Help Needed: Delay in Naturalisation Application Processing

Hi everyone,

I am seeking advice regarding my pending naturalisation application with UKVI, which has been pending since August 2023. I recently received my Subject Access Request (SAR) records, and I am concerned about some notes included in the document. Specifically, the notes mention that a "further action update is overdue" and that my case is labeled as a "legacy case being processed on an external system."

To provide more context, I have gone through the process of emailing Further Nationality Enquiries twice and followed the complaints process by emailing complaints@homeoffice.gov.uk. Unfortunately, all responses have been standard replies stating that my application is still undergoing checks.

Given the continued delays, I applied for the SAR from UKVI for more detailed information. Additionally, I have recently involved my Member of Parliament (MP) after the elections, and she has emailed UKVI on my behalf. We are still waiting for a reply from them.

Can anyone explain what these terms mean and how they might affect the processing time of my application? Additionally, what steps can I take to address these issues and potentially expedite my application?

Any insights or advice from those who have experienced similar situations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.

There are plenty of these type of posts here, unfortunately. As there’s no legally defined performance target you can only go through the steps we know can be taken, plus wait.
The terms they use can’t readily be explained. There is a suspicion that it’s really they are behind in processing. Simple as that…. Once approvals are issued they never explain why it took so long. And long delays don’t necessarily suggest there’s a problem with the application.

Still waiting from last year as well. As far as I observed in my SAR, "legacy case being processed on an external system." doesn't really mean anything related to the progress. Did it mention what type of further action? and you would be able to see the case stage as well.

Thank you for your response guys. Your input is much appreciated.

As for the application status it says: Application, In Consideration. dated 4th Feb 2024.
Regarding the further action notes it just shows: Last event: Further action update overdue.
And the most recent activity on my application is listed on 9th may 2024 as:( Service delivery status: Legacy case being processed on external system )

You are well within your rights to raise a complaint. There is a guide in this thread outlining how to follow up on late applications - you have taken a few of these steps already. viewtopic.php?f=42&t=343483&sid=e6a2d17 ... be2eb25e18

contorted_svy wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 19, 2024 10:56 am

You are well within your rights to raise a complaint. There is a guide in this thread outlining how to follow up on late applications - you have taken a few of these steps already. viewtopic.php?f=42&t=343483&sid=e6a2d17 ... be2eb25e18

@ contorted_svy. Thank you for this information.
I have emailed the Further Nationality Enquiries team twice regarding my application.I followed the complaints process by emailing complaints@homeoffice.gov.uk, but the responses have been standard and unhelpful.
Review Request: I also requested a review of my case, but this has not yielded any new information.Given the lack of progress, I plan to follow up with the Independent Case Examiner (ICE) for further escalation. Additionally, my MP has been involved and has contacted UKVI on my behalf; I am currently waiting for their response.

If you have received a review of your complaint you can escalate to the ICE. I hope they help.

contorted_svy wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 19, 2024 12:00 pm

If you have received a review of your complaint you can escalate to the ICE. I hope they help.

I emailed the home secretary, not sure if she will respond to my request as I'm not a constituent of her.

You emailed her as Home Secretary, not as your MP - when people emailed the previous minister for immigration, he would respond or delegate to one in his team even though he wasn't MP for that person's constituency.

Thank you for the information.

I am in a somewhat similar boat.

I am a NON-EU citizen married to an EU citizen - I applied in June 2023, one year after receiving settled status (equivalent to ILR).

I have emailed FurtherNationality several times during the process and made 2 complaints all with generic responses.

During the waiting period, my wife applied for divorce and I have moved to a different address.
The divorce is still in process .

I didn't update UKVI on the divorce/address change as they are not final. My previous address is a property we co-own, so I can still say that my address hasn't really changed.

I am not sure what other steps I need to take, I was considering updating the UKVI when the divorce is finalised but not sure what consequences that will have on the citizenship application.

The wait is surely stressful!

b44b5 wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 21, 2024 10:15 am

I am in a somewhat similar boat.

I am a NON-EU citizen married to an EU citizen - I applied in June 2023, one year after receiving settled status (equivalent to ILR).

I have emailed FurtherNationality several times during the process and made 2 complaints all with generic responses.

During the waiting period, my wife applied for divorce and I have moved to a different address.
The divorce is still in process .

I didn't update UKVI on the divorce/address change as they are not final. My previous address is a property we co-own, so I can still say that my address hasn't really changed.

I am not sure what other steps I need to take, I was considering updating the UKVI when the divorce is finalised but not sure what consequences that will have on the citizenship application.

The wait is surely stressful!

I doubt that an impending or finalised divorce has any impact on your application - it may be different if your wife was British and you are applying as spouse of a British citizen. Not the case here. You won't be judged on your marital arrangements or difficulties.
Have you been in touch with your MP? Whilst they can't compel the Home Office to take action on your case they are nevertheless putting on some pressure. Presumably you have seen this thread on the subject: viewtopic.php?f=42&t=343483 - giving some advice on late applications.
It's probably unlikely there are any issues with your application - my guess it's stuck somewhere for no good reason ....