New citizenship form UKF

Do certain countries take longer than others? What is the general timeline for Canada? I am hoping to apply in November. Also, does the ceremony have to be in the country of origin? I am hoping to come on holiday to the UK around the 4 month mark of my application (and I hope it may be done by then!).

Hello - First time poster here.
I am certain my son can apply for citizenship using the UKF process.
Im British by birth (as are my parents grandparents etc), I lived in South Africa and had a child there in 2000 but didn't marry my sons mother.
I returned to UK in 2002. My son is turning 18 in April and wants to live with me.
Personally I would prefer, ideally, to complete this UKF before he turns 18.

Questions:

In Johannesburg, will the TLSContact Centre assist with the application?
Can he go to the consulate in Pretoria?

Can my step-sister sign as referee? Different surname.

Will I need to send my fathers British birth certificate?

These are my initial questions. Could someone who understands this process, please help me with these answers?

Hi all,

I have just submitted my application (from the UK) and am eagerly awaiting a (hopeful) positive result!! I think I have a fairly straightforward application (my father is British - now a dual-Australian citizen - and wasn't married to my mother when I was born in 1990) so am hoping it will zip through - wishful thinking I know!

Just wandered if there was anyone who as applied from within the UK recently who could provide an update on an approximate timeline? Typically how long before you receive your documents back (I get very itchy feet when my passport is sent away!!)?

My timeline, so far, looks as follows:
23rd Oct 2017: Application posted from London-Liverpool
24th Oct 2017: Parcel signed for, Liverpool

Thank you in advance!
E

emily_au_jay wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 26, 2017 3:07 pm

Hi all,

I have just submitted my application (from the UK) and am eagerly awaiting a (hopeful) positive result!! I think I have a fairly straightforward application (my father is British - now a dual-Australian citizen - and wasn't married to my mother when I was born in 1990) so am hoping it will zip through - wishful thinking I know!

Just wandered if there was anyone who as applied from within the UK recently who could provide an update on an approximate timeline? Typically how long before you receive your documents back (I get very itchy feet when my passport is sent away!!)?

My timeline, so far, looks as follows:
23rd Oct 2017: Application posted from London-Liverpool
24th Oct 2017: Parcel signed for, Liverpool

Thank you in advance!
E

An update...
My timeline, so far, looks as follows:
23rd Oct 2017: Application posted from London-Liverpool
24th Oct 2017: Parcel signed for, Liverpool
2nd Nov 2017: ceremony fee taken


Is it a good sign that the fee has been taken? I haven't received confirmation that my application has been successful yet?

emily_au_jay wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 03, 2017 1:03 pm

An update...
My timeline, so far, looks as follows:
23rd Oct 2017: Application posted from London-Liverpool
24th Oct 2017: Parcel signed for, Liverpool
2nd Nov 2017: ceremony fee taken


Is it a good sign that the fee has been taken? I haven't received confirmation that my application has been successful yet?

No it means exactly what it is, the fee has been taken, and nothing more. These applications do take a couple of months, sometimes longer, before you will receive a letter of approval.

CR001 wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 03, 2017 1:17 pm

emily_au_jay wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 03, 2017 1:03 pm

An update...
My timeline, so far, looks as follows:
23rd Oct 2017: Application posted from London-Liverpool
24th Oct 2017: Parcel signed for, Liverpool
2nd Nov 2017: ceremony fee taken


Is it a good sign that the fee has been taken? I haven't received confirmation that my application has been successful yet?

No it means exactly what it is, the fee has been taken, and nothing more. These applications do take a couple of months, sometimes longer, before you will receive a letter of approval.

Thanks CR001. Perhaps in my excitement of seeing the fee taken out I didn't write as clearly as I should have. I am currently in the UK on a visa, so I know that immigration processes are timely and confusing and was never expecting it to take 2 weeks (I wish)!

Looking at other applicant's timelines though, it seems that the application had at least been acknowledged via an email before the fee had been taken. I've not had any communication from UKVI at all, so wondered if it had happened this way around to anyone else? I'm more worried about a possible timeline for when my documents might be returned, to be honest. Being passport-less while on a visa is mildly nerve-wrecking.

Thanks
E

emily_au_jay wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:13 am

CR001 wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 03, 2017 1:17 pm

emily_au_jay wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 03, 2017 1:03 pm

An update...
My timeline, so far, looks as follows:
23rd Oct 2017: Application posted from London-Liverpool
24th Oct 2017: Parcel signed for, Liverpool
2nd Nov 2017: ceremony fee taken


Is it a good sign that the fee has been taken? I haven't received confirmation that my application has been successful yet?

No it means exactly what it is, the fee has been taken, and nothing more. These applications do take a couple of months, sometimes longer, before you will receive a letter of approval.

Thanks CR001. Perhaps in my excitement of seeing the fee taken out I didn't write as clearly as I should have. I am currently in the UK on a visa, so I know that immigration processes are timely and confusing and was never expecting it to take 2 weeks (I wish)!

Looking at other applicant's timelines though, it seems that the application had at least been acknowledged via an email before the fee had been taken. I've not had any communication from UKVI at all, so wondered if it had happened this way around to anyone else? I'm more worried about a possible timeline for when my documents might be returned, to be honest. Being passport-less while on a visa is mildly nerve-wrecking.

Thanks
E

Your documents are usually only returned either just before or just after a decision/approval letter.

CR001 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:49 am

emily_au_jay wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:13 am

CR001 wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 03, 2017 1:17 pm

emily_au_jay wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 03, 2017 1:03 pm

An update...
My timeline, so far, looks as follows:
23rd Oct 2017: Application posted from London-Liverpool
24th Oct 2017: Parcel signed for, Liverpool
2nd Nov 2017: ceremony fee taken


Is it a good sign that the fee has been taken? I haven't received confirmation that my application has been successful yet?

No it means exactly what it is, the fee has been taken, and nothing more. These applications do take a couple of months, sometimes longer, before you will receive a letter of approval.

Thanks CR001. Perhaps in my excitement of seeing the fee taken out I didn't write as clearly as I should have. I am currently in the UK on a visa, so I know that immigration processes are timely and confusing and was never expecting it to take 2 weeks (I wish)!

Looking at other applicant's timelines though, it seems that the application had at least been acknowledged via an email before the fee had been taken. I've not had any communication from UKVI at all, so wondered if it had happened this way around to anyone else? I'm more worried about a possible timeline for when my documents might be returned, to be honest. Being passport-less while on a visa is mildly nerve-wrecking.

Thanks
E

Your documents are usually only returned either just before or just after a decision/approval letter.

Another update:
23rd Oct 2017: Application posted from London-Liverpool
24th Oct 2017: Parcel signed for, Liverpool
2nd Nov 2017: ceremony fee taken
10th Nov 2017: letter confirming that my application and documents have been received, letter inviting me to enrol my biometrics (letters dated 1st nov 2017)
11th Nov 2017: biometrics enrolled at local post office in London

Hello All,

Please I will like to make some inquiries regarding my application via the UKF route;

1. I misplaced my original birth certificate but I have a copy of it. I know I can only submit the original so I have requested for a sworn affidavit signed by the high court in my country (Nigeria) and I will use this to get a replacement birth certificate. Do you think i should still send the photocopy with my application and explain in a cover letter that I lost the original?

2. The copy of the birth certificate I have shows both my parents name but my mother registered her name using my father's last name even though they were never married. They did this because at the time of my birth it was quite controversial for two unmarried people to register a birth so she had to register me using my dad's last name? Will this be a problem and do I need to also explain this in my cover letter? My mum intends to get a letter from the court stating that she was never married to my father, she is still single and has never been married.

3. Finally can I request for my documents to be sent back after they have taken all the necessary information needed. the reason being that I need my passport back for personal reasons?

I intend to send my application in December.

I will appreciate some feedback and advice please.

Hey guys!

I sent my application in August, my timeline is

04/08/17 Received by Home Office - fee was processed
07/08/17 Email confirming application - fee was removed from my account
30/08/17 Biometrics enrolled at immigration NZ

I have heard nothing more so I'm hoping all is right with my application

Hey, Everyone

I applied back in August. Timeline is below

- Application Sent: 1 August 2017
- Application Received: 12 August 2017
- Ceremony Fee Taken: 14 August 2017
- Email Advising Application Received and Being Considered: 16 August 2017
- Letter requesting biometric enrolment: 26 August 2017, dated 14 August
- Biometric enrolment completed: 29 August 2017

Currently waiting........

FindingCassie wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 01, 2017 1:10 am

Hey, Everyone

I applied back in August. Timeline is below

- Application Sent: 1 August 2017
- Application Received: 12 August 2017
- Ceremony Fee Taken: 14 August 2017
- Email Advising Application Received and Being Considered: 16 August 2017
- Letter requesting biometric enrolment: 26 August 2017, dated 14 August
- Biometric enrolment completed: 29 August 2017

Currently waiting........

Hello there mate!

Any news regarding your application? our timeline is almost identical

Hello - there was an update on a Freedom of Information request for Form UKF. Information should definitely be taken with a grain of salt, but it's interesting none the less

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ ... ng-1069286

E

pinoy_possum wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 08, 2017 1:00 am

FindingCassie wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 01, 2017 1:10 am

Hey, Everyone

I applied back in August. Timeline is below

- Application Sent: 1 August 2017
- Application Received: 12 August 2017
- Ceremony Fee Taken: 14 August 2017
- Email Advising Application Received and Being Considered: 16 August 2017
- Letter requesting biometric enrolment: 26 August 2017, dated 14 August
- Biometric enrolment completed: 29 August 2017

Currently waiting........

Hello there mate!

Any news regarding your application? our timeline is almost identical

Heyo,

Yeah it was good to find someone with a similar timeline and being pretty close in location.

I'm still waiting hopefully any day now.

arj165 wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 21, 2017 6:49 am

Hey guys!

I sent my application in August, my timeline is

04/08/17 Received by Home Office - fee was processed
07/08/17 Email confirming application - fee was removed from my account
30/08/17 Biometrics enrolled at immigration NZ

I have heard nothing more so I'm hoping all is right with my application

Approval letter was received today (04/01/2018) dated 21/12/2017 now waiting on ceremony invitation letter

FindingCassie wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 21, 2017 10:02 am

pinoy_possum wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 08, 2017 1:00 am

FindingCassie wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 01, 2017 1:10 am

Hey, Everyone

I applied back in August. Timeline is below

- Application Sent: 1 August 2017
- Application Received: 12 August 2017
- Ceremony Fee Taken: 14 August 2017
- Email Advising Application Received and Being Considered: 16 August 2017
- Letter requesting biometric enrolment: 26 August 2017, dated 14 August
- Biometric enrolment completed: 29 August 2017

Currently waiting........

Hello there mate!

Any news regarding your application? our timeline is almost identical

Heyo,

Yeah it was good to find someone with a similar timeline and being pretty close in location.

I'm still waiting hopefully any day now.

Approval letter was received today (05/01/2018) dated 15/12/2017 now waiting on ceremony invitation letter

Congratulations FindingCassie and arj165! Happy days

I have another update:
23rd Oct 2017: Application posted from London-Liverpool
24th Oct 2017: Parcel signed for, Liverpool
2nd Nov 2017: ceremony fee taken
10th Nov 2017: letter confirming that my application and documents have been received, letter inviting me to enrol my biometrics (letters dated 1st nov 2017)
11th Nov 2017: biometrics enrolled at local post office in London

18th January 2018: Approval letter received (with documents), letter dated 16th January
22nd January 2018: Invitation to attend citizenship ceremony received dated 18th January

My ceremony is booked for the 21st February here in London. There was a date available on the 14th Feb too but I wanted to make sure that all my guests would be able to make it so opted for the later date. So happy that it's been approved (and that my passport is back safe with me )

Hi everyone

I just wanted to post my UKF timeline for information:

29 August 2017: Application posted from Sydney, AUS
4 September 2017: Signed for, Liverpool UK
8 September 2017: Ceremony fee taken, basic email acknowledging receipt of docs
9 September 2017: Official email from UKVI confirming application under consideration
16 September 2017: Biometric invitation email
19 September 2017: Biometrics done
16 October 2017: Early return of passport requested by email
2 November 2017: Passport mysteriously appears in the mail (with no response to email)
24 January 2018: Acceptance letter + remaining docs returned
5 February 2018: Email from the UK Embassy Canberra asking which consulate for ceremony (responded with Sydney same day)
10 February 2018: Email invitation from Sydney Consulate to ceremony on 28 February
28 February 2018: Ceremony completed - officially a dual citizen

Hope this timeline helps for everyone like me who spent the first 10 weeks after posting my application hoping the entire process would be completed with unusual lightning speed!

Hi guys,

Thought I'd reinvigorate this chat as I've submitted my UKF and now patiently waiting to see how long it will take.

My timeline so far is:

March 7: Post documents from Edinburgh-Liverpool
March 8: Received Documents at Liverpool
March 16: Ceremony Fee Taken
March 20: Email Confirmation of Application
March 23: Received letter confirming information received and asking to enrol in biometrics
March 26: Completed biometrics at the local Post Ofifice

By the sounds of it now is the long wait for the approval letter starts now. I've sent across what I think is all the documentation they need so fingers crossed it's only a 3-4 month wait from here. Hard not having a passport especially with all the good summer deals to Europe on at the moment!

kiwimover wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 26, 2018 9:35 am

Hi guys,

Thought I'd reinvigorate this chat as I've submitted my UKF and now patiently waiting to see how long it will take.

My timeline so far is:

March 7: Post documents from Edinburgh-Liverpool
March 8: Received Documents at Liverpool
March 16: Ceremony Fee Taken
March 20: Email Confirmation of Application
March 23: Received letter confirming information received and asking to enrol in biometrics
March 26: Completed biometrics at the local Post Ofifice

By the sounds of it now is the long wait for the approval letter starts now. I've sent across what I think is all the documentation they need so fingers crossed it's only a 3-4 month wait from here. Hard not having a passport especially with all the good summer deals to Europe on at the moment!

Just an update. Received my outcome letter saying i was successful on the 10th April (dated 6 April 2018)
Just await my invitation letter so I can book in my citizenship ceremony. Hopefully that arrives soon as in Edinburgh they do these ceremonies every two weeks.

Just glad my passport is back and I can book in a holiday or two!

kiwimover wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 12, 2018 11:27 am

Just an update. Received my outcome letter saying i was successful on the 10th April (dated 6 April 2018)
Just await my invitation letter so I can book in my citizenship ceremony. Hopefully that arrives soon as in Edinburgh they do these ceremonies every two weeks.

Just glad my passport is back and I can book in a holiday or two!

Wow thats so quick, Congrats!

Let me post timeline for my son's UKF application

07 March Application sent to Liverpool /UK from Durban/South Africa
13 March Application Delivered
27 March Email from UKVI with application acknowledgement

Now we waiting for Biometrics letter , he is a minor so no fee or ceremony necessary ( luckily)

will update as we have more developments

Hello everyone
I came to the UK from the USA as a tourist. I was granted 6 months stay at entry. I arrived on the 5th of March 2018 and was able to get all my supported documents and UKF application posted by March 8th. I sent my original passport and birth certificate along with my fathers birth certificate. Here is my time line:

Sent Royal Mail March 8th

Signed for March 9th

Fee deducted from account March 23rd

confirmation E-mail March 26th

Confirmation and Biometrics letter dated 23 March received March 29th

Biometrics completed March 29th

Second Biometrics letter with name correction dated April 3rd received April 12 2018

Biometrics completed April 13th 2018

Received letter of successful application dated April 25th and return of original passport and birth certificate on April 27th 2018

Awaiting ceremony invitation will keep you posted.

Hi folks,

Thought I would join in with my timeline and a few odd particulars with my application.

I had intended to send it off back in 2016 but thanks to life getting in the way I only managed to send it off a couple weeks ago; as such, my references, photographs etc. are dated to 2016, but I didn't date or sign the final page until I sent it. I'm hoping that doesn't cause an issue, but the more I think about it the more worried I become.

As well, although Dad's identity and nationality is listed on my original full form birth certificate which I sent in accompaniment-- in order to support my case for my relationship I also included two signed court orders in a lawsuit between Mum & Dad (remember I mentioned life getting in the way? Yeah.. ) These both mention my birth (my father's service getting my birth date incorrect, my mother's correcting it...) I sent these instead of his expired passport or birth certificate. I'm hoping those are strong enough, but I'm now pondering that perhaps they weaken my application.

Either way, my timeline is as follows:

2018-04-19 -> Application sent via Canada Post
2018-04-23 -> Ceremony fee charged to my credit card
-> Later that afternoon I receive an e-mail with a Case ID and a message that my application has been received and is being considered.

It's curious, the next step seems to be an enrollment of my biometrics but the nearest UK Visa Application Centre in a six hour drive away. It will be interesting to see how my application proceeds.

Has anybody on this thread have any contact details to any caseworkers who were working on their applications? i am not entirely sure i am allowed to ask for their contact details.

I am concerned about my sons application and just need them to confirm its being considered.

We have used my partner's UK address for correspondence but he hasn't been there for more than 4 weeks , he lives between UK and South Africa so worried we will miss actual letter asking for biometrics enrolment. i believe the letter states that applicant has 4 weeks to enrol the biometrics data, what happens if one missed the deadline? is the application then rejected?

Is there any way to request another copy to be sent via email?


thank you for advise

KasMac wrote: ↑

Wed May 02, 2018 10:45 am

Has anybody on this thread have any contact details to any caseworkers who were working on their applications? i am not entirely sure i am allowed to ask for their contact details.

Not permitted to post names and contact details of HO staff on the forum.