Citizenship Ceremony cancelled due to Covid-19

A friend of mine was one of those being approved in May, but obviously forgotten.

However I wanted to share they have finally received the two invitations last week.
I hope everyone else waiting that long did too.

15th October still waiting or ceremony invitation. Contacted many times got standard replies that it has been dispatched.

anyone else waiting October?
Cambridge city council?

16 oct n still waiting .
Salford council .

kenadams wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 04, 2021 2:59 pm

Yazzz95 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 04, 2021 7:07 am

Hi guys,
Have anyone got any update from Newham council ?

Hi - I called them earlier today and they told me to call back in 3 weeks. They said there were no ceremonies whatsoever due to the lockdown.

I spoke to them yesterday and they advised they will be doing virtual ceremonies from the end of Feb/beginning March. But nothing for now

Hello everyone,
Today I got the call from my local council that they have received my naturalization certificate. Here are my timelines:
Application date: 1 Sep 2020
Approval: 18 Nov 2020 (email)
Virtual ceremony : 10 Feb 2021

Many many thanks to each member of this board. You all have been very helpful throughout our whole journey. Best wishes to everyone who are waiting for their decisions

Hello there,

I would like to ask whether anybody knows if it's possible to change the council?

I was approved in July, ceremony invitation arrived a week ago but Greenwich council doesn't do ANY ceremonies at least until March [for now, might be extended]. I don't want to wait another 6 months for a ceremony..

So I was thinking changing the council maybe to Tower Hamlets who does virtual ceremonies but Greenwich council would have to send them my certificate to them so I am not sure whether this would have to go through the HO or it would just be between the councils?

Anybody has been through something similar?

I will try to call Greenwich council tomorrow though but I just thought of this idea now.

Thank you.

lmannova wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:34 pm

So I was thinking changing the council maybe to Tower Hamlets who does virtual ceremonies but Greenwich council would have to send them my certificate to them so I am not sure whether this would have to go through the HO or it would just be between the councils?

It will go through the HO and the whole process can easily take more months than just waiting.

Missi wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:57 am

joletusgo wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:48 am

Hello to everybody,

thank God, Today on 04-02-2021, I have received a letter from the Home office for the U.K nationality ceremony,

my U.k nationality applications approval's date: 13-Nov-2020.

I have called the city council in Liverpool to book an appointment for the ceremony they told you should wait till you will receive a letter from us to tell you what your ceremony date.

I hope everybody to get a letter from the Home Office as soon as possible.

thank you.

bye

Congratulations!
Can you please tell me date mentioned on your invitation letter! I was approved on 12 nov butt still no sign of invitation letter

I was also approved on 12 Nov but lucky to receive my invitation on the 01/Feb/21. The letter is dated 22 Jan 21.
Not much luck with Havering Council though, the Registrar told me that there are 25 people ahead of me for the ceremony and therefore couldn't give me a date.
I really wonder what's so difficult in organizing 7-mins virtual ceremonies!!!

Approval date was on 29/09/2020
Invitation received on 10th December 2020, dated 2nd December 2020
I was out of the country at the time, so asked my wife to send me the number to call.
I did call the Shropshire council and they advised that I contact them when I’m back.
I returned to England on 19.01/2021.
Gave the council a call on 25th and was booked in for virtual ceremony on the 1st February, 2021
Certificate received via post (1st class) 04/02/2021
All the best guys.

PhantomPermit wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 04, 2021 6:01 pm

15th October still waiting or ceremony invitation. Contacted many times got standard replies that it has been dispatched.

anyone else waiting October?
Cambridge city council?

PhantomPermit - have you asked them to dispatch another letter? If they did send it out like they claim, then I imagine that It would have been lost by now.

Hi all, just a quick question. I did not receive any invitation letter from the home office and in the council email they are asking me to get ready your invitation letter on the ceremony day. My virtual ceremony is on Wednesday and I received only one email in November from the home office regarding my approved application (nothing else).
Can anyone advice me in this matter

Hello everyone,
I have a good news for everyone who has been waiting for their invitation letter for ages! I was approved at the end of May and have been waiting almost 9 months for my ceremony! I have been calling city council every couple weeks, I have been sending emails, complaining and calling HO almost every week since October. But my citizenship certificate and invitation letter were still not being dispatched and no one seemed to care. As a last resort, I decided to contact my MP (which is something members of this forum suggested). I have never done it before and I wasn't quite sure if the issue of my missing certificate will be of enough importance to them. But the MP was really nice and understanding and immediately sent an email to HO asking about my case. This was on 4th of January, then three weeks later on 28th of January I got a call from Coventry City Council that they received my certificate and that once I get my invitation letter they can arrange a ceremony for me. My letter arrived on 30 January and yesterday I finally had my virtual ceremony!! They told me that there was a couple of people who were waiting as long as me and HO suddenly sent certificates for all of them. Just a word of advise for anyone who has been waiting many months, contact your MP, that is truly the only things that makes HO take your case seriously

Kindsoul wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 8:18 am

Hi all, just a quick question. I did not receive any invitation letter from the home office and in the council email they are asking me to get ready your invitation letter on the ceremony day. My virtual ceremony is on Wednesday and I received only one email in November from the home office regarding my approved application (nothing else).
Can anyone advice me in this matter

Hi Kindsoul,
I am not sure how your city council operates but mine wouldn't even arrange a ceremony for me if I didn't have my invitation letter. The letter is important, you must quote a number on it before they start the ceremony. I find it unlikely they would proceed with the ceremony without you having the letter, but call them, explain your situation and ask if it is okay to attend without the letter. Just to make sure you're not blocking a ceremony slot for someone else.

Ivan122 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 8:48 am

Kindsoul wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 8:18 am

Hi all, just a quick question. I did not receive any invitation letter from the home office and in the council email they are asking me to get ready your invitation letter on the ceremony day. My virtual ceremony is on Wednesday and I received only one email in November from the home office regarding my approved application (nothing else).
Can anyone advice me in this matter

Hi Kindsoul,
I am not sure how your city council operates but mine wouldn't even arrange a ceremony for me if I didn't have my invitation letter. The letter is important, you must quote a number on it before they start the ceremony. I find it unlikely they would proceed with the ceremony without you having the letter, but call them, explain your situation and ask if it is okay to attend without the letter. Just to make sure you're not blocking a ceremony slot for someone else.

Thank you ivan122 for your quick reply. I will contact my local council today and update you about this.
Many many Congratulations for your citizenship ceremony

Gard wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 6:51 pm

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 3:36 pm

Gard wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:08 pm

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:32 pm

Yes the the link in the email which says join the meeting. When you click on it it should take you straight to the app. Join as a guest. Type your full name in the joining box (you get that once you click join as guest) and i think you can join the meeting 4-5 mins before you will just be in waiting and then at the appointment time they will allow you access in the room. It is best to join a few minutes earlier. Best of luck. i am sure it will go smoothly. Keep your invitation letter and ID with you as well when you join.

Alhamdulillah done my ceremony today. It was exactly same as you said Jasmine. Just downloaded the app and clicked on the link 5 mins before the ceremony started. And the person allowed me to join the group video call. Took only 10 mins. Tue certificate would be arrived friday.

Hi syed. That is amazing news. Really happy for you. Hopefully they will send the certificates on time. Did they say that they will be sending them on Thursday?

Hello jasmin. Thank you so much. Yes the person told us specifically that our certificate will arrive on friday with special delivery. I think you will get tomorrow. So after receiving the certificate we have to cut off the Biomatric card and send it to home office. I will apply for the passport straightway.

Hi syed. Can you please let me know when you get thr certificate. I have not received anything.

Desmond123 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:32 pm

Gard wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:08 pm

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:32 pm

Gard wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 02, 2021 3:41 pm

One more question jasmine. Did you mean the link where it says join the meeting, and after clicking that link do I have to join as a guest or do I have to enter anything else? Also at what time I should click on the link? How long before the meeting I mean.

Pleased to know that you have done yours, mine is tomorrow and I'm confused

Yes the the link in the email which says join the meeting. When you click on it it should take you straight to the app. Join as a guest. Type your full name in the joining box (you get that once you click join as guest) and i think you can join the meeting 4-5 mins before you will just be in waiting and then at the appointment time they will allow you access in the room. It is best to join a few minutes earlier. Best of luck. i am sure it will go smoothly. Keep your invitation letter and ID with you as well when you join.

Alhamdulillah done my ceremony today. It was exactly same as you said Jasmine. Just downloaded the app and clicked on the link 5 mins before the ceremony started. And the person allowed me to join the group video call. Took only 10 mins. Tue certificate would be arrived friday.

I had my virtual ceremony today aswel , I think we might have done it together with you because it was the exact same time ( am the black guy). I wish everyone best of luck. Over to passport thread now..

Hi desmond, have they delivered your certificate?

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:14 am

Desmond123 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:32 pm

Gard wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:08 pm

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:32 pm

Yes the the link in the email which says join the meeting. When you click on it it should take you straight to the app. Join as a guest. Type your full name in the joining box (you get that once you click join as guest) and i think you can join the meeting 4-5 mins before you will just be in waiting and then at the appointment time they will allow you access in the room. It is best to join a few minutes earlier. Best of luck. i am sure it will go smoothly. Keep your invitation letter and ID with you as well when you join.

Alhamdulillah done my ceremony today. It was exactly same as you said Jasmine. Just downloaded the app and clicked on the link 5 mins before the ceremony started. And the person allowed me to join the group video call. Took only 10 mins. Tue certificate would be arrived friday.

I had my virtual ceremony today aswel , I think we might have done it together with you because it was the exact same time ( am the black guy). I wish everyone best of luck. Over to passport thread now..

Hi desmond, have they delivered your certificate?

Nothing here either.... still waiting...

myukqueries wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:16 am

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:14 am

Desmond123 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:32 pm

Gard wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:08 pm

Alhamdulillah done my ceremony today. It was exactly same as you said Jasmine. Just downloaded the app and clicked on the link 5 mins before the ceremony started. And the person allowed me to join the group video call. Took only 10 mins. Tue certificate would be arrived friday.

I had my virtual ceremony today aswel , I think we might have done it together with you because it was the exact same time ( am the black guy). I wish everyone best of luck. Over to passport thread now..

Hi desmond, have they delivered your certificate?

Nothing here either.... still waiting...

This waiting gamw seems never ending. They said special delivery. I wonder if they deliver on Saturday as well. Or is it just monday to friday

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:25 am

myukqueries wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:16 am

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:14 am

Desmond123 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:32 pm

I had my virtual ceremony today aswel , I think we might have done it together with you because it was the exact same time ( am the black guy). I wish everyone best of luck. Over to passport thread now..

Hi desmond, have they delivered your certificate?

Nothing here either.... still waiting...

This waiting gamw seems never ending. They said special delivery. I wonder if they deliver on Saturday as well. Or is it just monday to friday

Royal Mail does deliver on Saturday.

Yeah I was told it was special delivery as well and I was also told on the phone they will be signed by the registrar on Thursday and will also be posted same day...

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:12 am

Gard wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 6:51 pm

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 3:36 pm

Gard wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:08 pm

Alhamdulillah done my ceremony today. It was exactly same as you said Jasmine. Just downloaded the app and clicked on the link 5 mins before the ceremony started. And the person allowed me to join the group video call. Took only 10 mins. Tue certificate would be arrived friday.

Hi syed. That is amazing news. Really happy for you. Hopefully they will send the certificates on time. Did they say that they will be sending them on Thursday?

Hello jasmin. Thank you so much. Yes the person told us specifically that our certificate will arrive on friday with special delivery. I think you will get tomorrow. So after receiving the certificate we have to cut off the Biomatric card and send it to home office. I will apply for the passport straightway.

Hi syed. Can you please let me know when you get thr certificate. I have not received anything.

Hello jasmin, I haven't received yet. I will let you know when I receive that.

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:14 am

Desmond123 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:32 pm

Gard wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:08 pm

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:32 pm

Yes the the link in the email which says join the meeting. When you click on it it should take you straight to the app. Join as a guest. Type your full name in the joining box (you get that once you click join as guest) and i think you can join the meeting 4-5 mins before you will just be in waiting and then at the appointment time they will allow you access in the room. It is best to join a few minutes earlier. Best of luck. i am sure it will go smoothly. Keep your invitation letter and ID with you as well when you join.

Alhamdulillah done my ceremony today. It was exactly same as you said Jasmine. Just downloaded the app and clicked on the link 5 mins before the ceremony started. And the person allowed me to join the group video call. Took only 10 mins. Tue certificate would be arrived friday.

I had my virtual ceremony today aswel , I think we might have done it together with you because it was the exact same time ( am the black guy). I wish everyone best of luck. Over to passport thread now..

Hi desmond, have they delivered your certificate?

I haven’t received it yet, let’s hope for tomorrow.

Kindsoul wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 04, 2021 9:30 pm

Hello everyone,
Today I got the call from my local council that they have received my naturalization certificate. Here are my timelines:
Application date: 1 Sep 2020
Approval: 18 Nov 2020 (email)
Virtual ceremony : 10 Feb 2021

Many many thanks to each member of this board. You all have been very helpful throughout our whole journey. Best wishes to everyone who are waiting for their decisions

My applications was approved on 23rd September. Been calling local council last 2 Fridays (including today). No certificate unfortunately.

Just trying to understand whats holding them ?? Any idea ??

shahkb wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 4:52 pm

Kindsoul wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 04, 2021 9:30 pm

Hello everyone,
Today I got the call from my local council that they have received my naturalization certificate. Here are my timelines:
Application date: 1 Sep 2020
Approval: 18 Nov 2020 (email)
Virtual ceremony : 10 Feb 2021

Many many thanks to each member of this board. You all have been very helpful throughout our whole journey. Best wishes to everyone who are waiting for their decisions

My applications was approved on 23rd September. Been calling local council last 2 Fridays (including today). No certificate unfortunately.

Just trying to understand whats holding them ?? Any idea ??

(Correction)

Approved on 23rd November.

Alhamdulliah!
Exact after 12 weeks of my approval my council received my invitation letter today and booked my virtual ceremony for Monday 8th of February.
Application submitted:6th September 2020
Biometric date: 21st September 2020
Approval: 12th November 2020
Council received certificate:5thFebruary 2021
Ceremony date: 8th February 2021..
All the very best for all the members.

Desmond123 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 4:00 pm

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:14 am

Desmond123 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:32 pm

Gard wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:08 pm

Alhamdulillah done my ceremony today. It was exactly same as you said Jasmine. Just downloaded the app and clicked on the link 5 mins before the ceremony started. And the person allowed me to join the group video call. Took only 10 mins. Tue certificate would be arrived friday.

I had my virtual ceremony today aswel , I think we might have done it together with you because it was the exact same time ( am the black guy). I wish everyone best of luck. Over to passport thread now..

Hi desmond, have they delivered your certificate?

I haven’t received it yet, let’s hope for tomorrow.

Council said that there was a slight delay in sending out posts. I think we will most likely get it by Tuesday