British passport application

Hello all, I'm a newbie here and this is my first post.

I recently got my naturalisation application approved and will be going for the citizenship ceremony soon. I intend to apply for a British passport soon after that.

For those who have already done this, can you tell me if the ILR stamp is cancelled when you submitted your original (the passport which you entered the country on) passport?

Many thanks.

No, the ILR stamp or sticker in your existing passport is not marked in any way. However at your Citizenship Ceremony you will be handed a folder and one of the documents in that makes it clear that the ILR :-

.... no longer applies to you.

You are invited to apply for a Right of Abode sticker in your non-British passport if you feel the need.

I went thru my citizenship ceremony last week and got my citizenship certificate. And noticed something that might create a problem in the short term.

It says that the ILR becomes invalid as soon as you get citizenship - that implies that you need either a British Passport (2-3 weeks) or a Right to Abode stamp on your current passport to re-enter the UK. I have a business trip next week and dont have the time to get either of those.

Has anyone had any issues coming in with their old ILR stamp after getting citizenship? Have been told that it might be ok to carry the naturalisation certificate along and to present it to Immigration when I get back.

v2r1

A friend of mine got naturalised and then left a few days later on a two month trip on her foreign passport. She got back in with her ILR without problem.

The right of Abode sticker takes almost 4 months to get in the UK for a fee of £20. Not very practical in your immediate case. You could get the ROA at a British Consulate or High Commission abroad (with your naturalisation certificate) but the fee is about £150!

You could take the naturalisation certificate for presentation when you return, but I think the risk of losing it is worse than the benefit it would provide. After all, if they have anything on their computer system, it will be that you naturalised. How could they then refuse you entry? If they ask, just explain that you have not had time to get your British Passport.

Joseph

Thanks.

I will take the original naturalisation certificate with me so that I can show it if asked. Am willing to take the risk of losing it during the trip.

v2r1

v2r1

You're quite welcome. Please let us know how it goes when you return to the UK. I would be interested to know if they let you into the UK with your existing ILR or if they ask you questions, requiring you to produce your naturalisation certificate.

Regards
Joseph