etc.

No requirement to download the app. You can log into teams from the web directly.

Thanks CR001.

Login here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-teams/log-in

PS: Obviously your computer should have a built in/external camera.

[jasmine89]

Lucky you. Mine is on tuesday and still no sign of email.

Jasmine, have you done ur ceremony? Could you please tell me how was that and how it works? Thanks

Hi syed.

Thank God the process is finally completed:). It was very straight forward. Download the app on your tablet or phone. Click on the link in email and it will take you to the meeting. They will ask you to show them your ID and invitation letter. Once the ceremony is concluded they will send out the certificates by post. You will most likely receive it next week. Best of luck to everyone who is waiting.

One more question jasmine. Did you mean the link where it says join the meeting, and after clicking that link do I have to join as a guest or do I have to enter anything else? Also at what time I should click on the link? How long before the meeting I mean.

Pleased to know that you have done yours, mine is tomorrow and I'm confused

Yes the the link in the email which says join the meeting. When you click on it it should take you straight to the app. Join as a guest. Type your full name in the joining box (you get that once you click join as guest) and i think you can join the meeting 4-5 mins before you will just be in waiting and then at the appointment time they will allow you access in the room. It is best to join a few minutes earlier. Best of luck. i am sure it will go smoothly. Keep your invitation letter and ID with you as well when you join.

[jasmine89]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

Hi Cullinan. I hope you are doing well. Have you received your passport? If you have can you please give me an idea of timescale.

[CULLINAN]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

Hi Cullinan. I hope you are doing well. Have you received your passport? If you have can you please give me an idea of timescale.

Hope you are well too. Mine is just approved today, hoping to receive before Friday. Mine took 2.5 weeks till approval. But it varies.. 2-4 weeks for the process. You need to follow the passport timeline thread:

british-citizenship/british-passport-ap ... 80618.html

[Gard]

Jasmine, have you done ur ceremony? Could you please tell me how was that and how it works? Thanks

Hi syed.

Thank God the process is finally completed:). It was very straight forward. Download the app on your tablet or phone. Click on the link in email and it will take you to the meeting. They will ask you to show them your ID and invitation letter. Once the ceremony is concluded they will send out the certificates by post. You will most likely receive it next week. Best of luck to everyone who is waiting.

One more question jasmine. Did you mean the link where it says join the meeting, and after clicking that link do I have to join as a guest or do I have to enter anything else? Also at what time I should click on the link? How long before the meeting I mean.

Pleased to know that you have done yours, mine is tomorrow and I'm confused

Yes the the link in the email which says join the meeting. When you click on it it should take you straight to the app. Join as a guest. Type your full name in the joining box (you get that once you click join as guest) and i think you can join the meeting 4-5 mins before you will just be in waiting and then at the appointment time they will allow you access in the room. It is best to join a few minutes earlier. Best of luck. i am sure it will go smoothly. Keep your invitation letter and ID with you as well when you join.

Many many thanks jasmine. Everything clear now. Thanks for the reply

[jasmine89]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

Hi Cullinan. I hope you are doing well. Have you received your passport? If you have can you please give me an idea of timescale.

Hope you are well too. Mine is just approved today, hoping to receive before Friday. Mine took 2.5 weeks till approval. But it varies.. 2-4 weeks for the process. You need to follow the passport timeline thread:

british-citizenship/british-passport-ap ... 80618.html

Thank you soo much for your reply. Can you please tell me what documents do i need to send.

[CULLINAN]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

Hi Cullinan. I hope you are doing well. Have you received your passport? If you have can you please give me an idea of timescale.

Hope you are well too. Mine is just approved today, hoping to receive before Friday. Mine took 2.5 weeks till approval. But it varies.. 2-4 weeks for the process. You need to follow the passport timeline thread:

british-citizenship/british-passport-ap ... 80618.html

Thank you soo much for your reply. Can you please tell me what documents do i need to send.

Your original naturalisation certificate and original current home country’s passport.

Follow and keep your passport questions:

british-citizenship/british-passport-ne ... 11028.html

[Sab172]

MS Teams can be used via the app on the smartphone also.

Hi Cullinan. I hope you are doing well. Have you received your passport? If you have can you please give me an idea of timescale.

Hope you are well too. Mine is just approved today, hoping to receive before Friday. Mine took 2.5 weeks till approval. But it varies.. 2-4 weeks for the process. You need to follow the passport timeline thread:

british-citizenship/british-passport-ap ... 80618.html

Thank you soo much for your reply. Can you please tell me what documents do i need to send.

Hi, did you get your naturalisation certificate from Manchester Council, how long after the ceremony did you receive it? Did you had to pay extra for special delivery?
Thanks

[kenadams]

Newham Council's citizenship ceremony system finally has my details. I tried to book a ceremony yesterday but my Home Office reference was not found. I tried again this evening and my details were found.

Tried to book a private ceremony but I was taken to a page which said there were no appointments available and asked me to call them by phone.

I then decided to try to book a group ceremony instead of a private one but the system now says my Home Office reference was not found so it looks like you are given a single chance to make a booking once your details are found.

In case anyone is interested, my timeline:

Application: 4th August
Approval: 27th October
Ceremony invitation: Haven't received yet (I moved house in November but have an active Royal Mail redirection, so I am hoping the invitation will come soon)

i don't think you can redirect gov mail. check redirect terms and condition

Hi - Thanks for the warning! I've just checked the T&Cs and it says some key government letters such as Benefits cannot be redirected, but most can and they just inform government departments when they redirect a government letter.

So, it sounds to me like a ceremony invite will be redirected without an issue, fingers crossed.

Royal Mail redirection did NOT work. Just got in touch with the residents at my old address, they had my invitation letter, going to collect it from them today.

Anyone who moved with a Royal Mail redirection in place, it looks like we have cases where it both does and does not get redirected.

[Elle01]

Hi Cullinan. I hope you are doing well. Have you received your passport? If you have can you please give me an idea of timescale.

Hope you are well too. Mine is just approved today, hoping to receive before Friday. Mine took 2.5 weeks till approval. But it varies.. 2-4 weeks for the process. You need to follow the passport timeline thread:

british-citizenship/british-passport-ap ... 80618.html

Thank you soo much for your reply. Can you please tell me what documents do i need to send.

Hi, did you get your naturalisation certificate from Manchester Council, how long after the ceremony did you receive it? Did you had to pay extra for special delivery?
Thanks

My cousin did her ceremony with Milton Keynes council on 01/02/21 and she also paid £7,50 funny enough she just called me today 3/2/21 have not received the certificate so it’s different really mine was 2 days so I’m not sure what the £7.50 is for because special delivery is next day that’s why I think paying for private ceremonies is a waste of money £125-£350 for 5 mins then wait a week to get the certificate lol the whole process is so draining I think they do it on purpose just to frustrate people

[desy2003]

I want to thank everyone in this group for their contributions I have finally received the invitation letter and I have emailed Westminster city council to book a ceremony but still haven’t heard from them since 28th of January my timeline is-
Online app - 7/08/2020
Biometric - 22/09/2020
Approval-03/11/2020
Invite letter-27/01/2021
Ceremony-awaiting Westminster council
Please does anyone have any information about Westminster but I was specifically told by a lady in the register office in Westminster that it virtual ceremony and that it’s free

[CULLINAN]

I want to thank everyone in this group for their contributions I have finally received the invitation letter and I have emailed Westminster city council to book a ceremony but still haven’t heard from them since 28th of January my timeline is-
Online app - 7/08/2020
Biometric - 22/09/2020
Approval-03/11/2020
Invite letter-27/01/2021
Ceremony-awaiting Westminster council
Please does anyone have any information about Westminster but I was specifically told by a lady in the register office in Westminster that it virtual ceremony and that it’s free

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/birth-an ... p-ceremony

Private citizenship ceremonies are currently being offered virtually through Zoom and not in a face-to-face setting. If you would like to make a booking for a virtual private citizenship ceremony, you can request this by emailing your name, home office reference number and mobile number to our team at citizenshipceremonies@westminster.gov.uk.

A member of the team will then contact you to book a virtual private citizenship ceremony. Prior to the virtual private citizenship ceremony you will receive the Zoom ceremony meeting link to access on the day.

[Gard]

Jasmine, have you done ur ceremony? Could you please tell me how was that and how it works? Thanks

Hi syed.

Thank God the process is finally completed:). It was very straight forward. Download the app on your tablet or phone. Click on the link in email and it will take you to the meeting. They will ask you to show them your ID and invitation letter. Once the ceremony is concluded they will send out the certificates by post. You will most likely receive it next week. Best of luck to everyone who is waiting.

One more question jasmine. Did you mean the link where it says join the meeting, and after clicking that link do I have to join as a guest or do I have to enter anything else? Also at what time I should click on the link? How long before the meeting I mean.

Pleased to know that you have done yours, mine is tomorrow and I'm confused

Yes the the link in the email which says join the meeting. When you click on it it should take you straight to the app. Join as a guest. Type your full name in the joining box (you get that once you click join as guest) and i think you can join the meeting 4-5 mins before you will just be in waiting and then at the appointment time they will allow you access in the room. It is best to join a few minutes earlier. Best of luck. i am sure it will go smoothly. Keep your invitation letter and ID with you as well when you join.

Alhamdulillah done my ceremony today. It was exactly same as you said Jasmine. Just downloaded the app and clicked on the link 5 mins before the ceremony started. And the person allowed me to join the group video call. Took only 10 mins. Tue certificate would be arrived friday.

[askmeplz82]

Ealing Council

Finally booked for me private ceremony after 2 weeks . that is 2 months after invitation letter date and 5 months after approval

It’s free

[Desmond123]

Hi syed.

Thank God the process is finally completed:). It was very straight forward. Download the app on your tablet or phone. Click on the link in email and it will take you to the meeting. They will ask you to show them your ID and invitation letter. Once the ceremony is concluded they will send out the certificates by post. You will most likely receive it next week. Best of luck to everyone who is waiting.

One more question jasmine. Did you mean the link where it says join the meeting, and after clicking that link do I have to join as a guest or do I have to enter anything else? Also at what time I should click on the link? How long before the meeting I mean.

Pleased to know that you have done yours, mine is tomorrow and I'm confused

Yes the the link in the email which says join the meeting. When you click on it it should take you straight to the app. Join as a guest. Type your full name in the joining box (you get that once you click join as guest) and i think you can join the meeting 4-5 mins before you will just be in waiting and then at the appointment time they will allow you access in the room. It is best to join a few minutes earlier. Best of luck. i am sure it will go smoothly. Keep your invitation letter and ID with you as well when you join.

Alhamdulillah done my ceremony today. It was exactly same as you said Jasmine. Just downloaded the app and clicked on the link 5 mins before the ceremony started. And the person allowed me to join the group video call. Took only 10 mins. Tue certificate would be arrived friday.

I had my virtual ceremony today aswel , I think we might have done it together with you because it was the exact same time ( am the black guy). I wish everyone best of luck. Over to passport thread now..