Postponing biometrics appointment

[gcoopermax]

Hello

I have ILR and have few queries on naturalisation.

1) I will be using my UK degree for English language requirements. It was used for my ILR but unfortuantely it has been laminated after that. I understand that I can just upload scanned version (taken before lamination), however if HO requires physical version later and if I sent this laminated version, would this create a conflict? Is the hassle to get duplicate degree certificate worth it?

2) I went out of the UK for 3 weeks last month and have arrival and departure stamps of the foreign country, but unfortunately the BO didn't stamp my passport upon returning to UK at London Heathrow. For all previous journeys in 5 years, I have UK arrival stamps. I will be attaching the employer letter confirming continous employment till date for last 4 years and also have another trip coming next month and will ensure that I get stamp. Additionally, I will be providing P60s for 5 years, mortgage statements, council tax bills and payslips covering last 5 years for continuous residence. Hope this should suffice?

3) For referee, the guidance mentions "director/manager / personal officer", hope the VP of my company would do?

4) I have put the dates of biometrics and applications for last visas to the best of my knowledge, however may not be accurate to the same day. Perhaps this doesn't matter much?

5) Any fund requirements?

[lolo2]

1) A scanned copy of the degree is enough. You won't be asked to send the physical certificate.

2) Employment letter, P60s, bills, mortgage, etc, are not required. A scanned copy of the stamped pages on the passport covering the qualifying period is enough. Missing stamps are not an issue.

3) Yes

4) The same form says provide the dates that you can recall. This section is less relevant.

5) No

[gcoopermax]

Thanks, also am I required to submit passport if it's online application? And can I travel outside the country? Moreover, are expired passports required to be scanned? I used that passport to enter the UK. However that was used for my Tier2 visa.

[lolo2]

Everything is done online. Yes, you can travel outside the country while the application is assessed. Only passport(s) pages covering the qualifying period (five years) should be scanned.

Just a side comment on the degree certificate and lamination: these are legal documents and should not be laminated. I believe every university in the UK advises against laminating certificates. Some institutions even mention that this might also make the document invalid.

[gcoopermax]

Yes I understand that now and hence will be getting it a duplicate. However don't want to do that until application is processed.

[CR001]

Thanks, also am I required to submit passport if it's online application? And can I travel outside the country? Moreover, are expired passports required to be scanned? I used that passport to enter the UK. However that was used for my Tier2 visa.

1. You need to scan and upload your passport bio page and all stamped pages. You need to take your passport to your biometrics appointment for identity check.

2. You are free to travel.

3. Expired passports must be scanned if they cover the qualifying period.

[gcoopermax]

Thanks, also am I required to submit passport if it's online application? And can I travel outside the country? Moreover, are expired passports required to be scanned? I used that passport to enter the UK. However that was used for my Tier2 visa.

1. You need to scan and upload your passport bio page and all stamped pages. You need to take your passport to your biometrics appointment for identity check.

2. You are free to travel.

3. Expired passports must be scanned if they cover the qualifying period.

Thanks, the last passport expired in 2016, so will not scan it.

[gcoopermax]

Hello, I will be applying for naturalisation in next few days and will be away for a week for a trip. Do we get an option to choose biometric appointment date or is a date given to the applicants? If it is former, can we postpone the appointment?

[lolo2]

The appointment is chosen by you. The biometrics appointment system works in the same way as your previous applications.

You already were advised that you're free to travel during the citizenship application process. If that's still a concern for you, I would suggest submitting the application, booking biometrics etc when you're back in the UK.

[contorted_svy]

You must submit the application while in the UK and book an appointment in the 45 calendar days after you apply. You can travel between the two dates. It's best to immediately book the appointment as it's not obvious that appointments will be immediately available, especially free ones.

[gcoopermax]

Thanks, it appears like my queries were merged so perhaps I am expected to continue in the same thread. I have a question on professional referee, if you work form home and hence don't get to meet your manager's boss in person but he knows you for more than 3 years, and is happy to provide reference, would this be a problem? There is no guidance over how close the professional referee needs to be or how closely they should know you. Unfortunately WFH means you only get to interact through zoom calls, emails or chat etc

[contorted_svy]

If this person is happy to act as referee for you, that's ok.

[gcoopermax]

Thanks, also do we need to upload all the documents immediately after submitting the application or do we have until the biometric appointment to upload the documents? I remember always using Sopra Steria in the past visa applications but looks like they have changed the firm who handles this so there may be some changes.