Immigrationboards.com

djj · Newbie Joined: 09 Oct 2012 Posts: 2

Hi all,

Writing this mail on behalf of my wife who has just submitted her application for British naturalisation.
We have just received back the acknowledgement letter from Home Office stating the application has been received.
The issue we have is that we are going to be out of the country on holiday for 4-5 weeks from mid-November and concerned about the fact that if we do receive the approval letter whilst we are away we could miss the 21 day period where you have to arrange your ceremony.
We are looking at getting a friend to check our mail whilst we are away but we are also looking at mail redirection.
I just wanted to ask the question: Will Royal Mail re-direct this type of mail?
Apart from cancelling our trip are there other members who are in a similar situation?
Many thanks
djj

electricorange · Junior Member Joined: 14 Jun 2012 Posts: 11

If you're worried, I'd definitely ask your friend to check your mail.

Perhaps I'm alone, but I wouldn't trust any mail redirection abroad to be perfect or timely. Ask yourself the simple question: would I trust the Royal Mail with something this important and the possible loss of my application fee?

If, like me, your answer would be 'no'… well, there's your answer.

Jambo · Guru Joined: 02 Oct 2009 Posts: 6131

I assume they are looking at post redirection to a friend in the UK not to their holiday destination.

The approval letter comes as standard mail and can be redirected.

Don't worry about the 21 days. They are not so strict on that. The important thing is attending the ceremony within 90 days.

djj · Newbie Joined: 09 Oct 2012 Posts: 2

Thanks for those quick responses - much appreciated.
The mail redirection would be to an address in the UK - is the letter sent out recorded delivery and needs someone to sign for it?
The application was made via NCS so if an invitation letter should land on our door step whilst we are away are you saying we have 90 days to arrange the ceremony? Is this 90 days documented somewhere by the Home Office?
Thanks for your help
djj

Jambo · Guru Joined: 02 Oct 2009 Posts: 6131

The letter is sent 1st/2nd class. No need to sign for it.

You have 21 days to contact the council to book a ceremony which needs to be attended within 90 days. See Citizenship ceremonies.

As I said, I don't think the council/HO would be strict if you call them later than the 21 days but it is important you attend the ceremony within 90 days of the approval.