ARD (section 4L) application — courier received March, payment taken July — still no biometrics invite after 6+ months

Hi all — just looking for reassurance or advice.

My application for citizenship (ARD / section 4L) was submitted via a reputable agency and sent by courier in March. I was informed UKVI received the documents. I heard nothing until the end of July when they requested the payment slip; £130 was debited from my account end of July.

I have still not received any communication about booking or attending my biometrics appointment. My agent advises there’s nothing to do but wait — but this silence feels unusual. Has anyone else had no biometrics invite even after 6 months from UKVI receipt? If so, what did you do to get it arranged — did you email nationality biometrics, contact TLS/VFS, or get a response from the Home Office?

Any helpful timelines, email addresses, or reassurance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

(You can add your country and whether you applied from inside or outside the UK — that helps people advise).

I did an unsuccessful UKM application through a my grandfather born in British India, (the decision to refuse was correct) and now I’m working on an ARD application through my Irish born great grandfather.

I used this email address to ask for updates on my UKM application, and did get responses in a couple of days: FurtherNationalityEnquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk

What’s the route of your 4L claim?

Good luck!