HI guys. I have been waiting for more than 10 months on my naturalisation application (applied on July 15 2019). I am a refugee route and realise other refugees has been facing the same issue. I emailed HO this week and got the following reply from
NationalitySupportTeamFMT@homeoffice.gov.uk.
I have been following this page for a while but never come across such email. it seems just general explanation for delais. In my case I have a clear record and believes any of the factors should have not be an issue. Did anyone received this email before? Is there any alternative solution please?
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for your email
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to complete every case within our service standard, particularly if an applicant has a complex immigration history or if further enquiries need to be made.
Published guidance has now been clarified to explain the factors that may contribute to a case being classed as complex.
Examples of relevant factors include:
Criminality,
Previous refusal of asylum,
Previous grant of a period of Leave to remain exceptionally outside the Immigration Rules,
Periods of overstaying between previous applications,
Evidence of illegal working or illegal entry,
European Nationals who do not provide evidence of Permanent Residence in UK,
Failure to comply with immigration reporting restrictions, and
Financial irregularities.
This is of course not an exhaustive list, simply an indication of some of the factors which would trigger a higher level of scrutiny, the relevant guidance can be found at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/chap ... structions. Please note that although investigation of these factors may be delaying your application – this does not automatically mean that your application will be refused – but simply that more investigation is required. You will receive your decision when a complete consideration has been made.
One of the requirements for naturalisation, set out in the British Nationality Act 1981, concerns good character. The British Nationality Act 1981 contains no definition of "good character". The Secretary of State's approach to determining whether or not, for this purpose, an applicant is of good character is set out in guidance which has been published at on our website at:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... idance.pdf
A broad view is taken when judging whether this requirement is satisfied. We take into consideration, amongst other things, the activities past and present of an individual, and the openness and honesty of a prospective citizen when assessing whether this requirement has been satisfied. Applicants are expected to have shown respect for the rights and freedoms of the UK, observed its laws and fulfilled their duties and obligations as a resident of the UK.
It may be helpful to know that our enquiries are not limited to criminal records or to a persons activities within the UK. Nor is there a limit set out in nationality law on the time taken to carry out those enquiries.
As part of the application process, we routinely conduct enquiries with other government departments and external agencies. The extent and length of time taken to complete these varies according to the particular circumstance of each application.
Once all necessary enquiries are concluded we will then be in a position to consider the applications. Please be advised that it is not possible to provide a timescale for a decision to be issued, as this will depend on the findings of any of the previously mentioned enquiries and a full consideration of each case. Please also note that Coronavirus (COVID 19) is further delaying decisions at this time.
We will write to you once a decision has been reached, or if we require any further information.
Kind regards,
UKVI
