Archive » United Kingdom » Speedy naturalisation
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| antipodean Member Member # 2155 | Posted October 21, 2003 09:16 AM Further to previous messages expressing interest in the current processing time for naturalisation applications, I can happily report that the process seems to have sped up significantly. I sent my application Wed 24th Sept 2003 and received my certificate of naturalisation 15th October (3 weeks later). Oddly, they did send through a photocopied note saying that they were processing applications from Dec 2002 - obviously they have cleared their backlog. I can only assume this is in preparation for the new regime (citizenship classes, ceremonies, etc. much publicised recently). However, I now face a new problem. Apparently my ILR stamp in my NZ passport is no longer valid as I am now a British citizen. Therefore in order to re-enter the UK I really need to use a British passport. No problem you say, but I am due to travel to the States for business in two weeks! Luckily there is a fast-track system for UK passports, but I need to get moving. All this taken me by surprise. I certainly didn't anticipate traveling to the USA next month on a British passport. Good luck to anyone else applying now for naturalisation. A word of caution though - watch out that your old ILR becomes invalid as soon as you acquire British nationality. |
| Joseph01 Member Member # 7141 | Posted October 21, 2003 11:11 AM Antepodian, Congratulations! Especially since I know someone who is still in the queue since May. It would be helpful to know more about your particulars (i.e., with dependants, used solicitor, etc.) so we know why your case was so fast. Also, did they cancel your ILR on your passport (with a stamp) or did they tell you not to use it? In other words, what's to prevent you from using it on this next trip? BTW, I think you would be eligible now to get a Certificate of Entitlement for Right of Abode put into your NZ passport. This would cost £20 and take much longer than getting the British passport, but it might give you more flexibility in the future (e.g. when your British passport is tied when applying for foreign visas). Joseph |
| antipodean Member Member # 2155 | Posted October 21, 2003 12:20 PM Yes I'm very pleased that it was so quick. I guess my case was fairly straight forward: based on 4 yrs ancestry visa plus one year ILR. Fairly frequent, but rather short absences (5-10 days 3-4 times per year). No dependents. I did not use a solicitor except to certify the photocopies of my current passport (did this to avoid being without my passport). I didn't have to pay for this since the solicitor in question is my girlfriend They have not cancelled my ILR stamp (they didn't have my passport afterall). However, the notes issued with the naturalisation certificate make it clear that it is impossible for a British citizen to enter the UK on a foreign passport with ILR. That residency status is now no longer correct. Now, my bet is that the officer at Heathrow won't now I'm a British citizen unless I tell him, but it's probably not worth the risk. Hence I will use the fast-track system and get a UK passport this weekend (£70). As for the right of abode stamp. I may well get one when I return from the USA as it could be useful and isn't too expensive at £20. I believe subsequent right of abode stamps are issued in new passports for free so it'd be a once-in-a-lifetime charge. Practically it would be insurance if ever I lose my UK passport while travelling; I would be able to get home on the NZ passport (assuming I wasn't careless enough to lose both). |
| Kayalami Member Member # 5984 | Posted October 21, 2003 12:20 PM Antipodean, Many congratulations on your grant of British Citizenship. I am truly amazed at the speed at which the application has been processed. When did you get your oath letter and when did you have your oath? If my memory serves me correct you obtained ILR via marriage to a British Citizen. This shortens the residence period to 3 yrs, eliminates the need to prove intent to reside in the UK post BC grant (tricky to do so as the HO really scrutinise your absences from the UK even if within the prescribed limits thus extending processing times) and exempts you from the langauge tests. I understand the HO will start the new citizenship ceremonies for applications lodged from 1 Jan 2004. These applications will require everyone to prove their langauge ability (English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic) including spouses of BC's. Yes your ILR stamp is technically no longer valid although from a legal point the HO have to make this categorically clear to you in writing. Apart from getting a new British Passport (the recommended route) there is another way to re-enter the UK. As a NZ citizen you can travel to the US visa free under the Visa Waiver problem for business or travel purposes. Unlike the US where your GC is taken off you once you get US citizenship the HO do not invalidate/ cross out your ILR stamp. When departing from the US the airline needs to make sure you will be admitted to the UK or they get fined - they will see the ILR stamp in your NZ ppt. Even where there is no ILR stamp they won't have any issues since you are a Non Visa National. You should carry your naturalisation cetificate and on your UK entry present it with your NZ ppt to an Immigration Officer at the EU/EEA desk explaining your position. They will probably mutter something along the lines of get a British Passport or Right of Abode stamp. In the long term you may wish to get a ROA stamp in your NZ ppt (INMHO the ROA fee and lengthy processing times makes a BP more attractive especially as only the UK recognises a ROA stamp) or carry two ppts if need be e.g. for easier entry to NZ/Oz. [ October 21, 2003: Message edited by: Kayalami ] -------------------- ---audi alteram partem--- |
| antipodean Member Member # 2155 | Posted October 21, 2003 12:51 PM Kayalami, as mentioned above, I obtained naturalisation through ancestry and ILR, not marriage. I thought my case might be more complicated by periods of not paying tax while I was a student (3 yrs), but obviously not. I think I have been very lucky. I'm sure you're right that I probably could get back into the UK using my NZ passport plus naturalisation certificate, but might be better to just get on and obtain a UK passport. I may perhaps get a right of abode stamp in NZ when I next visit there as the British High Commission is likely to handle the request more quickly than our friends in Croydon. As both UK and NZ are fine with dual nationality I think two passports essentially gives me the best of both worlds. However, I have heard that it's better to leave and enter any third country on the same passport otherwise they may wonder how you got in without a visa (eg get US visa waiver on NZ passport and leave US on British passport would probably cause trouble). |
| antipodean Member Member # 2155 | Posted October 21, 2003 01:40 PM Just noticed your Oath question. Didn't have to do one as Her Majesty The Queen is head of State of NZ. |
| Cosmopol Member Member # 7165 | Posted October 21, 2003 03:59 PM quote: This shouldn't be a problem, as many countries require that, despite any other options, their citizens enter the country strictly with that country's passport. Therefore, someone with dual US-UK citizenship, for example, must fly to the US on their American passport, and back on their UK one, i.e. in this clearer case, it's evident to me that airlines shouldn't really care how are you departing the country, as long as you are not violating your status or conditions of stay. I think even if the question comes up, it would be most seemly to answer that you are merely complying with the laws of the country you are flying into and declare yourself a British subject. Congratulations on such a speedy naturalization! Did you have to sign for the papers or they just arrived via regular mail? If you didn't sign, no one knows you got them before your trip (just a thought). |
| Joseph01 Member Member # 7141 | Posted October 21, 2003 04:28 PM Antipodean, Keep in mind that the ROA costs £20 and takes about 2.5 months in Liverpool, but it is VERY EXPENSIVE (about £110) when issued at a foreign diplomatic post. Joseph |
| antipodean Member Member # 2155 | Posted October 21, 2003 04:53 PM Cosmopol, papers came in regular post. Though offically I became a British citizen on the date of the certificate, not the date I opened the envelope to become aware of the fact (Schrodinger's cat?) Joseph01, thanks I just looked at the fee at the NZ high commission - much higher. Might apply for one at some stage in the UK just so I know I can always get back into the UK on my NZ passport. |
| kantaloobi Member Member # 1969 | Posted October 22, 2003 12:42 AM Hello, Congratulation for getting your citizenship. I have a feeling that there are some nationalities, where the HO makes a decision when they first check the papers. For the rest of us, they send us an acknowledgement letter. Because I got my acknowlegement letter around three weeks after I sent my application. I think the matter of re-entry to the UK is simpler than was mentioned. I know some friends who have dual nationality. They travel abroad to their native country with their native country's passport. When they come back to the UK, they only carry the letter of Naturalization, and the other passport. The immigration officer then stamps their foreign passport with "Indefinite Leave to Enter" stamp. From there on they can use either their British or foreign passport to come into the UK. [ October 22, 2003: Message edited by: kantaloobi ] |
| antipodean Member Member # 2155 | Posted October 22, 2003 09:10 AM You may be right you know. They definitely made the decision when they first checked the papers because they sent a letter with my original documents when they returned them saying they had seen them and would now continue to process my application. However my naturalisation certificate was issued that same day. From that I would take it they granted me citizenship the same day they opened the envelope containing my application. I hope this is not a nationality issue (why should New Zealanders get preferential treatment?) Probably mostly luck (workload of caseworker, etc). Could be that it's quicker when you're single, or perhaps just my polite covering letter? In any case, good luck to anyone else attempting to get citizenship. Rest assured it can be done quickly. Many thanks to the people on this board. I have lurked here for quite a while and found the information very useful. |
| Bobblewait Member Member # 6527 | Posted October 23, 2003 12:22 PM Based on anecdotal evidence, for white people who are of English/Welsh/Scottish/N Irish origin, naturalization is given quicker than for 'undesirable' races. If you find that hard to believe, watch or read about the recent show "Secret Policeman" on UK TV to find out about racism in the UK administration. |
| antipodean Member Member # 2155 | Posted October 23, 2003 12:35 PM I do hope you are wrong, but admit that you may be correct. It is sad that racism exists anywhere. I have often felt that for a foreigner in the UK I have had it quite easy: same language, similar customs, etc. There have been many times when I have been taken as an Englishman the first time I've met people. I guess it would have been a harder challenge to emigrate to India, China or somewhere. As it happens I feel equally at home in Auckland or London. Back on topic, I would imagine there are many non-white people working for the Home Office, surely? |
| Bobblewait Member Member # 6527 | Posted October 24, 2003 10:38 AM There would be some I am sure. Far less likely is that any of them have much power. |
| Friend Member Member # 1084 | Posted October 25, 2003 12:05 PM For information,I applied on 16 september 2003 and got the letter and the oath form on 23 October 2003. |
| Bobblewait Member Member # 6527 | Posted October 27, 2003 08:59 AM Your ethnicity Friend, if you dont mind sharing? |
| epiphany121 Member Member # 7178 | Posted October 27, 2003 12:50 PM There were a couple more people on this board, working for Indian (very very presumably) IT companies who got their naturalisation certificates in less than 4 weeks of applying for it. This happened in the last couple of months. So from these pieces of anecdotal evidence that we have, its not just 'White' people who're getting their naturalisation very quickly. |
| Friend Member Member # 1084 | Posted October 28, 2003 08:07 PM Hi Bobblewait, Your ethnicity Friend, if you dont mind sharing? Ofcourse, I am an Indian and I work as a doctor in NHS. |
| Friend Member Member # 1084 | Posted October 28, 2003 08:08 PM Hi Bobblewait, Your ethnicity Friend, if you dont mind sharing? Ofcourse, I am an Indian and I work as a doctor in NHS. |
| Bobblewait Member Member # 6527 | Posted November 02, 2003 06:34 AM Congratulations on escaping from India ! |
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