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UKM application experience and timeline

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

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

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BostonBrit
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by BostonBrit » Sat Apr 10, 2021 2:59 pm

cobra2 wrote:
Sat Apr 10, 2021 2:11 pm
I just got my email for biometrics appointment! Man, I was starting to stress and really think they lost my shit, so I feel very relieved now. So that took 62 days to get a response. My biometrics appointment is on Tuesday April 13th. I will submit a detailed timeline of my process later. And my email did not come from that new email address BostonBrit got, mine just came from UKVIEnrolmentInformationUSA.

But did anyone else get an additional letter? It basically is saying that some ASC locations have been refusing the biometric enrollment letter because there is a new letter for Visa applicants, but not for naturalisation, and to not turn us away because this old letter is indeed valid. Did anyone else receive this letter? Were there any issues at your biometric appointment?
Excellent news, cobra2, we are one day apart for biometrics!

So this additional letter is news to me. Is it possible you could share it, anonymizing any personal details? :?:

One more twist in the puzzle, hopefully not a problem, though.

MickByNameAndNature
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by MickByNameAndNature » Sat Apr 10, 2021 3:50 pm

When I had my appointment, the person up front checking people in didn't know the difference between visa and naturalization. The person actually doing the biometrics knew there was a difference, though. They have to log into a completely different system for naturalizations than they do for a visa when processing it.

Hopefully you won't have any issues.

BostonBrit
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by BostonBrit » Sat Apr 10, 2021 4:00 pm

MickByNameAndNature wrote:
Sat Apr 10, 2021 3:50 pm
When I had my appointment, the person up front checking people in didn't know the difference between visa and naturalization. The person actually doing the biometrics knew there was a difference, though. They have to log into a completely different system for naturalizations than they do for a visa when processing it.

Hopefully you won't have any issues.
Thanks for those details, MickByNameAndNature - knowing there is a difference might help things along, you never know who might be there on a particular day.

Sad news yesterday about Prince Philip. Surely he will be dearly missed by the Queen and royal family. :(

cnhartford
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by cnhartford » Sat Apr 10, 2021 4:59 pm

Thanks for the updates, BostonBrit and cobra2! Still waiting for an appointment but given how closely our timelines overlap, I'm optimistic I'll see something next week.

cobra2
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by cobra2 » Sat Apr 10, 2021 8:24 pm

BostonBrit wrote:
Sat Apr 10, 2021 2:59 pm
Excellent news, cobra2, we are one day apart for biometrics!

So this additional letter is news to me. Is it possible you could share it, anonymizing any personal details? :?:

One more twist in the puzzle, hopefully not a problem, though.
Here is the exact letter
Dear Sirs,
It has come to our attention that the ASC locations have been refusing the attached
biometric enrolment letters due to UK Visa applicants having a new biometric letter. As this
is correct for Visas applications It has been agreed that Naturalisation applicants enrolling
their biometric in the US can proceed with using the previous biometric letter as the barcode
will still obtain all the relevant information.

If you have any further questions regarding this can you, please contact me at,
nationalityexceptionstechnical@homeoffice.gov.uk

For further confirmation on the matter before turning any applicants away.
Thank you for your co-operation on this matter.
I wonder if they have had issues with my location turning people away which is why I got this additional letter. My ASC probably doesn't get a whole of of UK naturalisation applicants since it is not in a huge major city.

Bramblesmum
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Bramblesmum » Mon Apr 12, 2021 12:25 pm

Hi All
I'm stuck! I've applied for my British passport (through my mother) - and have received my biometric enrolment letter from MMST FCT Callnotes <MMSTFCTCallnotes@homeoffice.gov.uk>
BUT the attachment seems to be corrupted, and I can't open it! I have emailed requesting they resend it, but still waiting. Could anyone share any light on what the letter would contain (ie. what are my next steps)? Perhaps I can just take the next steps! Alternately, anyone know who I should speak to to get it resent?
Thanks so much!

BostonBrit
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by BostonBrit » Mon Apr 12, 2021 5:01 pm

Bramblesmum wrote:
Mon Apr 12, 2021 12:25 pm
Hi All
I'm stuck! I've applied for my British passport (through my mother) - and have received my biometric enrolment letter from MMST FCT Callnotes <MMSTFCTCallnotes@homeoffice.gov.uk>
BUT the attachment seems to be corrupted, and I can't open it! I have emailed requesting they resend it, but still waiting. Could anyone share any light on what the letter would contain (ie. what are my next steps)? Perhaps I can just take the next steps! Alternately, anyone know who I should speak to to get it resent?
Thanks so much!
Oh gosh, Bramblesmum! How stressful! First, what makes you believe the files is corrupted? That is, what errors are you seeing? Assuming that you have not tried the easy methods, this is what I would do: Save the file to your hard drive and open it from there, not on your phone or other device. Confirm that there is a .pdf extension, and if not simply append the file name to add ".pdf". Next try opening with a browser, MS Word, etc. If none of these works, email back to the sender immediately! My appointment was only 2 business days / 4 calendar days out from receipt of the email. Best of luck, Bramblesmum!

I just completed my biometrics appointment this morning. I can share with you what's in the letter and how it went, however you will need a printout of that letter because they ask for it at the biometrics appointment (USCIS Application Support Center in my case) - the letter has a barcode that they scan. Here is the text content of the letter:
British Citizenship
Appointment Confirmation

Appointment Location:
USCIS Application Support Centre
USCIS BOSTON
7F Everett Street
02151

Appointment Date and Time:
Monday – 12th April – 10:00

Your Appointment:
When attending your appointment you must take with you a print out of your appointment confirmation and original copies of identity documents (unless otherwise agreed with UK Visas & Immigration).

Your application will not be accepted at any other appointment location. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Please be aware if you arrive any earlier, you may not be admitted to the application centre until your allocated appointment time. If you arrive after your scheduled appointment time, you may be asked to re-book a future appointment.

Name: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Nationality: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date of Birth: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Passport Number: xxxxxxxxxxx
GWF Number: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I had shaved off my beard to match the photos I had mailed in with my application, per MickByNameAndNature's advice :lol: I arrived at 9:30am and the queue had already begun forming outside the door due to Covid-19 limits inside the building. I joined the queue outside at 9:45 and was admitted by in around 10:10am. The staff was very efficient, nice, and helpful. They took my letter, quickly found my appointment made by UKVI in their logs and checked me in. I had to wait briefly, then was called to take my biometrics which included photograph, signature, and fingerprints of all fingers of both hands - all electronically recorded. They stamped by appointment confirmation letter and I asked what I should do with it, but said since everything is electronically recorded there was nothing for me to do. I was done and out the door by 10:30.

So looking at others' timelines, it appears another wait of unknown duration ensues - 2-5 months perhaps? I'm guessing that there is nothing for me to do but wait. At least I held onto my US passport :)

<<<<< Note that I had sent a full color copy (not original) of my current US passport, together with my most recently expired original US passport. My current US passport number was referenced in my application. I explained in my application cover letter that I could not be without my current US passport for the anticipated extended approval process due to likely work-required travel. I saw that sunburn and others had tried this strategy and it had worked for some, so I figured it was worth a shot. Anyway, it's interesting to note that the passport number UKVI included on my biometrics appointment confirmation was that of my expired passport. The USCIS Application Support Center noticed the passport number discrepancy and asked me about it, so I explained, confirming that my current, valid passport number was to be referenced. They were fine with that and apparently noted the correct number in the their system.>>>>>>

cnhartford
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by cnhartford » Tue Apr 13, 2021 6:47 am

Pleased to report that I've received my biometrics appointment!

My timeline to date:

Date of application: 11/11/2020
Date funds withdrawn: 11/11/2020
Date of UKVI acknowledgement email: 12/11/2020
Date documents sent: 13/11/2020
Date of receipt by UKVI (per tracking): 26/11/2020
Biometrics Requested: 15/02/2021
Email sent to HO requesting biometrics appointment: 15/02/2021
Follow up email sent to HO regarding biometrics appt: 19/03/2021
Biometrics appointment received: 12/04/2021
Biometrics appointment date: 16/04/2021

cobra2
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by cobra2 » Tue Apr 13, 2021 4:56 pm

Congrats cnhartford. I got an email today just saying that my application would not be completed within the 6 month timeframe, which I kind of assumed since my 6 months is like in 3 weeks. I am just happy things seem to be moving finally. Going to my biometrics appointment a little later today.

neoscarecrue
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by neoscarecrue » Tue Apr 20, 2021 9:47 pm

Anyone who is far along on the UKM application trail....When did you finally receive your home country passport back after completing biometrics? I've been without my passport since 12/12/2019 (pre-COVID).

My timeline to date:

Date of application: 12/05/2019
Date funds withdrawn: 12/10/2019
Date of UKVI acknowledgement email: 12/11/2019
Date documents sent: 12/12/2019
Biometric first schedule for 10/02/2020 (long wait....due to COVID of course)
Finally completed Biometrics 04/02/2021 due to USCIS inability to accept my paperwork due to old style barcode.

MickByNameAndNature
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by MickByNameAndNature » Tue Apr 20, 2021 11:06 pm

neoscarecrue wrote:
Tue Apr 20, 2021 9:47 pm
Anyone who is far along on the UKM application trail....When did you finally receive your home country passport back after completing biometrics? I've been without my passport since 12/12/2019 (pre-COVID).
I had another 3 months after the biometrics before I was notified of approval. Now I am 8 weeks into waiting since approval for notice that the certificate has been despatched so they can schedule the ceremony.

neoscarecrue
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by neoscarecrue » Sat Apr 24, 2021 7:08 pm

MickByNameAndNature wrote:
Tue Apr 20, 2021 11:06 pm
neoscarecrue wrote:
Tue Apr 20, 2021 9:47 pm
Anyone who is far along on the UKM application trail....When did you finally receive your home country passport back after completing biometrics? I've been without my passport since 12/12/2019 (pre-COVID).
I had another 3 months after the biometrics before I was notified of approval. Now I am 8 weeks into waiting since approval for notice that the certificate has been despatched so they can schedule the ceremony.
Thanks for the reply MickByNameAndNature. Hopefully this process moves along a little faster now that the pandemic is lessening around the world.

Jeda
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Jeda » Sat Apr 24, 2021 9:39 pm

Hi
I sent my application in June 2020, approved early Feb this year. Passport sent back to me by DHL mid Feb. Now waiting for the ceremony invite which I don't expect to get before June. Such a long process but all good things come to those who wait.

harmdd
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by harmdd » Wed May 05, 2021 10:37 pm

Update on my status, finally got biometrics appointment email notice today. Took about a just over 7 weeks.

Eligibility criteria: UKM
Nationality: United States
Applying from: United States
Method of application: Online

Date of application: 1/9/2021
Date of acknowledgement by UKVI (by email): 1/11/2021
Date of receipt by UKVI (confirmed by postal service): 1/25/2021
Date of email requesting biometrics and date of my reply with availability: 3/15/2021
Date of email from UKVI with biometrics appointment: 5/5/2021
Biometrics scheduled: 5/17/2021

Date of approval: TBD
Notification of Documents being returned: TBD

So I'm hopeful that I'm about 3 months or less to approval per other folks experience. :D

DougScotland
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by DougScotland » Wed May 12, 2021 12:53 pm

Hi I just sent my UKM application and all the original documents along with my current U.S. passport. If your required to have your passport at the bio metric appointment I assume UKVI know that and returns you documents prior to scheduling your biometrics. I’m only a couple of days into the application process and already getting nervous!

cobra2
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by cobra2 » Thu May 13, 2021 12:00 am

DougScotland wrote:
Wed May 12, 2021 12:53 pm
Hi I just sent my UKM application and all the original documents along with my current U.S. passport. If your required to have your passport at the bio metric appointment I assume UKVI know that and returns you documents prior to scheduling your biometrics. I’m only a couple of days into the application process and already getting nervous!
Hi Doug, you don't actually need your passport for the biometrics, and you definitely won't have it back before the biometrics as you have to finish your biometrics before they approve or deny your application. I sent all my docs before I found this forum unfortunately, but it seems you can take color copies of each page of your passport and send that instead of your actual passport. I sent my documents including actual passport back in November, did my biometrics about a month ago and still haven't heard anything or received my docs back. But you just got to trust in the process and wait.

harmda
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by harmda » Mon May 17, 2021 6:41 pm

A question for those farther in the process, I had my biometrics appointment and there was a lot of confusion at the USICS application support center over the "old barcode" for Citizenship vs. new format for UK Visa. They had to consult 2 supervisors even though I had the letter the Home Office sent to advise them not to turn away applicants with the old barcode. I also didnt have my passport, since the UK has it, so I had a drivers license, Global Entry card and even a certified birth certificate in case I encountered issues. They were hesitant to accept it as ID but eventually did.

That said, after the biometrics, they handed me a form from UK Visa & Immigration with a QR code to scan that takes me to a webpage to "submit my application" along with the stamped biometric receipt from the Application Services Center. I presume this is for UK Visas, and not citizenship applications? Do I have to do anything to notify the home office that my biometrics are taken? Thank you.

MickByNameAndNature
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by MickByNameAndNature » Mon May 17, 2021 6:53 pm

harmda wrote:
Mon May 17, 2021 6:41 pm
I presume this is for UK Visas, and not citizenship applications? Do I have to do anything to notify the home office that my biometrics are taken? Thank you.
You presume correctly. The home office is notified automatically and you don't have to do anything now except to wait.

harmda
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by harmda » Mon May 17, 2021 7:20 pm

MickByNameAndNature wrote:
Mon May 17, 2021 6:53 pm
harmda wrote:
Mon May 17, 2021 6:41 pm
I presume this is for UK Visas, and not citizenship applications? Do I have to do anything to notify the home office that my biometrics are taken? Thank you.
You presume correctly. The home office is notified automatically and you don't have to do anything now except to wait.
Awesome Mick... thank you for the reassurance! The folks checking me in and biometrics didnt seem to know what to make of the "old barcode". They asked me several times "You dont have more paperwork?" The 2nd supervisor came out and assured them to scan it and just take the biometrics. I'm glad this part is done.

DougScotland
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by DougScotland » Wed May 19, 2021 1:19 pm

cobra2 wrote:
Thu May 13, 2021 12:00 am
DougScotland wrote:
Wed May 12, 2021 12:53 pm
Hi I just sent my UKM application and all the original documents along with my current U.S. passport. If your required to have your passport at the bio metric appointment I assume UKVI know that and returns you documents prior to scheduling your biometrics. I’m only a couple of days into the application process and already getting nervous!
Hi Doug, you don't actually need your passport for the biometrics, and you definitely won't have it back before the biometrics as you have to finish your biometrics before they approve or deny your application. I sent all my docs before I found this forum unfortunately, but it seems you can take color copies of each page of your passport and send that instead of your actual passport. I sent my documents including actual passport back in November, did my biometrics about a month ago and still haven't heard anything or received my docs back. But you just got to trust in the process and wait.
Hi Cobra, thank you for your response. I actually called UKVI to ask about copies of my passport and they advised I was taking a chance of being refused depending on who the examiner was a what they decided. I sent a fed ex prepaid label and parcel pack asked very nicely on my cover letter for my passport to be returned when it was convenient. I’m stressed not having my passport. I’m debating on just going to get a new U.S. passport.

Jeda
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Jeda » Wed May 19, 2021 2:02 pm

Hi Doug - your passport will be safe. It's does take awhile for them to send it back to you. Mine took 8 months to come back. They had my mum's UK passport too and all relevant original docs. All arrived back by DHL courier. Just waiting for the ceremony invite. I've been waiting for that since Feb.

Jeda
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United Kingdom

Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Jeda » Thu May 20, 2021 8:39 am

Today I received my invitation to the ceremony! Letter came from British Consulate in Australia. So, after a year exactly of starting this process, I will finally be able to apply for my British passport.
Ceremony in about 3 weeks!

MickByNameAndNature
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by MickByNameAndNature » Thu May 20, 2021 1:01 pm

Congratulations Jeda!

Hopefully other countries will start following. I've been waiting for the invitation since February also so maybe mine will come soon.

Jeda
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by Jeda » Thu May 20, 2021 1:05 pm

MickByNameAndNature wrote:
Thu May 20, 2021 1:01 pm
Congratulations Jeda!

Hopefully other countries will start following. I've been waiting for the invitation since February also so maybe mine will come soon.
Yes I actually thought about you when I received my notification as you're on the same timescale as me. Which country are you in? Hope you get your invite very soon!

MickByNameAndNature
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Re: UKM application experience and timeline

Post by MickByNameAndNature » Thu May 20, 2021 1:14 pm

Jeda wrote:
Thu May 20, 2021 1:05 pm
Yes I actually thought about you when I received my notification as you're on the same timescale as me. Which country are you in? Hope you get your invite very soon!
I'm in the US.

Did the invite come by post or by email?

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