British Citizenship - New Online Application

melhaj wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 16, 2018 6:33 pm

Hello,

Could someone please help me with the following:

1- When do I fill and submit the "Apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen" form? In my case on January 8 2019 it's exactly 12 months since I got my ILR and I've been in the UK on that day 5 years ago. The new service shows that I need to book an appointment within 5 days of submission. So can I submit my application earlier than 8 January 2019?

2- In the form it asks: When did you first arrive in the UK? I got ILR on 8/01/2018 on 5 years rout. I first entered the UK to study on 25 August 2008 but went back home and then back to UK on 9 January 2009 to study at a different university as the first one didn't work for me, at that time you didn't need to get a new visa if you change university.

Thanks

I would appreciat it a lot if someone could help answering my questions please. I’ve been trying to get an answer but no one seems to have one. Especially on when I’m able to submit online application. Thanks

melhaj wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 3:05 pm

melhaj wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 16, 2018 6:33 pm

Hello,

Could someone please help me with the following:

1- When do I fill and submit the "Apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen" form? In my case on January 8 2019 it's exactly 12 months since I got my ILR and I've been in the UK on that day 5 years ago. The new service shows that I need to book an appointment within 5 days of submission. So can I submit my application earlier than 8 January 2019?

2- In the form it asks: When did you first arrive in the UK? I got ILR on 8/01/2018 on 5 years rout. I first entered the UK to study on 25 August 2008 but went back home and then back to UK on 9 January 2009 to study at a different university as the first one didn't work for me, at that time you didn't need to get a new visa if you change university.

Thanks

I would appreciat it a lot if someone could help answering my questions please. I’ve been trying to get an answer but no one seems to have one. Especially on when I’m able to submit online application. Thanks

It is all in the guidance notes. Date of Submission of Application is Date of Application and you have to have held ILR for at LEAST 12 months counting back from the Date of Submission.

Tnj1976 wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 3:00 pm

CR001 wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 2:29 pm

Tnj1976 wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 1:18 pm

CR001 wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 13, 2018 6:16 pm

It does also say you will in most case get your original supporting documents back including passport. So why do you think you won't be able to travel??

Further details re the new service:
"Waiting for a decision on your application

You should not leave the UK until you have received a decision on your application. If you travel outside the “Common Travel Area” (CTA) before the decision is made on your application, your application will be treated as withdrawn.

The CTA is:

UKRepublic of IrelandChannel IslandsIsle of Man

If the decision is made while you are outside the UK and your current leave has expired you will not have a right to return to the UK and you may be refused entry at the UK border."

I had hoped to travel over the Christmas holiday, but have only just submitted my application and haven't been to a new centre yet to submit my passport and other docs. So what now? Do I have to cancel my travel plans?

It does NOT apply to citizenship applications. It is only relevant to visa and immigration application!!

Ah, okay, that's great. (I'm new to this, as you may gather )

Are you sure it doesn't apply to citizenship applications? How do you know?

Zrj wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 18, 2018 1:07 am

Tnj1976 wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 3:00 pm

CR001 wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 2:29 pm

Tnj1976 wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 1:18 pm

Further details re the new service:
"Waiting for a decision on your application

You should not leave the UK until you have received a decision on your application. If you travel outside the “Common Travel Area” (CTA) before the decision is made on your application, your application will be treated as withdrawn.

The CTA is:

UKRepublic of IrelandChannel IslandsIsle of Man

If the decision is made while you are outside the UK and your current leave has expired you will not have a right to return to the UK and you may be refused entry at the UK border."

I had hoped to travel over the Christmas holiday, but have only just submitted my application and haven't been to a new centre yet to submit my passport and other docs. So what now? Do I have to cancel my travel plans?

It does NOT apply to citizenship applications. It is only relevant to visa and immigration application!!

Ah, okay, that's great. (I'm new to this, as you may gather )

Are you sure it doesn't apply to citizenship applications? How do you know?

It doesn't as advised, it is a generic statement and Nationality and Immigration Law totally separate.

The statement

If the decision is made while you are outside the UK and your current leave has expired

refers to "current leave has expired" and settled status does not expire and can only be cancelled if you away for 2 years.

The only risk whilst awaiting a decision is not picking up any possible mail and not responding within any deadlines IF applicable or necessary and isn't there a deadline to submit documents by 5 days or so at a "new centre" I thought I had read and you get them back on the new process?

Trust me, CR001 knows and is a knowlegeable Moderator like they all are.

Zrj wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 18, 2018 1:07 am

Tnj1976 wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 3:00 pm

CR001 wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 2:29 pm

Tnj1976 wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 1:18 pm

Further details re the new service:
"Waiting for a decision on your application

You should not leave the UK until you have received a decision on your application. If you travel outside the “Common Travel Area” (CTA) before the decision is made on your application, your application will be treated as withdrawn.

The CTA is:

UKRepublic of IrelandChannel IslandsIsle of Man

If the decision is made while you are outside the UK and your current leave has expired you will not have a right to return to the UK and you may be refused entry at the UK border."

I had hoped to travel over the Christmas holiday, but have only just submitted my application and haven't been to a new centre yet to submit my passport and other docs. So what now? Do I have to cancel my travel plans?

It does NOT apply to citizenship applications. It is only relevant to visa and immigration application!!

Ah, okay, that's great. (I'm new to this, as you may gather )

Are you sure it doesn't apply to citizenship applications? How do you know?

I'm really not sure how people can be so confident to state this doesn't apply to citizenship applications. I wish they were right, but when I called the HO (I also have tickets home for Christmas), they said it's a new system so even though I have PR, they can't give me a definite answer and I should try calling them again maybe next week when they might know the answer to this. So until the HO can give you a definite yes or no, I wouldn't risk it just because someone in this forum said you're ok to travel (as knowledgable as I'm sure they are and please don't take this as an offence, whoever claimed this, it's just not very reassuring when the HO can't tell you for sure!)

I agree with the moderator, i have an Immigration adviser that will represent my British Citizenship application this December, i booked my flights to leave after they submit my application, he said that i am free to travel after my application has been lodged because my ILR don’t expire, so this doesn’t apply to me. I guess the only risk is if they asking for more documents and you can’t supply it in time incase you are out of the country.

Discretion16 wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 18, 2018 9:42 am

I agree with the moderator, i have an Immigration adviser that will represent my British Citizenship application this December, i booked my flights to leave after they submit my application, he said that i am free to travel after my application has been lodged because my ILR don’t expire, so this doesn’t apply to me. I guess the only risk is if they asking for more documents and you can’t supply it in time incase you are out of the country.

Exactly, and as has been proven many times on the forum, the HO call center and now probably same with Sopra Steria have been known to get it wrong and read generic responses from script cards as they are not allowed to give immigration or naturalization law advice.

Ancestor wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 18, 2018 9:46 am

Discretion16 wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 18, 2018 9:42 am

I agree with the moderator, i have an Immigration adviser that will represent my British Citizenship application this December, i booked my flights to leave after they submit my application, he said that i am free to travel after my application has been lodged because my ILR don’t expire, so this doesn’t apply to me. I guess the only risk is if they asking for more documents and you can’t supply it in time incase you are out of the country.

Exactly, and as has been proven many times on the forum, the HO call center and now probably same with Sopra Steria have been known to get it wrong and read generic responses from script cards as they are not allowed to give immigration or naturalization law advice.

I'm sure you're right but I'm too paranoid to just go on my travel when on the gov.uk the paragraph is very black and white in saying your application will be withdrawn if you travel. it doesn't say what type of application. So how can you guarantee that that won't happen? I just don't want to waste the £1300 fee and potentially damage my future chances!

tancolocsiga wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 19, 2018 10:49 am

Ancestor wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 18, 2018 9:46 am

Discretion16 wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 18, 2018 9:42 am

I agree with the moderator, i have an Immigration adviser that will represent my British Citizenship application this December, i booked my flights to leave after they submit my application, he said that i am free to travel after my application has been lodged because my ILR don’t expire, so this doesn’t apply to me. I guess the only risk is if they asking for more documents and you can’t supply it in time incase you are out of the country.

Exactly, and as has been proven many times on the forum, the HO call center and now probably same with Sopra Steria have been known to get it wrong and read generic responses from script cards as they are not allowed to give immigration or naturalization law advice.

I'm sure you're right but I'm too paranoid to just go on my travel when on the gov.uk the paragraph is very black and white in saying your application will be withdrawn if you travel. it doesn't say what type of application. So how can you guarantee that that won't happen? I just don't want to waste the £1300 fee and potentially damage my future chances!

Your choice at the end of the day, me personally as a pedantic accountant I would go with what Discretion16 above and CR001 below have advised.

CR001 wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 13, 2018 6:16 pm

It does NOT apply to citizenship applications. It is only relevant to visa and immigration application!!

What I do know is that that statement is generic and applies to all applications which includes all visa categories, permanent settlement (ILR) and naturalisation and what I do know is that ILR DOES NOT EXPIRE as other limited leave Visa categories do, so as long as you have retained your travel documentation and/or BRP, then no problem.

As I said, the only risk is that if they require more info and you do not pick up the request and respond timeously then you may have a problem.

Life is full of choices, as I said, your choice how you wish to handle, no worry.

Hi all,

I wanted to be fully sure about travelling while waiting for a decision, so I contacted the Home Office because I made an application on the 14/11/2018 and I am hoping to travel for the Christmas holidays.

The lady said "it's up to you to travel as long as you have the right document to get you back in". Since I hold an ILR, I think it will be fine in my case.

As the guys mentioned it only becomes critical if you miss reading post letters requesting further documents or a letter requesting you to contact the local authority to arrange a ceremony following a citizenship approval. In a citizenship approval letter, it says you must contact your local authority within 21 days, which may be tight for someone away during the holidays.

I am planning to let a friend check my posts to inform me in case I receive a letter from HO while I am away.

samsindo wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 19, 2018 12:07 pm

Hi all,

I wanted to be fully sure about travelling while waiting for a decision, so I contacted the Home Office because I made an application on the 14/11/2018 and I am hoping to travel for the Christmas holidays.

The lady said "it's up to you to travel as long as you have the right document to get you back in". Since I hold an ILR, I think it will be fine in my case.

As the guys mentioned it only becomes critical if you miss reading post letters requesting further documents or a letter requesting you to contact the local authority to arrange a ceremony following a citizenship approval. In a citizenship approval letter, it says you must contact your local authority within 21 days, which may be tight for someone away during the holidays.

I am planning to let a friend check my posts to inform me in case I receive a letter from HO while I am away.

That's actually hilarious. I also emailed them after the failed phone conversation I had with them and they responded with the below:

Thank you for your enquiry dated 16th November regarding Traveling while waiting for a decision on citizenship application.

Border Force staff based at ports of entry, decide whether to grant entry to a person arriving into the United Kingdom through immigration control. This is done at the time of arrival on a case by case basis. We cannot advise on a case in advance of that arrival.
Please be informed that when entering or re-entering the UK, a foreign national will be required to show a valid visa allowing them entry to the UK, if applicable. You will also need evidence to prove that you are entering or re-entering for the same purpose as on the visa.
For further assistance in regards to border control please see the below link:
https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

Please note the onus is upon individual customers to ensure that they satisfy the requirements set out in the guidance material. The guidance material accompanies each and every application form. UK Visas and Immigration is not able to give, indicate or advise upon the outcome of any such application prior to it being given full and careful consideration.

Directing you to the guidance material is the only advice we can give you. If you need any further help you should seek independent immigration advice. Immigration advisers can help you with immigration matters, including completion of forms and representing you at a tribunal. The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates immigration advisers, which mean they must meet certain standards.

Please see the below link to find an immigration adviser:

https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser

This is so ridiculous, there is nothing about this in the guide documents (am I looking at the wrong thing??) but it's on their website and now if I want to have an answer, I have to pay for an independent advisor?

samsindo wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 19, 2018 12:07 pm

Hi all,

I wanted to be fully sure about travelling while waiting for a decision, so I contacted the Home Office because I made an application on the 14/11/2018 and I am hoping to travel for the Christmas holidays.

The lady said "it's up to you to travel as long as you have the right document to get you back in". Since I hold an ILR, I think it will be fine in my case.

As the guys mentioned it only becomes critical if you miss reading post letters requesting further documents or a letter requesting you to contact the local authority to arrange a ceremony following a citizenship approval. In a citizenship approval letter, it says you must contact your local authority within 21 days, which may be tight for someone away during the holidays.

I am planning to let a friend check my posts to inform me in case I receive a letter from HO while I am away.

100% correct

tancolocsiga wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 19, 2018 12:43 pm

samsindo wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 19, 2018 12:07 pm

Hi all,

I wanted to be fully sure about travelling while waiting for a decision, so I contacted the Home Office because I made an application on the 14/11/2018 and I am hoping to travel for the Christmas holidays.

The lady said "it's up to you to travel as long as you have the right document to get you back in". Since I hold an ILR, I think it will be fine in my case.

As the guys mentioned it only becomes critical if you miss reading post letters requesting further documents or a letter requesting you to contact the local authority to arrange a ceremony following a citizenship approval. In a citizenship approval letter, it says you must contact your local authority within 21 days, which may be tight for someone away during the holidays.

I am planning to let a friend check my posts to inform me in case I receive a letter from HO while I am away.

That's actually hilarious. I also emailed them after the failed phone conversation I had with them and they responded with the below:

Thank you for your enquiry dated 16th November regarding Traveling while waiting for a decision on citizenship application.

Border Force staff based at ports of entry, decide whether to grant entry to a person arriving into the United Kingdom through immigration control. This is done at the time of arrival on a case by case basis. We cannot advise on a case in advance of that arrival.
Please be informed that when entering or re-entering the UK, a foreign national will be required to show a valid visa allowing them entry to the UK, if applicable. You will also need evidence to prove that you are entering or re-entering for the same purpose as on the visa.
For further assistance in regards to border control please see the below link:
https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

Please note the onus is upon individual customers to ensure that they satisfy the requirements set out in the guidance material. The guidance material accompanies each and every application form. UK Visas and Immigration is not able to give, indicate or advise upon the outcome of any such application prior to it being given full and careful consideration.

Directing you to the guidance material is the only advice we can give you. If you need any further help you should seek independent immigration advice. Immigration advisers can help you with immigration matters, including completion of forms and representing you at a tribunal. The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates immigration advisers, which mean they must meet certain standards.

Please see the below link to find an immigration adviser:

https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser

This is so ridiculous, there is nothing about this in the guide documents (am I looking at the wrong thing??) but it's on their website and now if I want to have an answer, I have to pay for an independent advisor?

I am paying an Immigration Advisor, i checked that they are listed in OISC, and he told me i can leave as soon as he lodged my application.
The reason i paid for advisor is because i want to make sure my application is all correct, this is the first time i paid for an adviser because i am applying for discretion. I also haven’t been out of UK this year because i have many days out already but i also want to make sure that once he send my application in middle of December then i can go out for Christmas and New Year, since he is representing me he will be the one answering queries if HO contact for more documents, he advised me to give all my original documents, as many as i can even it is not needed. Just incase need more documents as i am applying for discretion. As soon as he cleared to me that i can go out while British Citizenship is on process i booked my flights already. I am out 480 days in 3 year qualifying and in gov.uk website it is only allowed 270 days out due to accompanying my British husband work abroad.
I guess you just do what you feel is best for you, you won’t enjoy your holiday if you are worrying.

IMPORTANT!!!!

They now updated the text on that site to say:

If you are applying for leave to remain, or indefinite leave to remain, you should not leave the UK until you have received a decision on your application. If you travel outside the “Common Travel Area” (CTA) before the decision is made on your application, your application will be treated as withdrawn.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... pplication

Surely with all the calls they got about it, they realised the previous version was extremely confusing and misleading. I'm so happy, now I can go home and see my family for Christmas without having ANY anxiety about this!! Thanks for everyone who kept my hopes up

tancolocsiga wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 20, 2018 3:11 pm

IMPORTANT!!!!

They now updated the text on that site to say:

If you are applying for leave to remain, or indefinite leave to remain, you should not leave the UK until you have received a decision on your application. If you travel outside the “Common Travel Area” (CTA) before the decision is made on your application, your application will be treated as withdrawn.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... pplication

Surely with all the calls they got about it, they realised the previous version was extremely confusing and misleading. I'm so happy, now I can go home and see my family for Christmas without having ANY anxiety about this!! Thanks for everyone who kept my hopes up

Which is exactly what we have been saying anyway, it does not apply to citizenship!!

CR001 wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 20, 2018 3:21 pm

tancolocsiga wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 20, 2018 3:11 pm

IMPORTANT!!!!

They now updated the text on that site to say:

If you are applying for leave to remain, or indefinite leave to remain, you should not leave the UK until you have received a decision on your application. If you travel outside the “Common Travel Area” (CTA) before the decision is made on your application, your application will be treated as withdrawn.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... pplication

Surely with all the calls they got about it, they realised the previous version was extremely confusing and misleading. I'm so happy, now I can go home and see my family for Christmas without having ANY anxiety about this!! Thanks for everyone who kept my hopes up

Which is exactly what we have been saying anyway, it does not apply to citizenship!!

Yes this is why I said thank you for keeping my hopes up because the previous text was very misleading so surely you can see why it was causing some of us anxiety........

tancolocsiga wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 20, 2018 3:50 pm

CR001 wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 20, 2018 3:21 pm

tancolocsiga wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 20, 2018 3:11 pm

IMPORTANT!!!!

They now updated the text on that site to say:

If you are applying for leave to remain, or indefinite leave to remain, you should not leave the UK until you have received a decision on your application. If you travel outside the “Common Travel Area” (CTA) before the decision is made on your application, your application will be treated as withdrawn.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... pplication

Surely with all the calls they got about it, they realised the previous version was extremely confusing and misleading. I'm so happy, now I can go home and see my family for Christmas without having ANY anxiety about this!! Thanks for everyone who kept my hopes up

Which is exactly what we have been saying anyway, it does not apply to citizenship!!

Yes this is why I said thank you for keeping my hopes up because the previous text was very misleading so surely you can see why it was causing some of us anxiety........

Noted. A nice family Christmas awaits you, how fabulous. I unfortunately will only get back home after Christmas.

Dear All,

Which email address shall I use to contact HO to get an update on my naturalisation application?

Thanks.

afqaarsh wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 22, 2018 10:27 am

Dear All,

Which email address shall I use to contact HO to get an update on my naturalisation application?

Thanks.

Hi.
When did u apply?
Thnkx

gbpmatrix wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 22, 2018 2:08 pm

afqaarsh wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 22, 2018 10:27 am

Dear All,

Which email address shall I use to contact HO to get an update on my naturalisation application?

Thanks.

Hi.
When did u apply?
Thnkx

Useful to search a users posts to avoid duplicate and repetitive postings.

afqaarsh wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 06, 2018 3:05 pm

Eligibility criteria: Tier 2 5 year + 3 weeks ILR since married to BC
Language Criteria: Masters UK University
Nationality : non EU
Method of application: Online+ NDRS+ JCAP (Manchester council)
Date of application: 15/10/2018
Date of NDRS appointment: 17/10/2018
Payment method: Credit Card
Date of acknowledgement: 16/10/2018 (email)
Date of debit of fees: 15/10/2018
Date of Biometric letter issued: 15/10/2018
Date of biometric letter received: 15/10/2018
Date Biometrics enrolled: 15/10/2018
Date on Approval letter: TBC
Date of receipt of approval: TBC
Date of receipt of ceremony letter: TBC
Date of Ceremony: TBC
Date of Passport Application: 17/10/2018
Date of debit of fees: 05/11/2018 (text from HMPO 03/11/2018)
Date Passport to be received: TBC