TIMELINE AFTER NATURALISATION APPLICATION SUBMISSION

[nokeyak]

Here is my update..

NCS or Postal: NCS Bracknell
Date of submission or posting: 31 Dec 2008
CRITERIA: 3 years (British Citizen's Spouse)
Date of receipt of App @ HO: 3 Jan 2009
Date of debit of debit/credit card: 31 Dec 2008 (paid by credit card at NCS office)
Date of receipt of acknowledgement: 9 Jan 2009
Date of receipt of approval: 10 Feb 2009 (letter dated 4 Feb 2009
Invitation Letter: Called Council for Private Ceremony w/c 16 Feb 2009
Date of Ceremony: w/c 16 Feb 2009
Date of appln. for passport: N/A
Method used: N/A

Even I have been in and out a lot in the past 3 years, my approval is pretty quick so I don't think the frequent travels is a factor for processing speed.

[tobiashomer]

NCS or Postal --Postal RM Special Delivery
Date of submission or posting 14/01/09
CRITERIA - 5 yr stay (4 + 1 yr ILR) HSMP, survived 4-to-5 (barely)
Date of debit of debit/credit card: cheque cashed 28/01/09
Date of receipt of acknowledgement 28/01/09
Date of receipt of approval: 13/02/09
Date of Ceremony
Date of appln. for passport
Method used
Date of Receipt

just got word of the approval from my agent, sounds as though things are getting faster...

[Andariega1]

NCS or Postal : NCS @ Lanark, Scotland
Date of submission or posting : 2nd October 2008
CRITERIA : 5 yr stay (with 1 yr ILR)
Date of receipt of acknowledgment : Dated 16th October 2008
Date of Debit (via credit card ): Around 15th October 2008
Date of receipt of approval : 10th January 2009 (dated 29th December 2008)
Date of Ceremony : 28 January 2009
Date of appln. for passport : 28 January 2009
Method used: Check and Send (Post Office)
Documents returned: 5 February 2009
Interview request letter: 5 February 2009
Interview date: 6 February 2009
Date of Receipt of passport: 13 February 2009

Thank you for this forum and good luck to everybody!

[Chess]

Halleluia - Praise be to the Almighty God

NCS or Postal : NCS Leeds
Date of submission or posting : 9/01/2009
CRITERIA : HSMP (caught up in 5 year mess!!) to get ILR - SPOUSE criteria for Citizenship
Date of debit of debit/credit card : 20/01/2009
Date of receipt of acknowledgement : 20/01/2009
Date of receipt of approval from HO :
Date of receipt of invitation letter : 14/02/2009 dated 04/02/2009
Date of Ceremony : possibly next week (private ceremony)
Date of appln. for passport : ASAP

It has been a very long journey - no time to explain!..However God is there believe me or not!

[FKarim]

Congratulations to all who have received their approvals so quickly!

However, it appears as if Home Office is randomly picking applications out of sequence and processing them (I am sure this is not the case but whatever it is, I can't understand).

Mine was received at the HO on 21/10/2008 but still waiting. It is the simplest of cases. During the last 6+ years that I've been here, I've been out of the UK for only 70-odd days, been in full time professional employment every single day, always received my salaries net so no tax issues, no criminal convictions, no attempts to calim any undue benefits. Can't see any complications - simple WP (2 years) -> HSMP (3 years) -> ILR (1 year) -> Naturalisation route.

Some people who applied a few days before me received their approvals over a month ago. Many who applied 2-3 months after me have got theirs recently. Could someone advise what could possibly be wrong?

[Chess]

Congratulations to all who have received their approvals so quickly!

However, it appears as if Home Office is randomly picking applications out of sequence and processing them (I am sure this is not the case but whatever it is, I can't understand).

Mine was received at the HO on 21/10/2008 but still waiting. It is the simplest of cases. During the last 6+ years that I've been here, I've been out of the UK for only 70-odd days, been in full time professional employment every single day, always received my salaries net so no tax issues, no criminal convictions, no attempts to calim any undue benefits. Can't see any complications - simple WP (2 years) -> HSMP (3 years) -> ILR (1 year) -> Naturalisation route.

Some people who applied a few days before me received their approvals over a month ago. Many who applied 2-3 months after me have got theirs recently. Could someone advise what could possibly be wrong?

I know the frustration but keep the faith...it is a matter of time...

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/briti ... tingtimes/

[Rohan]

Congratulations to all who have received their approvals so quickly!

However, it appears as if Home Office is randomly picking applications out of sequence and processing them (I am sure this is not the case but whatever it is, I can't understand).

Mine was received at the HO on 21/10/2008 but still waiting. It is the simplest of cases. During the last 6+ years that I've been here, I've been out of the UK for only 70-odd days, been in full time professional employment every single day, always received my salaries net so no tax issues, no criminal convictions, no attempts to calim any undue benefits. Can't see any complications - simple WP (2 years) -> HSMP (3 years) -> ILR (1 year) -> Naturalisation route.

Some people who applied a few days before me received their approvals over a month ago. Many who applied 2-3 months after me have got theirs recently. Could someone advise what could possibly be wrong?

I know the frustration but keep the faith...it is a matter of time...

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/briti ... tingtimes/

I am with the same timeline as FKarim. We handed our papers at NCS -Hamilton, Glasgow on 15th Oct 08 and Ho received on 22 Oct. 5 years WP+1 Yr ILR- Straight forward with minimum number of days out of UK etc. But we are total of three applicants - Self, wife and son over 18 years.
I can only think the difference being the family application. However, still begining to be concerned when you see some applications are dealt within weeks than months.
Rohan

[jamba]

NCS or Postal : NCS @ Peterborough
Date of submission or posting : 7 November 2008
CRITERIA : 5 yr stay (with 1 yr ILR)
Date of receipt of acknowledgment : Dated 20th November 2008
Date of Debit (via credit card ): Around 26th November 2008
Date of receipt of approval : 16th February 2009 (dated 7th February 2009)
Date of Ceremony : 10 March 2009
Date of appln. for passport : awaiting

[katatonia]

Congratulations to all who have received their approvals so quickly!

However, it appears as if Home Office is randomly picking applications out of sequence and processing them (I am sure this is not the case but whatever it is, I can't understand).

Mine was received at the HO on 21/10/2008 but still waiting. It is the simplest of cases. During the last 6+ years that I've been here, I've been out of the UK for only 70-odd days, been in full time professional employment every single day, always received my salaries net so no tax issues, no criminal convictions, no attempts to calim any undue benefits. Can't see any complications - simple WP (2 years) -> HSMP (3 years) -> ILR (1 year) -> Naturalisation route.

Some people who applied a few days before me received their approvals over a month ago. Many who applied 2-3 months after me have got theirs recently. Could someone advise what could possibly be wrong?

I know the frustration but keep the faith...it is a matter of time...

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/briti ... tingtimes/

I am with the same timeline as FKarim. We handed our papers at NCS -Hamilton, Glasgow on 15th Oct 08 and Ho received on 22 Oct. 5 years WP+1 Yr ILR- Straight forward with minimum number of days out of UK etc. But we are total of three applicants - Self, wife and son over 18 years.
I can only think the difference being the family application. However, still begining to be concerned when you see some applications are dealt within weeks than months.
Rohan

I am in the same boat, I have been waiting since August 2008,Spouse of BC.

[munisa]

Can somebody please tell me the difference between a private ceremony and normal ceremony please. Does a private one speed things up as in getting a faster appointment date?

[jamba]

Can somebody please tell me the difference between a private ceremony and normal ceremony please. Does a private one speed things up as in getting a faster appointment date?

Yes thats right, you have to pay for a private ceremony. I was quoted £120 for a private ceremony by my council. I will have to wait for 3 weeks for a normal ceremony. i don't really mind waiting because I have already waited 3 months for my approval.

[durgaprasanth]

For leeds city council its £100 for private cermony, I paid this fee otherwise I had to wait for 2 months for public cermony.

Outside london all other councils are apprx £100

[quote="munisa"]Can somebody please tell me the difference between a private ceremony and normal ceremony please. Does a private one speed things up as in getting a faster appointment date?[/quote]

[durgaprasanth]

NCS or Postal : NCS @ Leeds
Date of submission or posting : 19th December 2008
CRITERIA : 5 yr on (WP + HSMP) + 1 yr ILR
Date of receipt of acknowledgment : Dated 06 Jan 2009
Date of receipt of approval : 9th Feb 2009 (dated 28th Jan 2009)
Date of Ceremony : 10th Feb 2009 (Private Cermony)
Date of appln. for passport : 10th Feb 2009
Method used: Post Office Check & Send (Leeds Merrion Center)
Documents returned:
Interview request letter: 17th Feb 2009
Interview date: 23rd Feb 2009
Date of Receipt of passport:

[munisa]

Can somebody please tell me the difference between a private ceremony and normal ceremony please. Does a private one speed things up as in getting a faster appointment date?

Yes thats right, you have to pay for a private ceremony. I was quoted £120 for a private ceremony by my council. I will have to wait for 3 weeks for a normal ceremony. i don't really mind waiting because I have already waited 3 months for my approval.

Thanks Jamba,
I think I would rather pay £100 - £200 if I can save one month given the current uncertainities in law changes.

[munisa]

Thanks everyone for the marvellous help in this forum. Must I have held ILR for exactly 12 months by the date of receipt of the application by the HO or a few days before is acceptable. Thanks

[dnicky]

The applicant should have complpeted full 12 months on ILR before their naturalisation application reaches UKBA.

[ARTIST007]

The applicant should have complpeted full 12 months on ILR before their naturalisation application reaches UKBA.

Not compulsory if you have spent at least a year or more before your ILR qualifying period ie eg spouse have 2yrs on marriage visa(qualifying period) before being granted ILR,if the spouse have spent at least a yr in uk before that 2yr spouse visa was granted, he/she could apply for naturalization a day after getting his/her ILR
Same goes for other criteria as well,eg 5 yrs work permit qualifying period for ILR,if the applicant has spent at least a yr in any capacity eg student before that 5 yrs work permit period, he/she can apply for naturalization a day after been granted ILR.
Please get all the facts right before posting advise as misleading people could be very expensive and time wasting in terms of application.

[dnicky]

Same goes for other criteria as well,eg 5 yrs work permit qualifying period for ILR,if the applicant has spent at least a yr in any capacity eg student before that 5 yrs work permit period, he/she can apply for naturalization a day after been granted ILR.

No that's not right for 5 years on WP/HSMP/Tier 1 criteria. One would still need to complete full 12 months on ILR before applying for ILR. You are right though about the spouse category.

Please get all the facts right before posting advise as misleading people could be very expensive and time wasting in terms of application.

Based upon the original query, I had assumed that the OP belonged to the WP/HSMP category, although I should have got it confirmed .

However, calm down. No one asking for advise over here should and would blindly follow the same without getting it confirmed from official sources such as UKBA, as well as no one will deliberately give false advise/information in order to mislead co-members.

[Chess]

NCS or Postal : NCS @ Leeds
Date of submission or posting : 19th December 2008
CRITERIA : 5 yr on (WP + HSMP) + 1 yr ILR
Date of receipt of acknowledgment : Dated 06 Jan 2009
Date of receipt of approval : 9th Feb 2009 (dated 28th Jan 2009)
Date of Ceremony : 10th Feb 2009 (Private Cermony)
Date of appln. for passport : 10th Feb 2009
Method used: Post Office Check & Send (Leeds Merrion Center)
Documents returned:
Interview request letter: 17th Feb 2009
Interview date: 23rd Feb 2009
Date of Receipt of passport:

How was the interview?

[durgaprasanth]

Nothing to worry about. You need to arrive 10 min before the scheduled time. First they asked to confirm my name, address, date of birth. Then they asked my wife name, dob, previous addr, mom & dad's name and adress. Finally credit history, your current a/c, loans, mortgage & store cards

Interview total time - 15 min.

[quote="Chess"]

How was the interview?[/quote]

[Chess]

Nothing to worry about. You need to arrive 10 min before the scheduled time. First they asked to confirm my name, address, date of birth. Then they asked my wife name, dob, previous addr, mom & dad's name and adress. Finally credit history, your current a/c, loans, mortgage & store cards

Interview total time - 15 min.

How was the interview?

Glad it went ok - Did you go to Park Place near the old Bank of england building?

[durgaprasanth]

yes its 33 park place

[Chess]

Update

Date of ILR: 07/01/09
NCS or Postal : NCS Leeds
Date of submission or posting : 9/01/2009
CRITERIA : HSMP (caught up in 5 year mess!!) to get ILR - SPOUSE criteria for Citizenship
Date of debit of debit/credit card : 20/01/2009
Date of receipt of acknowledgement : 20/01/2009
Date of receipt of approval from HO :
Date of receipt of invitation letter : 14/02/2009 dated 04/02/2009
Date of Ceremony : 17/02/2009 (private ceremony)
Date of appln. for passport : 17/02/2009 (Check and Send)
Date of Return of Naturalisation Certificate and passport by SMS: 23/02/2009
Date of Receipt of Invitation Letter for Interview: 24/02/2009
Date of Interview: 02/03/09 (my centre is fully booked up for next 5 days!!)

[munisa]

Update

Date of ILR: 07/01/09
NCS or Postal : NCS Leeds
Date of submission or posting : 9/01/2009
CRITERIA : HSMP (caught up in 5 year mess!!) to get ILR - SPOUSE criteria for Citizenship
Date of debit of debit/credit card : 20/01/2009
Date of receipt of acknowledgement : 20/01/2009
Date of receipt of approval from HO :
Date of receipt of invitation letter : 14/02/2009 dated 04/02/2009
Date of Ceremony : 17/02/2009 (private ceremony)
Date of appln. for passport : 17/02/2009 (Check and Send)
Date of Return of Naturalisation Certificate and passport by SMS: 23/02/2009
Date of Receipt of Invitation Letter for Interview: 24/02/2009
Date of Interview: 02/03/09 (my centre is fully booked up for next 5 days!!)

Chess,
Is the date of debit/credit equal to the actual date of receipt of the documents by HO. I have a very tight window of 8 days when I was physically in UK. Am worried whether they are enough for the application to reach HO? Thanks

[Chess]

Update

Date of ILR: 07/01/09
NCS or Postal : NCS Leeds
Date of submission or posting : 9/01/2009
CRITERIA : HSMP (caught up in 5 year mess!!) to get ILR - SPOUSE criteria for Citizenship
Date of debit of debit/credit card : 20/01/2009
Date of receipt of acknowledgement : 20/01/2009
Date of receipt of approval from HO :
Date of receipt of invitation letter : 14/02/2009 dated 04/02/2009
Date of Ceremony : 17/02/2009 (private ceremony)
Date of appln. for passport : 17/02/2009 (Check and Send)
Date of Return of Naturalisation Certificate and passport by SMS: 23/02/2009
Date of Receipt of Invitation Letter for Interview: 24/02/2009
Date of Interview: 02/03/09 (my centre is fully booked up for next 5 days!!)

Chess,
Is the date of debit/credit equal to the actual date of receipt of the documents by HO. I have a very tight window of 8 days when I was physically in UK. Am worried whether they are enough for the application to reach HO? Thanks

Date of receipt of Docs by HO is the following working day after posting...asuming you use special delivery/NCS