Citizenship Ceremony cancelled due to Covid-19

Timeline:
Application fee paid: March 2020
Biometric enrolled: June 2020
Approval received: 03/11/2020
Invitation letter: still pending

After emailing UKVI multiple times and calling the support line, I finally got this below from UKVI.

"Upon investigation I can confirm that your citizenship ceremony documents have not yet been printed or despatched to the local authority due to a system error. Your citizenship paperwork will be generated in coming weeks when current restrictions due to Coronavirus are eased. "

Not sure how many people are stuck here like me due to "system error". Looks like will be still a few weeks longer of waiting. Good luck!

I have been waiting since July and nothing yet. I have seen others mentioning this system error before and wonder if UKVI is checking how many are affected by it.

my council is not doing virtual ceremonies saying that it requires more staff. Is that true? or hors***?

SamcoSamco wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:38 pm

I have been waiting since July and nothing yet. I have seen others mentioning this system error before and wonder if UKVI is checking how many are affected by it.

I'm not sure the HO will be fixing it proactively. They've already confirmed that they printed and sent the paperwork for all the applications approved through August long ago.
In my case the HO also told my MP that my paperwork was sent (in reality it wasn't printed and sent). After I told my MP that I hadn't received anything and my council hadn't received the certificate either, the HO re-started the checks and eventually printed the paperwork. I reached out to my MP, sent the HO a paper letter and also submitted a complaint at the HO website - you might consider these options to draw their attention to your case.

SamcoSamco wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:38 pm

I have been waiting since July and nothing yet. I have seen others mentioning this system error before and wonder if UKVI is checking how many are affected by it.

Hey Samco Can't beleive you're still waiting...I dont know whether to laugh or cry right now as I am totally exhausted...I have been waiting since August..Here is the last email I got from them

Thank you for your enquiry about your citizenship ceremony.

Apologies for the delay, but as explained in our previous email there was an IT issue that incurred a delay in your invitation being printed that has now been resolved and your application has been forwarded on to our Ceremonies and Citizenship Support department.

Unfortunately, due to the strict social distancing measures currently in place and to ensure the safety of our staff, regrettably, resources in our Ceremonies and Citizenship Support department are extremely limited, at present.


Please be assured that our ceremonies and citizenship support team will issue your ceremony invite letter by post within the next 8 – 12 weeks. You are required to attend a citizenship ceremony within 6 months of the date printed on your ceremony invitation. Upon receipt of the invitation letter, you can make the necessary arrangements with your local authority.

Hamza167 wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 20, 2021 4:30 pm

Hi Everyone

My approval is 30/11/2020

Still not received The invitation letter from Home Office/ Council.

My Council is Essex.

Is there anyone in similar situation.

Thanks for the cooperation.

I have received my Invitation Letter from Home Office today (23/02/2021) dated 11/02/2021

Good news from Lewisham Council, they finally started virtual ceremonies this week

They called me yesterday for an appointment for tomorrow (approval 30/09/2020, invitation received 15/12 dated 2/12).

I can't do it as I am out of the country, but that's a great update I suppose. I had no longer hope they would introduce virtual ceremonies

Reading your update made me optimistic - my approval date is 15/12/2020 so expecting invitation letter soon. I wish there was a helpline where we can call and push for the update, their email address is just non responsive like other home office departments

Hamza167 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 10:49 pm

Hamza167 wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 20, 2021 4:30 pm

Hi Everyone

My approval is 30/11/2020

Still not received The invitation letter from Home Office/ Council.

My Council is Essex.

Is there anyone in similar situation.

Thanks for the cooperation.

I have received my Invitation Letter from Home Office today (23/02/2021) dated 11/02/2021

saquebahmed wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 24, 2021 11:32 am

Reading your update made me optimistic - my approval date is 15/12/2020 so expecting invitation letter soon. I wish there was a helpline where we can call and push for the update, their email address is just non responsive like other home office departments

Hamza167 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 10:49 pm

Hamza167 wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 20, 2021 4:30 pm

Hi Everyone

My approval is 30/11/2020

Still not received The invitation letter from Home Office/ Council.

My Council is Essex.

Is there anyone in similar situation.

Thanks for the cooperation.

I have received my Invitation Letter from Home Office today (23/02/2021) dated 11/02/2021

Mine is the 03/12/2020. Sent an email to HO in January and was advised they’ll respond in 20 working days. It has been over 20 working days now, no response. I hear their deadline is 12 weeks, well, mine will be 12 weeks next Wednesday so I really hope I receive my invitation this week. Reached out to Hampshire council on Monday and they confirmed they still do not have my paperwork from HO. So frustrating

Contd wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 22, 2021 10:41 pm

kahy wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 21, 2021 2:03 pm

Contd wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 20, 2021 3:28 pm

Eligibility criteria: 2 DLR + 1 year ILR
Language/LIUK Criteria: LIUK and Trinity B1
Nationality: Ghana
Method of application: ONLINE
Date of application :30/09/2020
Payment method: Visa Debit
Date of acknowledgement: 30/09/2020
Date of debit of fees: 30/09/2020
Date of biometric letter received/issued: N/A
Date Biometrics enrolled: 14/10/2020
Date on Approval letter: 1/12/2020
Date of receipt of approval: 1/12/2020
Date of receipt of ceremony letter: 19/02/2021
Date of Ceremony:pending.... Send email to My council Northamptonshire and they asked me to call back on Monday

Hi Contd, thanks for sharing this info... I am also from Northamptonshire and still waiting the council to arrange the ceremony date. However, they told me they are unable to offer a group ceremony due to COVID. They are only performing virtual ceremonies at the moment, so the virtual ceremony will take a number of weeks, to be completed, as there is a high demand for them. Please also update me if there any changes on Monday when you call them back. thanks

I called them today and they said I will receive a call in the next few days for the appointment. Fingers crossed

This is the email I had from Northamptonshire council-

I can now confirm we have received your certificate. We are unable to have group ceremonies at the moment, due to COVID. However, we are performing virtual ceremonies. I will add your details to the list.



We are working through the list in date order so there will be sometime before we get to you.

SamcoSamco wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:38 pm

I have been waiting since July and nothing yet. I have seen others mentioning this system error before and wonder if UKVI is checking how many are affected by it.

Am in the same boat with you Samco. I was approved on the 16 July 2020 and still waiting for ceremony invitation. I have email and call the home office numerous times but to no avail. I also get in touch with my MP.

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 10, 2021 5:30 pm

Gard wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 10, 2021 2:23 pm

jasmine89 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 09, 2021 7:21 pm

Gard wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 08, 2021 7:24 pm

Did you email them? This is shame jasmine. We can't do anything but wait. It's hard to wait for the certificate after finishing everything. I live one mile away from the city centre and still have to wait 10 days.

Hi syed. Did you receive your certificate by any chance today?

Hi jasmine, I have received the certificate today. What about you?

Hi syed. Yes i have finally received mu certificate. congratulations. Have you applied for passport?

Hi jasmine, have you got your passport? I applied two weeks ago received email that it’s been printed and delivery on the way. Let me know how about you.

nnn15 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:57 pm

SamcoSamco wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:38 pm

I have been waiting since July and nothing yet. I have seen others mentioning this system error before and wonder if UKVI is checking how many are affected by it.

I'm not sure the HO will be fixing it proactively. They've already confirmed that they printed and sent the paperwork for all the applications approved through August long ago.
In my case the HO also told my MP that my paperwork was sent (in reality it wasn't printed and sent). After I told my MP that I hadn't received anything and my council hadn't received the certificate either, the HO re-started the checks and eventually printed the paperwork. I reached out to my MP, sent the HO a paper letter and also submitted a complaint at the HO website - you might consider these options to draw their attention to your case.

Hey,

Please what address did you send the paper letter to?? As I have been waiting since August still nothing from them.
Thanks

successorxx wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 25, 2021 3:37 pm

nnn15 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:57 pm

SamcoSamco wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:38 pm

I have been waiting since July and nothing yet. I have seen others mentioning this system error before and wonder if UKVI is checking how many are affected by it.

I'm not sure the HO will be fixing it proactively. They've already confirmed that they printed and sent the paperwork for all the applications approved through August long ago.
In my case the HO also told my MP that my paperwork was sent (in reality it wasn't printed and sent). After I told my MP that I hadn't received anything and my council hadn't received the certificate either, the HO re-started the checks and eventually printed the paperwork. I reached out to my MP, sent the HO a paper letter and also submitted a complaint at the HO website - you might consider these options to draw their attention to your case.

Hey,

Please what address did you send the paper letter to?? As I have been waiting since August still nothing from them.
Thanks

Hi, the address is

Home Office
UK Visas and Immigration
Nationality Group
The Capital Building
Liverpool, UK
L3 9PP

I wrote that I was concerned about my application being marked as "complete" in the Home Office system as they confirmed the paperwork for all the applications approved through August was issued and sent. However, I didn't get any letters and my council didn't receive my certificate. I asked if they could print and despatch my paperwork.

I'm not sure what eventually made my paperwork to be printed. I sent multiple emails, asked the helpline to escalate my case, submitted 2 complaints at the HO website and also reached out to my MP. I received my paperwork 10 months after my application was approved and 4 months after my MP first submitted an enquiry to the Home Office (the MP had to submit 4 enquiries in total and also call the MP hotline). As you can see, the waiting times are quite long, so probably you should try to contact the HO via all the channels in hope that something will have an effect. I'm sorry for what you have to go through and I hope it will be sorted out soon.

Hello Russn

I am sorry if i have jumped into some one post. Russn how did you contact Ealing council to book a private ceremony. My wife has received invitation letter and I filled up enquire form on Ealing Council website . No one answer their phone . I appreciate if you could kindly share your experience , how to book private ceremony.

Many thanks
quote=russn post_id=1986945 time=1612260662 user_id=238662]

askmeplz82 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 02, 2021 3:04 am

Ealing Council is so backdated. Councillor xxxxxx (Leader of Ealing Council ) saying they don't have IT INFRASTRUCTURE for ONLINE ceremonies and their staffing is currently restricted . What a Joke !!

Congrats ! At least it's good to know that they are actually sending out those letters. And yea, I honestly don't understand why they can't offer virtual ceremonies. Esp for a big council like Ealing smh...
[/quote]

Khial wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 25, 2021 10:38 pm

Hello Russn

I am sorry if i have jumped into some one post. Russn how did you contact Ealing council to book a private ceremony. My wife has received invitation letter and I filled up enquire form on Ealing Council website . No one answer their phone . I appreciate if you could kindly share your experience , how to book private ceremony.

Many thanks
quote=russn post_id=1986945 time=1612260662 user_id=238662]

askmeplz82 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 02, 2021 3:04 am

Ealing Council is so backdated. Councillor xxxxxx (Leader of Ealing Council ) saying they don't have IT INFRASTRUCTURE for ONLINE ceremonies and their staffing is currently restricted . What a Joke !!

Congrats ! At least it's good to know that they are actually sending out those letters. And yea, I honestly don't understand why they can't offer virtual ceremonies. Esp for a big council like Ealing smh...

[/quote]

They will contact you by post. my invitation from Home office was 8th December . I send them email 2/3 times but no replay. Finally after 2 months i got invitation from Ealing council by post.

Update:


We have done our ceremonies online( Microsoft Team) with Lewisham council yesterday.
There website still says that all the ceremonies are cancelled until further notice but after contacting them via email, they called us and booked a date for us for virtual ceremonies.
They informed us that they will send our certificates on same day by secure post, there was no charge for both ceremonies or postage.

we actually received our invitations last week.
Good luck everyone, stay safe.

Juzinha wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 20, 2021 1:36 pm

Hi Everyone,
I have just received my invitation letter, timeline below:
Biometrics in person (Croydon): 22/10/20
Approval received: 01/12/20
Date on invitation letter: 15/02/21
Letter received: 20/02/21
Council: Bromley - I've requested a virtual ceremony through their website and received a confirmation saying they aim to respond within 5 working days. That means I'm still playing the waiting game but glad I've received the letter.
Good luck to you all!

Just a quick update:
I've attended the ceremony on 25/02/21 and received the certificate today. See you all in the passport thread!

kenadams wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 22, 2021 9:28 am

Hi anyone - Has anyone got any updates from the Newham council? The last time I spoke to them was about 2-3 weeks ago with no sign of starting the ceremonies.

Hello,

Just an update on Newham. They are now doing virtual ceremonies. I had mine today at 2pm I got a call from the Register and he booked the appointment for the same day! All done - hope those in Newham can start booking the ceremonies and the backlog gets cleared! You do have to go to the Town Hall to collect the certificate or they can post it.

hi everyone!!

still waiting.. Approll`11 December any idea when finish mine dream?☺and any same one

cinar2012 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 26, 2021 8:15 pm

hi everyone!!

still waiting.. Approll`11 December any idea when finish mine dream?☺and any same one

Mine is 8th Dec so lets keep each other updated pls

Khial wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 25, 2021 10:38 pm

Hello Russn

I am sorry if i have jumped into some one post. Russn how did you contact Ealing council to book a private ceremony. My wife has received invitation letter and I filled up enquire form on Ealing Council website . No one answer their phone . I appreciate if you could kindly share your experience , how to book private ceremony.

Many thanks
quote=russn post_id=1986945 time=1612260662 user_id=238662]

askmeplz82 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 02, 2021 3:04 am

Ealing Council is so backdated. Councillor xxxxxx (Leader of Ealing Council ) saying they don't have IT INFRASTRUCTURE for ONLINE ceremonies and their staffing is currently restricted . What a Joke !!

Congrats ! At least it's good to know that they are actually sending out those letters. And yea, I honestly don't understand why they can't offer virtual ceremonies. Esp for a big council like Ealing smh...

[/quote]

Hey sorry I have sort of lost hope and stopped checking this regularly. As askmeplz82 said, I got a letter from Ealing Council after the invitation letter from the Home Office. That 2nd letter arrived almost 3 weeks ago and I tried to call/e-mail the Council, but no response. At this point, I'm beyond anger and despair.

Happystudent1000 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 26, 2021 9:31 pm

cinar2012 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 26, 2021 8:15 pm

hi everyone!!

still waiting.. Approll`11 December any idea when finish mine dream?☺and any same one

Mine is 8th Dec so lets keep each other updated pls

Date of Approval by email: 09/12/2020

No letter from Home Office yet. However, I received a letter from my council yesterday (26/02/2021) that they have received my certificate from Home Office and they advise me to call them and book a private ceremony. The letter was from Bishop Auckland registrar's office.

We have got approval on 30/11/2020
Received invitation letter from Home Office on 23/02/2021 letter dated 11/02/2021.
We contacted the Essex Council by phone as well as by email but could not make any booking for Oath taking ceremony even the Private Ceremony on payment of £150.
The council replied they have got backlog as well the Home Office is not sending the Certificates to the Council at the same time as the Invitation letter being send to the applicant.
Is there any one facing the same situation and any suggestion to expedite the matter.
Thanks to all.

Teedee wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 24, 2021 11:55 am

saquebahmed wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 24, 2021 11:32 am

Reading your update made me optimistic - my approval date is 15/12/2020 so expecting invitation letter soon. I wish there was a helpline where we can call and push for the update, their email address is just non responsive like other home office departments

Hamza167 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 10:49 pm

Hamza167 wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 20, 2021 4:30 pm

Hi Everyone

My approval is 30/11/2020

Still not received The invitation letter from Home Office/ Council.

My Council is Essex.

Is there anyone in similar situation.

Thanks for the cooperation.

I have received my Invitation Letter from Home Office today (23/02/2021) dated 11/02/2021

Mine is the 03/12/2020. Sent an email to HO in January and was advised they’ll respond in 20 working days. It has been over 20 working days now, no response. I hear their deadline is 12 weeks, well, mine will be 12 weeks next Wednesday so I really hope I receive my invitation this week. Reached out to Hampshire council on Monday and they confirmed they still do not have my paperwork from HO. So frustrating

Update!!!

God did it!!! I have just received my invitation letter from HO! Finally!!! Timelines below:

Application date - 30/09/2020
Biometrics - 28/10/2020
Approval email received - 03/12/2020
Invitation letter received - 27/02/2021

Will be contacting Hampshire council on Monday for my virtual ceremony. Hang in there guys, yours is coming soon! See you all on the passport thread x