ESC

Click the "allow" button if you want to receive important news and updates from immigrationboards.com


Immigrationboards.com: Immigration, work visa and work permit discussion board

Welcome to immigrationboards.com!

Login Register Do not show

UKM application experience and timeline

A section for posts relating to applications for Naturalisation or Registration as a British Citizen. Naturalisation

Moderators: Casa, push, JAJ, ca.funke, Amber, zimba, vinny, Obie, EUsmileWEallsmile, batleykhan, meself2, geriatrix, John, ChetanOjha, archigabe

luthersnowak
Junior Member
Posts: 96
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2018 12:35 am
United States of America

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by luthersnowak » Wed Feb 05, 2020 6:23 pm

Ballet wrote:
Tue Feb 04, 2020 8:44 pm
You may need to reapply given the length of time that has elapsed. I would go directly to your nearest visa office to enrol biometrics when they are called for rather than waste time trying to make an appointment.
AustinRose wrote:
Mon Feb 03, 2020 11:31 pm
Hi all -- I too am confused about my UKM application. I am a US citizen born to a Scottish mother. I applied in July 2019 with all documents and got a confirmation of receipt almost immediately. About 6 weeks later I got an email from the Home Office telling me to make a biometrics appointment via email to UKVINewYork.Correspondence@fco.gsi.gov.uk

I tried to do so, but email to that address bounced. I followed up with email questions to the Customer Center, the Nationality Enquiries and Further National Enquiries accounts, but have gotten no answer yet about how to proceed, just referrals to different emails, some of which don't respond at all.

How long does one wait for this process? Is it worth calling and talking to them by phone, and if so, which office would you advise is best? Thanks for any advice.
I think the best course of action, at this point, is emailing. I don't know that there is a phone number where you can talk to anyone that knows about your case. The only real number is a call center, and they only have general information about the process. Nothing case specific. I had a difficult time getting my biometrics done also. I had to email 'nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk'. I received an email back from them that had an "FAQ" and an attached form. Fill that form out and send it to 'Furthernationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk'. It took quite a while (two weeks) to get a response from them, but they were more than helpful. Also, typically you have 30 days to complete your biometrics if you are outside the UK, but if you indicate that you never received a response when you attempted to book an appointment, they can verify that you didn't receive a response.

Good Luck!

TooManyApples
Newly Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Feb 06, 2020 5:05 pm
Australia

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by TooManyApples » Thu Feb 06, 2020 5:32 pm

Hi all,

Looking for some advice regarding what to do. I am currently living in the UK under CoE RoA through my Mother (born before 1983). To be honest I have had nothing but problems with it, nobody knows what it is, potential employers are concerned as soon as they see it as they don't understand it...I had one trying to apply for Tier 2 Visas for me as they thought I didn't have the right to work in the UK....So I am looking at doing the UKM application for Citizenship to put this all to bed.

Firstly, I assume from what I have read on here that I am eligible seeing as though I received the CoE RoA, or are there any other technicalities between the two applications that I have missed?

Also, I don't have her expired passport as she died many years ago, I do have all of the original documents I used for the CoE RoA application such as birth certs etc. I have seen it mentioned on here that you can use your current passport with CoE as proof of entitlement? I am not really keen on being without my passport for months if I can avoid it.

Lastly, do you still have to do a completely fresh application including biometrics (I did them around 4 years ago with RoA application), and what would that mean for my RoA, does it automatically cancel?

thanks!!

Belle1207
Newly Registered
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Jul 28, 2019 7:33 pm
South Africa

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Belle1207 » Tue Feb 11, 2020 3:13 pm

Thanks Faircape, I don't know why I didn't see your message before. I have definitely been one of the lucky ones with my relatively swift timeline.

I had my ceremony today - very quick and simple. There were 12 or 13 of us, each person recites the oath or affirmation (depending on whether you're religious or not), gets his or her citizenship certificate, and then the group recited the pledge together and it was all over. None of the tea and cake Ballet got 😂 I'll apply for my passport later this week, just need to take photos.

Good luck to everyone just getting started.

Faircape wrote:
Tue Jan 21, 2020 8:27 am
Congratulations Belle,

one of the shorter processing times from start to finish - (around 220 days) you are nearly there and if all goes well should have your passport around 3 weeks after the ceremony (presuming you do your application immediately afterwards and your person in UK to confirm your identity is in place)

We were all reminded by the Vice Consul If you intend retaining your RSA citizenship , it must be sorted before the Ceremony.


Belle1207 wrote:
Fri Jan 17, 2020 1:34 pm
Update: I received my citizenship ceremony invitation today so the end is in sight :)

Eligibility Criteria: UKM (Romein)
Nationality: South Africa
Applying from: South Africa
Method of application: Online with documents sent via DHL
Payment method: Credit card
Date of application: 25 July 2019
Date funds withdrawn: 25 July 2019
Date of UKVI acknowledgement email: 26 July 2019
Date documents sent: 26 July 2019
Date of receipt by UKVI: 29 July 2019 (confirmation from DHL)
Date of letter requesting biometrics: 8 September 2019 (just under 6 weeks from receipt of documents)
Biometrics appointment: 11 September 2019
Date of approval: Advised of successful application by Nationality Courier Service on 20 November 2019, but letter dated 11 November 2019 (two months from biometrics)
Notice documents ready for collection: 19 November 2019
Documents returned: 27 November 2019 (DHL)
Invitation for ceremony: 17 January 2020
Date of ceremony: 11 February 2020
Date applied for passport: Pending
Date passports received: Pending

Belle1207
Newly Registered
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Jul 28, 2019 7:33 pm
South Africa

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Belle1207 » Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:29 pm

@Ballet (or anyone else applying from Johannesburg) - where did you take your photo for the online passport application? The one I took at Foto First was just rejected, so I'm a smidge irritated, as they assured me it would meet the criteria! (Apologies for the slightly off topic question)

Ballet
Junior Member
Posts: 70
Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2019 5:08 am
South Africa

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Ballet » Fri Feb 14, 2020 4:23 am

A colleague took my photo in our offices on my cell phone. I uploaded to the website and after a couple of false starts (shadows or too dark) the photo was accepted by the site.
Belle1207 wrote:
Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:29 pm
@Ballet (or anyone else applying from Johannesburg) - where did you take your photo for the online passport application? The one I took at Foto First was just rejected, so I'm a smidge irritated, as they assured me it would meet the criteria! (Apologies for the slightly off topic question)

Belle1207
Newly Registered
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Jul 28, 2019 7:33 pm
South Africa

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Belle1207 » Fri Feb 14, 2020 4:56 am

Thanks!!
Ballet wrote:
Fri Feb 14, 2020 4:23 am
A colleague took my photo in our offices on my cell phone. I uploaded to the website and after a couple of false starts (shadows or too dark) the photo was accepted by the site.
Belle1207 wrote:
Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:29 pm
@Ballet (or anyone else applying from Johannesburg) - where did you take your photo for the online passport application? The one I took at Foto First was just rejected, so I'm a smidge irritated, as they assured me it would meet the criteria! (Apologies for the slightly off topic question)

buka001
Newly Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Feb 18, 2020 12:54 pm
South Africa

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by buka001 » Tue Feb 18, 2020 1:09 pm

Hi All

I have lived in the UK for 5 years on an Ancestral Visa. My wife and son were here with me on a Dependant Visa.

I just did our ILR last week Monday and we got our BRP's 3 days later. I did this myself with no help from any immigration advisers. So now that is all sorted I want to proceed with my UKM Citizenship application.

My situation is as follows -

Born in 1981 in South Africa - U have my birth certificate and SA PAssport and BRP
Mother was born in 1959 in Northern Rhodesia. I have her Northern Rhodesian Birth Certificate and a Notification of Registration as a Citizen of Southern Rhodesia Certificate that is headlined with Citizenship of Southern Rhodesia and British Nationality Act 1963.
Her father is British and was born in Blackpool in 1928. I have his Birth Certificate.
I have my mothers Marriage Certificate to indicate the change in Surname.
I have my mothers Expired (Blue Passport) British Passport. She never got South African Citizenship, is just a permanent resident. My father is South African.

I can easily get two referees so that is no issue.

Is the above documentation all that is required? Is it sufficient?

And if my Citizenship is successful, can my wife and son do an application straight away as she would be married to a British Citizen, has her ILR, done her life in UK test and english test and she has lived in the UK for 3 years prior to her application?

Thanks in advance for any advice, or assistance in this regard.

AustinRose
Newly Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 03, 2020 11:18 pm
United States of America

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by AustinRose » Tue Mar 03, 2020 10:40 pm

Thank you luthersnowak and Ballet. Yesterday, I got a postal letter and all my documents returned -- with a rejection because I had not completed my biometrics. This, even though I dutifully asked each office (as well as the US consulate) how to get them. Never got any reply on what to do.

If you reapply, does one just go get biometrics with no appointment? Would UC Customs and Immigration turn you away, or is your case number in their system?
luthersnowak wrote:
Wed Feb 05, 2020 6:23 pm
Ballet wrote:
Tue Feb 04, 2020 8:44 pm
You may need to reapply given the length of time that has elapsed. I would go directly to your nearest visa office to enrol biometrics when they are called for rather than waste time trying to make an appointment.
AustinRose wrote:
Mon Feb 03, 2020 11:31 pm
Hi all -- I too am confused about my UKM application. I am a US citizen born to a Scottish mother. I applied in July 2019 with all documents and got a confirmation of receipt almost immediately. About 6 weeks later I got an email from the Home Office telling me to make a biometrics appointment via email to UKVINewYork.Correspondence@fco.gsi.gov.uk

I tried to do so, but email to that address bounced. I followed up with email questions to the Customer Center, the Nationality Enquiries and Further National Enquiries accounts, but have gotten no answer yet about how to proceed, just referrals to different emails, some of which don't respond at all.

How long does one wait for this process? Is it worth calling and talking to them by phone, and if so, which office would you advise is best? Thanks for any advice.
I think the best course of action, at this point, is emailing. I don't know that there is a phone number where you can talk to anyone that knows about your case. The only real number is a call center, and they only have general information about the process. Nothing case specific. I had a difficult time getting my biometrics done also. I had to email 'nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk'. I received an email back from them that had an "FAQ" and an attached form. Fill that form out and send it to 'Furthernationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk'. It took quite a while (two weeks) to get a response from them, but they were more than helpful. Also, typically you have 30 days to complete your biometrics if you are outside the UK, but if you indicate that you never received a response when you attempted to book an appointment, they can verify that you didn't receive a response.

Good Luck!

Belle1207
Newly Registered
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Jul 28, 2019 7:33 pm
South Africa

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Belle1207 » Wed Mar 04, 2020 2:32 pm

Update:
My process is now complete. A little over 7 months from citizenship application to passport (and supporting docs, which are returned separately) in hand. I know I have been one of the lucky ones who had smooth sailing and a relatively short timeline, which is funny because I actually wasn't sure I would be successful. Thanks to everyone here for the advice and encouragement, and good luck to those starting out on the process or still waiting to hear back.

Eligibility Criteria: UKM (Romein)
Nationality: South Africa
Applying from: South Africa
Method of application: Online with documents sent via DHL
Payment method: Credit card
Date of application: 25 July 2019
Date funds withdrawn: 25 July 2019
Date of UKVI acknowledgement email: 26 July 2019
Date documents sent: 26 July 2019
Date of receipt by UKVI: 29 July 2019 (confirmation from DHL)
Date of letter requesting biometrics: 8 September 2019 (just under 6 weeks from receipt of documents)
Biometrics appointment: 11 September 2019
Date of approval: Advised of successful application by Nationality Courier Service on 20 November 2019, but letter dated 11 November 2019 (two months from biometrics)
Notice documents ready for collection: 19 November 2019
Documents returned: 27 November 2019 (DHL)
Invitation for ceremony: 17 January 2020
Date of ceremony: 11 February 2020
Date applied for passport: 14 February 2020
Supporting documents sent: 17 February 2020
Supporting documents acknowledged as received in Durham: 20 February 2020 (one day after DHL confirmed delivery)
Passport dispatched: 27 February 2020 (DHL tracking number received 28 February 2020)
Passport received: 2 March 2020
Supporting documents dispatched: 2 March 2020
Supporting documents received: 4 March 2020

luthersnowak
Junior Member
Posts: 96
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2018 12:35 am
United States of America

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by luthersnowak » Thu Mar 05, 2020 7:45 pm

AustinRose wrote:
Tue Mar 03, 2020 10:40 pm
Thank you luthersnowak and Ballet. Yesterday, I got a postal letter and all my documents returned -- with a rejection because I had not completed my biometrics. This, even though I dutifully asked each office (as well as the US consulate) how to get them. Never got any reply on what to do.

If you reapply, does one just go get biometrics with no appointment? Would UC Customs and Immigration turn you away, or is your case number in their system?
luthersnowak wrote:
Wed Feb 05, 2020 6:23 pm
Ballet wrote:
Tue Feb 04, 2020 8:44 pm
You may need to reapply given the length of time that has elapsed. I would go directly to your nearest visa office to enrol biometrics when they are called for rather than waste time trying to make an appointment.
AustinRose wrote:
Mon Feb 03, 2020 11:31 pm
Hi all -- I too am confused about my UKM application. I am a US citizen born to a Scottish mother. I applied in July 2019 with all documents and got a confirmation of receipt almost immediately. About 6 weeks later I got an email from the Home Office telling me to make a biometrics appointment via email to UKVINewYork.Correspondence@fco.gsi.gov.uk

I tried to do so, but email to that address bounced. I followed up with email questions to the Customer Center, the Nationality Enquiries and Further National Enquiries accounts, but have gotten no answer yet about how to proceed, just referrals to different emails, some of which don't respond at all.

How long does one wait for this process? Is it worth calling and talking to them by phone, and if so, which office would you advise is best? Thanks for any advice.
I think the best course of action, at this point, is emailing. I don't know that there is a phone number where you can talk to anyone that knows about your case. The only real number is a call center, and they only have general information about the process. Nothing case specific. I had a difficult time getting my biometrics done also. I had to email 'nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk'. I received an email back from them that had an "FAQ" and an attached form. Fill that form out and send it to 'Furthernationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk'. It took quite a while (two weeks) to get a response from them, but they were more than helpful. Also, typically you have 30 days to complete your biometrics if you are outside the UK, but if you indicate that you never received a response when you attempted to book an appointment, they can verify that you didn't receive a response.

Good Luck!
I'm sorry you've had such a difficult time. It can be really frustrating. Unfortunately, I think your only option is to resubmit your application. It took me about 8-10 weeks to receive an email to schedule a biometric appointment. I'm not sure why your email bounced back from that address. That is the same address I emailed to schedule my appointment, Although it was a year and a half ago, so things may have changed. I did find several emails from UKVI in my spam folder. I wouldn't be surprised if something similar happened in your case. Honestly, I feel like the only thing consistent about the UKM process is that it can be very inconsistent. I know this sounds overly optimistic, but keep trying. As long as you meet the criteria, you'll get through the process eventually. I submitted my application in June, and didn't get to attend a ceremony until February of the following year (about 8 months total).

Edited for missing info - Also, I did my biometrics at a USCIS here in the US. My understanding is that the UKVI needs to schedule your appointment. I don't believe the USCIS will take your biomerics if you make your own appointment.

Good luck!

karl75
Newly Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2020 8:30 pm

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by karl75 » Fri Mar 13, 2020 8:39 pm

Hi everyone,

New here and was wondering whether I might be eligible to apply for British Citizenship through my mum.

I was born April 1975 in India. My mother was born July 1950 in India, to a British Father and Mother who immigrated to India in 1947. Both my mother's parents were born in Scotland, one in 1912, the other in 1913. My father, who passed away in 1982, was Indian.

I have not lived or worked in the UK at any time, though I have visited several times.

Side fact: both my cousins who were also born in India in 1978 and 1985 are British citizens because their dad, my Mum's brother, was born in Scotland in February 1947, before my maternal grandparents moved to India. My cousins' mum was also Indian at birth.

Given these details, am I eligible to apply for British citizenship via UKM or any other provision? If I am not eligible for citizenship, am I eligible for RoA?

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

sunburn
Member
Posts: 172
Joined: Fri Jun 29, 2018 3:50 pm
United States of America

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by sunburn » Tue Apr 28, 2020 5:28 pm

karl75 wrote:
Fri Mar 13, 2020 8:39 pm
Hi everyone,

New here and was wondering whether I might be eligible to apply for British Citizenship through my mum.

I was born April 1975 in India. My mother was born July 1950 in India, to a British Father and Mother who immigrated to India in 1947. Both my mother's parents were born in Scotland, one in 1912, the other in 1913. My father, who passed away in 1982, was Indian.

I have not lived or worked in the UK at any time, though I have visited several times.

Side fact: both my cousins who were also born in India in 1978 and 1985 are British citizens because their dad, my Mum's brother, was born in Scotland in February 1947, before my maternal grandparents moved to India. My cousins' mum was also Indian at birth.

Given these details, am I eligible to apply for British citizenship via UKM or any other provision? If I am not eligible for citizenship, am I eligible for RoA?

Thanks for taking the time to read this!
What was your mother's citizenship status at the time of your birth ? Was she a CUKC or an Indian citizen ?

Jeda
Newbie
Posts: 40
Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 12:05 pm

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Jeda » Tue Jun 09, 2020 2:45 am

Hi Everyone

I'm in Australia

Has anyone recently submitted their UKM application during the Covid crisis? Just wondering if there are huge delays or are things still flowing along? I want to submit my application but concerned I could wait a year to get my passport and other documents back from them.

My application is simple - Mother UK born and still UK citizen and I've had Right of Abode and lived in UK.

Thanks guys

User avatar
hlassell
Member
Posts: 119
Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2018 3:21 pm
Mood:
Canada

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by hlassell » Fri Jul 17, 2020 8:01 pm

chachacha wrote:
Tue Sep 10, 2019 2:45 am
hlassell wrote:
Fri Dec 21, 2018 6:19 pm
Eligibility criteria: UKM
Nationality: Canadian
Applying from: Canada
Method of application: Online
Date of application: 08/20/2018
Payment method: Credit card
Date of receipt by UKBA: 08/21/2018
Date money gone off account: 08/20/2018
Date of acknowledgement: 08/21/2018 (by email)
Date of letter requesting biometrics: 09/10/2018
Biometrics done: 11/06/2018
Date of approval: 21/12/2018 *yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
Date of ceremony:
Date applied for passports:
Date passports received:

OH MY GOSH! My caseworker emailed me today to say I am approved and he is getting my documents mailed back to me and I will receive info about my ceremony soon! Merry Christmas to me! :)
Hi @hlassell - were you under the Romein option (double descent) or was your mother born in the UK? There aren't many Canadians on this thread. Thank you!
I’m so sorry I haven’t been back here for a looooooong time. My mother is from Glasgow so I got my citizenship via descent.

Bodil
Newly Registered
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Aug 08, 2020 8:38 pm
Australia

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Bodil » Sat Aug 08, 2020 9:01 pm

Jeda wrote:
Tue Jun 09, 2020 2:45 am
Hi Everyone

I'm in Australia

Has anyone recently submitted their UKM application during the Covid crisis? Just wondering if there are huge delays or are things still flowing along? I want to submit my application but concerned I could wait a year to get my passport and other documents back from them.

My application is simple - Mother UK born and still UK citizen and I've had Right of Abode and lived in UK.

Thanks guys
Hi Jeda

Unfortunately I suspect you could be waiting a year or more. I am in the same situation as you. UK Mom who is still citizen. All original documents sent. Even the 2 referees are UK citizens. Sent documents early January so a few months before Covid-19 hit. I received an e-mail about 3-4 weeks ago saying that there are now longer delays because of Covid-19 and that they would be processing it "soon". A colleague told me she saw an online article saying there was backlog of over a million applications to Visa's and Immigration (not just UKM of course). Been nearly seven months. Am not holding my breath. I suspect the problem was made worse by Boris being elected on a promise to push through Brexit so lot of nervous EU residents have applied for residency just to be safe.

Dave

Jeda
Newbie
Posts: 40
Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 12:05 pm

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Jeda » Sat Aug 08, 2020 11:52 pm

Thanks for your response Dave.

I suspected this was going to be the case. I'm also presuming that I won't hear anything about my application until next year. When you do hear anything further, would you mind posting in the forum please. I hope your application goes smoothly, even if it is slow.

Jeda

Jeda
Newbie
Posts: 40
Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 12:05 pm

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Jeda » Thu Aug 27, 2020 1:20 pm

Hi Dave

I've just got my biometrics appointment letter. How long ago did you receive yours?

Hope you had further progression in your application.

Cheers
Jeda

Ballet
Junior Member
Posts: 70
Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2019 5:08 am
South Africa

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Ballet » Tue Sep 01, 2020 5:40 pm

A friend is going through the application process now. Submission was during lockdown and so far timelines are on track with the biometric request having come through right on time.

Jeda
Newbie
Posts: 40
Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 12:05 pm

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Jeda » Tue Sep 01, 2020 9:12 pm

Hi Ballet
Good to hear that your friend's biometrics are on time. Mine too, so it seems (so far) that it's business as usual with regards to timelines.
Cheers
Jeda

Deonv
Newly Registered
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:28 pm
South Africa

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Deonv » Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:50 pm

tips wrote:
Wed Aug 15, 2018 5:07 pm
I am curious, I saw an application via the UKM form on here for a mother that was NOT a British Citizen and wondered if it was acceptable? The situation was Mother born to a British Citizen mother (Applicants grandmother) born in the UK but FATHER not born in the UK. So its a double descent but I can only assume as citizenship could not pass from the Mother to the child that it is assumed they are a British Citizen by descent and then the Roemin case applies? so to clarify my mess above :roll:

Applicant Born in South Africa
Applicants Mother born in South Africa before 1949 to British Mother and South African Father
Mother deceased and NEVER applied or registered as British Citizen as citizenship could never be attained from Mother.
Applicant applies on Romein case (Double descent) but it is just Assumed Mother to be British by descent as she could not have registered/applied?

Any help appreciated?
Did you ever get an answer to your question? I am in the exact same situation and would like some information as well!

MickByNameAndNature
Junior Member
Posts: 67
Joined: Mon May 01, 2017 1:52 am
Mood:

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by MickByNameAndNature » Fri Sep 11, 2020 11:37 pm

Jeda wrote:
Thu Aug 27, 2020 1:20 pm
I've just got my biometrics appointment letter. How long ago did you receive yours?
Hi Jeda,

When did you submit your application? I saw you post on June 8 that you wanted to but were worried about the timeline.

I submitted online from US on July 9 and my documents were received in Liverpool on July 24.

Just wondering what I should expect next and how long it might take.

Thanks,

Mick

Jeda
Newbie
Posts: 40
Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 12:05 pm

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Jeda » Sun Sep 13, 2020 4:14 am

Hi Mick

Sorry for the delay in my response to your questions. My timeline is below and it seems it's roughly on time as per pre covid applications. In fact, when I went for the Biometrics, they said they were receiving only half the amount of people coming in for visas and biometrics. It seems many aren't bothering to apply as before. So, hopefully this goes in our favour time wise.

So, you're about a month behind me. I'm guessing you are applying via UKM due to your mother being born in the UK and she has retained her British citizenship.

You should hear something in the next few weeks. They just email you a letter asking you to book your biometric appointment. At this stage, they have not really looked at your application, they are just asking you to take the next step. At your appointment, they will take your fingerprints and take your photo and ask you to do your signature. It doesn't take long. They immediately send your biometrics to the Home Office. This is where we could face months to hear a decision. We may hear before Xmas but then we may not. We can't travel anywhere at the moment (at least we can't in Australia) so I'm not in a rush.

If you are advised your application is successful, you will then be asked to book your Citizenship Ceremony at the closest British Consulate to where you live. You will be asked to either take an oath or affirmation to QE2, sing God Save the Queen and have a cup of tea afterwards. Once you have your certificate of British Citzenship you can then proceed to apply for your first British Passport. Thankfully, they are now back to being blue.

Let me know when you hear more from the Home Office. It's nice to hear we're not alone in this process.
All the best, Jeda

Eligibility Criteria: UKM

Nationality: Australia

Applying from: Australia

Method of application: Online with documents sent via DHL

Payment method: Credit card

Date of application: 15/06/2020

Date funds withdrawn: 15/06/2020

Date of UKVI acknowledgement email: 16/06/2020

Date documents sent: DHL 16/06/2020

Date of receipt by UKVI: (confirmation from DHL): 19/06/2020

Date of letter requesting biometrics:(10 weeks and 2 days from receipt of documents): 27/08/2020.

Biometrics appointment: 8 Sept 2020

MickByNameAndNature
Junior Member
Posts: 67
Joined: Mon May 01, 2017 1:52 am
Mood:

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by MickByNameAndNature » Sun Sep 13, 2020 3:33 pm

Jeda wrote:
Sun Sep 13, 2020 4:14 am
So, you're about a month behind me. I'm guessing you are applying via UKM due to your mother being born in the UK and she has retained her British citizenship.

You should hear something in the next few weeks. They just email you a letter asking you to book your biometric appointment.
That is all good to know, thanks. Yes, mother was born in UK and has never had any other citizenship.

I do wish they had a system where once the documents are received, they would verify them and return them, even if the rest of your application is not being considered yet at that point.

Below is my timeline to date:

Eligibility Criteria: UKM

Nationality: USA, Ireland

Applying from: USA

Method of application: Online with documents sent via post

Payment method: Credit card

Date of application: 09/07/2020

Date funds withdrawn: 09/07/2020

Date of UKVI acknowledgement email: 09/07/2020

Date documents sent: 13/7/2020

Date of receipt by UKVI (per tracking): 24/7/2020

Jeda
Newbie
Posts: 40
Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 12:05 pm

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Jeda » Sun Sep 13, 2020 10:10 pm

Hi Mick
Yes I agree - verify docs and send them back but they clearly like to hold onto them.
Let me know when you receive your biometrics letter.
Cheers
Jeda

MickByNameAndNature
Junior Member
Posts: 67
Joined: Mon May 01, 2017 1:52 am
Mood:

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by MickByNameAndNature » Mon Sep 14, 2020 2:40 pm

Jeda wrote:
Sun Sep 13, 2020 10:10 pm
Let me know when you receive your biometrics letter.
Received biometrics letter today. Updated timeline:

Eligibility Criteria: UKM
Nationality: USA, Ireland
Applying from: USA
Method of application: Online with documents sent via post
Payment method: Credit card
Date of application: 09/07/2020
Date funds withdrawn: 09/07/2020
Date of UKVI acknowledgement email: 09/07/2020
Date documents sent: 09/07/2020
Date of receipt by UKVI (per tracking): 24/7/2020
Biometrics Requested: 14/9/2020

Responding to the biometrics letter requesting appointment today.

-- Mick

Post Reply
cron