Citizenship Ceremony cancelled due to Covid-19

alexdreame · Post by **alexdreame** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 12:53 pm

Bazaar wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 12:01 pm

PhantomPermit wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 11:36 am

aliabbas wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 18, 2021 9:37 pm

PhantomPermit wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 18, 2021 4:14 pm
anyone still waiting approved on 15th of October?
Approved 16 October n still waiting rang homeoffice today n was told that 1 Oct till 22 was posted last Tuesday n have to wait 10 working days so hopefully will get this week let's c
10 working days? that's pathetic considering how much they charge for the fee
yes exactly , and still no guarantee you will get it when they say

Hey everyone, I am in exactly the same situation. I was approved on the 19th of October 2020 and still no letter. My council- Westminster City said they have the certificate but won't be able to book me in for a ceremony without the letter. They said to contact the HO to request an electronic copy of the letter and I have already done that so many times to all the emails which you've kindly provided in this topic. I just feel it is all going in a circle.

PhantomPermit · Post by **PhantomPermit** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 12:59 pm

Bazaar wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 12:01 pm

PhantomPermit wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 11:36 am

aliabbas wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 18, 2021 9:37 pm

PhantomPermit wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 18, 2021 4:14 pm
anyone still waiting approved on 15th of October?
Approved 16 October n still waiting rang homeoffice today n was told that 1 Oct till 22 was posted last Tuesday n have to wait 10 working days so hopefully will get this week let's c
10 working days? that's pathetic considering how much they charge for the fee
yes exactly , and still no guarantee you will get it when they say

cant wait to get it done with. I can't be bothered to deal with HO again they have been so poor during my visa applications, ILR etc. Rip off fees and shit service. they charge almost 100 times more than they should

russn · Post by **russn** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 2:44 pm

Sanaazim wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:37 pm

russn wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:07 pm

Sanaazim wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:05 pm

russn wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:03 pm

I just got a reply from them saying that they are not doing any virtual ceremonies. I think they are still doing private ones but the queue is long apparently...
Thanks for reply are u waiting for ceremony and if u don’t mind what was ur date of approval
No probs. I applied on Aug 31 and got the approval email on Oct 27. Still waiting for my invitation letter and the Council still hasn't got my certificate.
Oh wow we are sharing same date me and my husband is also waiting for invitation fingers crossed hopefully we get it soon good luck

Hey. I sent an email last Saturday to ask if my invitation letter and my certificate had been sent out and they just replied saying they did send them out on Jan 13, even with the electronic copy of the letter in the same email. I wonder why Ealing said in their email to me on Jan 16 that they have not received my certificate... maybe it was not registered on the system yet at the time. But yea, ours should be on their way.

tkp · Post by **tkp** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 2:53 pm

Good news for me today. I've just received the brown envelope. My timeline as below:
---
Applied: 23 August
Approved: 19 Nov
Letter received: 19 Jan (by post), letter date: 29 Dec.
Council: Southwark
Good luck everyone waiting.

lc42 · Post by **lc42** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:14 pm

tkp wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 2:53 pm
Good news for me today. I've just received the brown envelope. My timeline as below:
---
Applied: 23 August
Approved: 19 Nov
Letter received: 19 Jan (by post), letter date: 29 Dec.
Council: Southwark
Good luck everyone waiting.

Congrats. Can you please let us know the earliest date Southwark offers you for the ceremony and how much they charge?

jasmine89 · Post by **jasmine89** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:16 pm

@everyone waiting for a ceremony in manchester city council, they have said the they are in the testing phase of conducting the ceremonies online. And once their system is updated they will be contacting people for ceremonies themselves. Hopefully it wont be long now.

this process has been soo draining and stressful.

tkp · Post by **tkp** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:17 pm

lc42 wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:14 pm

tkp wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 2:53 pm
Good news for me today. I've just received the brown envelope. My timeline as below:
---
Applied: 23 August
Approved: 19 Nov
Letter received: 19 Jan (by post), letter date: 29 Dec.
Council: Southwark
Good luck everyone waiting.
Congrats. Can you please let us know the earliest date Southwark offers you for the ceremony and how much they charge?

Thanks! I've sent an email to ask for the ceremony. Will keep you guys posted.

Sanaazim · Post by **Sanaazim** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:21 pm

russn wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 2:44 pm

Sanaazim wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:37 pm

russn wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:07 pm

Sanaazim wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:05 pm

Thanks for reply are u waiting for ceremony and if u don’t mind what was ur date of approval
No probs. I applied on Aug 31 and got the approval email on Oct 27. Still waiting for my invitation letter and the Council still hasn't got my certificate.
Oh wow we are sharing same date me and my husband is also waiting for invitation fingers crossed hopefully we get it soon good luck
Hey. I sent an email last Saturday to ask if my invitation letter and my certificate had been sent out and they just replied saying they did send them out on Jan 13, even with the electronic copy of the letter in the same email. I wonder why Ealing said in their email to me on Jan 16 that they have not received my certificate... maybe it was not registered on the system yet at the time. But yea, ours should be on their way.

That’s awesome news can u plz let me k ow what email address u used and now that u have electronic copy are u going to email council again for ceremony? Or still going to wait for post

mrmo93 · Post by **mrmo93** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:37 pm

onyx_ng wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 12:50 pm

mrmo93 wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 18, 2021 6:51 pm
Anyone from Kent get an update?
I had a 14th of January ceremony cancelled and rescheduled for today. I emailed 'Citizen_SP@kent.gov.uk' after the cancellation and they called me back a couple of days later to ok a time.

Awesome when was your approval?

shahzy970 · Post by **shahzy970** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:42 pm

Yazzz95 wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 5:17 am

shahzy970 wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 18, 2021 3:24 pm
Hi All,

I managed to get in touch Newham council today. Unfortunately, they cannot conduct any ceremonies ( group/private/virtual) until end of Jan although they advised if I want to change council, I could do by emailing citizenship.support@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Really frustrating tbh you wait all this time and still the waiting is neverending - the whole process is shambles tbh

Anyone in a similar situation? did anyone request to change council by any chance?

Thanks
My council is also newham. Hopefully I will get my invitation letter in next couple of weeks (approved on 5th nov).
Guess I'll have another waiting period from council as they will have to clear backlog first after resuming ceremonies.

Hi,
I am sure you'll your invitation letters in the coming days/weeks.

In terms of ceremony, unfortunately, Newham council is not conducting any sort of ceremonies which is bizarre tbh considering other councils are putting an effort to clear backlogs by arranging virtual or private ceremonies. I am really not sure why they are pilling up certificates without even loading them on the system.

You will not be able to book ceremony online as Newham council has received loads of certificate which hasn't been uploaded on the system yet, hence every time you'd try to book online it would say" Home Office Number Not Found".

I would advise you to chase up with the council and try to escalate to see if they can arrange private or virtual ceremony just like other councils and reach out to local councillor or mayor.

Let us know if you hear back anything.

Thanks

Oria · Post by **Oria** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:48 pm

Sanaazim wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:21 pm

russn wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 2:44 pm

Sanaazim wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:37 pm

russn wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:07 pm

No probs. I applied on Aug 31 and got the approval email on Oct 27. Still waiting for my invitation letter and the Council still hasn't got my certificate.
Oh wow we are sharing same date me and my husband is also waiting for invitation fingers crossed hopefully we get it soon good luck
Hey. I sent an email last Saturday to ask if my invitation letter and my certificate had been sent out and they just replied saying they did send them out on Jan 13, even with the electronic copy of the letter in the same email. I wonder why Ealing said in their email to me on Jan 16 that they have not received my certificate... maybe it was not registered on the system yet at the time. But yea, ours should be on their way.
That’s awesome news can u plz let me k ow what email address u used and now that u have electronic copy are u going to email council again for ceremony? Or still going to wait for post

Hi
What email address did you get a reply from?

Cheers

Dreams101 · Post by **Dreams101** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:51 pm

russn wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 2:44 pm

Sanaazim wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:37 pm

russn wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:07 pm

Sanaazim wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:05 pm

Thanks for reply are u waiting for ceremony and if u don’t mind what was ur date of approval
No probs. I applied on Aug 31 and got the approval email on Oct 27. Still waiting for my invitation letter and the Council still hasn't got my certificate.
Oh wow we are sharing same date me and my husband is also waiting for invitation fingers crossed hopefully we get it soon good luck
Hey. I sent an email last Saturday to ask if my invitation letter and my certificate had been sent out and they just replied saying they did send them out on Jan 13, even with the electronic copy of the letter in the same email. I wonder why Ealing said in their email to me on Jan 16 that they have not received my certificate... maybe it was not registered on the system yet at the time. But yea, ours should be on their way.

Hi. Great news for you. Congrats.
Could you please share the email address you used to ask about the invitaion?

jingade · Post by **jingade** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:10 pm

I received an approval on 04th Nov ever since I have been chasing to find an update through emails and calls to couple of nos but did not get much response.

Based on one of the suggestions from this forum I wrote an email on 15th Jan nationalitysupportteamfmt@homeoffice.gov.uk,
citizenship.support@homeoffice.gov.uk to which I got a response today that invitation has been dispatched on 14th January by 2nd class post, please allow 10-14 days for delivery.

I did contact citizen_sp@kent.gov.uk got same response today they havent received any certificates as yet and said We will contact you with a ceremony date and time once we receive your Certificate.
They are not doing any virtual / online ceremonies either.

Anybody else got any confirmation on ceremonies here from Kent council ?

FrenchBaguette · Post by **FrenchBaguette** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:29 pm

Hi folks,

I received my approval decision letter on 8 October 2020 by email (attached PDF).

I was under the assumption that the invitation that we are all waiting for would also come by email, however, I am reading here about a "brown envelope" – are you guys telling me that the invitation comes via the post and not by email ?

I have not returned from Xmas break yet so I'm thinking maybe its already in my mailbox

?

Cheers!

dragon098 · Post by **dragon098** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:39 pm

Hi,

I was approved on 21 OCT and last week I noticed that my council Wandsworth had my certificate by checking online but I haven't received my invitation letter yet. Royal Mail in Wandsworth (SW18) has severe delays, last week didn't get to see any postman.
However, I did email my council and they called me back and booked me in for 26th Jan virtual ceremony in Teams for FREE. I did tell her that I don't have my invitation letter but hopefully, I'll get it within this week. She told me, that I need to have an invitation letter and Passport. I am now worried what will happen when my turns comes and I don't have invitation letter.

Anyone from Wandsworth, have you guys received invitation letter.

dragon098 · Post by **dragon098** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:40 pm

FrenchBaguette wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:29 pm
Hi folks,

I received my approval decision letter on 8 October 2020 by email (attached PDF).

I was under the assumption that the invitation that we are all waiting for would also come by email, however, I am reading here about a "brown envelope" – are you guys telling me that the invitation comes via the post and not by email ?

I have not returned from Xmas break yet so I'm thinking maybe its already in my mailbox ?

Cheers!

Most of us are getting by post but some are getting email.

FrenchBaguette · Post by **FrenchBaguette** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:53 pm

dragon098 wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:40 pm

FrenchBaguette wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:29 pm
Hi folks,

I received my approval decision letter on 8 October 2020 by email (attached PDF).

I was under the assumption that the invitation that we are all waiting for would also come by email, however, I am reading here about a "brown envelope" – are you guys telling me that the invitation comes via the post and not by email ?

I have not returned from Xmas break yet so I'm thinking maybe its already in my mailbox ?

Cheers!
Most of us are getting by post but some are getting email.

Thank you Dragon. Quite annoying that they are not doing everything by email...

aswadi · Post by **aswadi** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 5:01 pm

If you have received your approval via email, then in the body of that email it states: "If you have received this email in error, please notify us via xxx@homeoffice.gov.uk"

I suggest you contact that email (it can vary by which team manages your approval) if your invitation is late and your council already has the certificate and address it directly to your case worker. Their first name should also be in the body of the email. Simply ask: "Hi xxx, do you have any update on when I will receive my invitation, as I received my approval over x months ago?"

My case worker replied within 3 days sending me the invitation electronically.

I would absolutely advise against spamming the home office if it's clear that no one with a similar approval date has received an invitation.

russn · Post by **russn** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 5:03 pm

Sanaazim wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:21 pm

russn wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 2:44 pm

Sanaazim wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:37 pm

russn wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:07 pm

No probs. I applied on Aug 31 and got the approval email on Oct 27. Still waiting for my invitation letter and the Council still hasn't got my certificate.
Oh wow we are sharing same date me and my husband is also waiting for invitation fingers crossed hopefully we get it soon good luck
Hey. I sent an email last Saturday to ask if my invitation letter and my certificate had been sent out and they just replied saying they did send them out on Jan 13, even with the electronic copy of the letter in the same email. I wonder why Ealing said in their email to me on Jan 16 that they have not received my certificate... maybe it was not registered on the system yet at the time. But yea, ours should be on their way.
That’s awesome news can u plz let me k ow what email address u used and now that u have electronic copy are u going to email council again for ceremony? Or still going to wait for post

I just replied to the decision email I received back in October - didn't try any other email addresses. I might email the council to see if they offer any paid private ceremonies. Keen to get this over the line obviously... Shame that they don't do virtual ones smh...

MALCOM2 · Post by **MALCOM2** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 5:53 pm

tkp wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 2:53 pm
Good news for me today. I've just received the brown envelope. My timeline as below:
---
Applied: 23 August
Approved: 19 Nov
Letter received: 19 Jan (by post), letter date: 29 Dec.
Council: Southwark
Good luck everyone waiting.

Congratulations. I’m also waiting for my invitation letter. My council is Southwark also .Approval date 25 of November. Please let me know how soon you can book your ceremony. Thanks

London249 · Post by **London249** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 6:27 pm

MALCOM2 wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 5:53 pm

tkp wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 2:53 pm
Good news for me today. I've just received the brown envelope. My timeline as below:
---
Applied: 23 August
Approved: 19 Nov
Letter received: 19 Jan (by post), letter date: 29 Dec.
Council: Southwark
Good luck everyone waiting.
Congratulations. I’m also waiting for my invitation letter. My council is Southwark also .Approval date 25 of November. Please let me know how soon you can book your ceremony. Thanks

Mine is 9th of November still waiting really don’t know how they dispatch?

Yazzz95 · Post by **Yazzz95** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 6:34 pm

shahzy970 wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:42 pm

Yazzz95 wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 5:17 am

shahzy970 wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 18, 2021 3:24 pm
Hi All,

I managed to get in touch Newham council today. Unfortunately, they cannot conduct any ceremonies ( group/private/virtual) until end of Jan although they advised if I want to change council, I could do by emailing citizenship.support@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Really frustrating tbh you wait all this time and still the waiting is neverending - the whole process is shambles tbh

Anyone in a similar situation? did anyone request to change council by any chance?

Thanks
My council is also newham. Hopefully I will get my invitation letter in next couple of weeks (approved on 5th nov).
Guess I'll have another waiting period from council as they will have to clear backlog first after resuming ceremonies.
Hi,
I am sure you'll your invitation letters in the coming days/weeks.

In terms of ceremony, unfortunately, Newham council is not conducting any sort of ceremonies which is bizarre tbh considering other councils are putting an effort to clear backlogs by arranging virtual or private ceremonies. I am really not sure why they are pilling up certificates without even loading them on the system.

You will not be able to book ceremony online as Newham council has received loads of certificate which hasn't been uploaded on the system yet, hence every time you'd try to book online it would say" Home Office Number Not Found".

I would advise you to chase up with the council and try to escalate to see if they can arrange private or virtual ceremony just like other councils and reach out to local councillor or mayor.

Let us know if you hear back anything.

Thanks

Hi Shazy,

Check their website. I tried to check just now and system has find my details.
I have booked group ceremony on 2nd Feb (giving time in between to recieve my invitation letter).
Im sure you'll be able to book your ceremony too.
Thanks.

London249 · Post by **London249** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 7:04 pm

Home office response received via email,
However, we can confirm that we have just completed the processing of certificates and ceremony invitations for applications that were approved on and before 3 November and have now commenced processing those for applications approved on 4 November 2020. Ceremony invites are sent by 2nd class post and can take up to 10 working days to be delivered.
We will update our website with any new information, in particular, in relation to the time it might take to despatch certificates. Please be assured that once a customer receives their Citizenship Ceremony Invitation Letter, they will still have up to six months within which to complete ceremony.

onyx_ng · Post by **onyx_ng** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 7:06 pm

mrmo93 wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:37 pm

onyx_ng wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 12:50 pm

mrmo93 wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 18, 2021 6:51 pm
Anyone from Kent get an update?
I had a 14th of January ceremony cancelled and rescheduled for today. I emailed 'Citizen_SP@kent.gov.uk' after the cancellation and they called me back a couple of days later to ok a time.
Awesome when was your approval?

25th of September

asifmahmood36 · Post by **asifmahmood36** » Tue Jan 19, 2021 10:52 pm

dragon098 wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:39 pm
Hi,

I was approved on 21 OCT and last week I noticed that my council Wandsworth had my certificate by checking online but I haven't received my invitation letter yet. Royal Mail in Wandsworth (SW18) has severe delays, last week didn't get to see any postman.
However, I did email my council and they called me back and booked me in for 26th Jan virtual ceremony in Teams for FREE. I did tell her that I don't have my invitation letter but hopefully, I'll get it within this week. She told me, that I need to have an invitation letter and Passport. I am now worried what will happen when my turns comes and I don't have invitation letter.

Anyone from Wandsworth, have you guys received invitation letter.

Hello,
I have actually the same situation as you. Strange. I was approved on 27OCT and I also checked Wandsworth council online and my council had my certificate but I have not received my invitation letter yet. I just email the register office and told them the postal situation in the SW18 area and ask them that Can I book the ceremony without an invitation letter. waiting reply.

Update me if you get something.

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