ESC
Welcome to immigrationboards.com!
Moderators: Casa, push, JAJ, ca.funke, Amber, zimba, vinny, Obie, EUsmileWEallsmile, batleykhan, meself2, geriatrix, John, ChetanOjha, archigabe
I received a response, but it took them more than 3 months (I'm waiting since April and first emailed them in July). The response just said they forwarded my enquiry to the "relevant department" and I have no idea how long it will take to confirm the status of my application.Dorota01 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 03, 2020 11:39 pmI wonder if anyone has received a reply from citizenship.support@homeoffice.gov.uk?
I have emailed the above regarding my invitation letter three times in the last 3 months and still no reply.
In the current set up or the Home Office attitudes as you like, there is no way to find out if my certificate has been already printed or when will I get the invitation letter.
There is also no way to talk to anyone at the HO who can provide you any real update at all.
Yeah... and then on the other side, you have Croydon Council doing what they do best – happily following those so-called "national restrictions" and closing everything up. No common sense, no solution, comfortable being stuck in "stone age" bubble. Just Great! Covid - I am sick of this word.
That’s great! Thank you!Frou01 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 9:15 amHi Helen!
They don’t answer calls.
I email them: Citizenship.Ceremonies@birmingham.gov.uk
Thank you for this.Cocobana wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 9:19 amI read the legislation for the lockdown and Reg 11(4) Exception 3 is that the person concerned is fulfilling a legal obligation or participating in legal proceedings- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/202 ... paign=post
Means citizenship ceremony can continue.
Citizenship ceremony is a legal obligation! So all the local authorities who have suspended the ceremony without further instructions from the government are just pure ignorant.
I am going to write my council and insist on making a complaint if they shut down citizenship ceremony.
If council can perform the ceremony in person they should be able to conduct private and/or virtual ceremony but to suspend it, is not acceptable.
It's still possible to book ceremonies online on their website but I guess it won't help if they stopped coming to office and processing certificates... They should at least keep shadow staff to make sure nothing gets lost / delayed during this period. I wonder how they will deal with the backlog post lockdown given UKVCAS and UKVI are still running full speed.Cost Manager wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 9:16 amI called Westminster Registry yesterday one more time. Again receptionist had no clue, he said no one was in the office today. Last week I have been told that they expect to receive a big batch on Monday. As soon as lockdown announced over the weekend,they stopped coming to office and put the approvals in the system I guess. Big Councils are complete failure. I wish I would pick some rural council dealing with fewer citizenship applications.
Yes it is still possible however it is possible as long as they feed the system with the new approval which they currently don't do. As they think lock down kicked in and no ceremonies anyway so no rush.Parisiana wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 9:25 amIt's still possible to book ceremonies online on their website but I guess it won't help if they stopped coming to office and processing certificates... They should at least keep shadow staff to make sure nothing gets lost / delayed during this period. I wonder how they will deal with the backlog post lockdown given UKVCAS and UKVI are still running full speed.Cost Manager wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 9:16 amI called Westminster Registry yesterday one more time. Again receptionist had no clue, he said no one was in the office today. Last week I have been told that they expect to receive a big batch on Monday. As soon as lockdown announced over the weekend,they stopped coming to office and put the approvals in the system I guess. Big Councils are complete failure. I wish I would pick some rural council dealing with fewer citizenship applications.
It is not clear that these September approvals, they may have learned about their approvals in September, but the date when their approval was communicated is not necessarily the date when the decision was made.Frou01 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 8:04 amAlso I’m very disappointed to see HO is NOT sending certificates in strict order.
Some people still waiting from May and June and a majority for July, pretty much everyone for August, but September approvals have their certificates send to their councils already?
That’s not ok (as much as I understand that’s good news for the individual as also them have had a two months wait at that stage) and doesn’t make a fair and professional impression.
Hi Baybars1,baybars1 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:06 amIt is not clear that these September approvals, they may have learned about their approvals in September, but the date when their approval was communicated is not necessarily the date when the decision was made.Frou01 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 8:04 amAlso I’m very disappointed to see HO is NOT sending certificates in strict order.
Some people still waiting from May and June and a majority for July, pretty much everyone for August, but September approvals have their certificates send to their councils already?
That’s not ok (as much as I understand that’s good news for the individual as also them have had a two months wait at that stage) and doesn’t make a fair and professional impression.
For example, I have noticed that people who were told about their approval in September and whose certificates have already arrived would have applied well before the lockdown whereas most September approvals are those who applied between June and August this year.
Now, given that that the communication of the approval decision separately from the ceremony invitation is a recent addition to the process, there is a good chance that many people who learned about their approvals in September had actually been approved way earlier, but the Home Office hadn't got round to informing them.
In this case yes, their biometrics date was in July just.baybars1 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:06 amIt is not clear that these September approvals, they may have learned about their approvals in September, but the date when their approval was communicated is not necessarily the date when the decision was made.Frou01 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 8:04 amAlso I’m very disappointed to see HO is NOT sending certificates in strict order.
Some people still waiting from May and June and a majority for July, pretty much everyone for August, but September approvals have their certificates send to their councils already?
That’s not ok (as much as I understand that’s good news for the individual as also them have had a two months wait at that stage) and doesn’t make a fair and professional impression.
For example, I have noticed that people who were told about their approval in September and whose certificates have already arrived would have applied well before the lockdown whereas most September approvals are those who applied between June and August this year.
Now, given that that the communication of the approval decision separately from the ceremony invitation is a recent addition to the process, there is a good chance that many people who learned about their approvals in September had actually been approved way earlier, but the Home Office hadn't got round to informing them.
I was approved 17julyCost Manager wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 3:14 pmWhat is your approval date?Learning20 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:59 pmGreat news
I just recieved an email from my council saying the finally got my certificate and booked me in for wenesday morning.
Just as I was about to loose hope after a year of waiting. I am finally relieved this journey is over and done with soon.
To the guy bay (sorry cannot remember the rest of your name) I just want to thank you for helping us all through the hard time H.O has/ are given us. Your predicted timeline is accurate. Also for all the other people posting as well. Thank you all for your support.
Its important to stay positive what is meant for you will come your way the right time.
I hope you all hear great news soon
Did you get any updates from Maidstone Council? I was approved in early August. Thank youTamera wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:27 amHi Baybars1,baybars1 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:06 amIt is not clear that these September approvals, they may have learned about their approvals in September, but the date when their approval was communicated is not necessarily the date when the decision was made.Frou01 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 8:04 amAlso I’m very disappointed to see HO is NOT sending certificates in strict order.
Some people still waiting from May and June and a majority for July, pretty much everyone for August, but September approvals have their certificates send to their councils already?
That’s not ok (as much as I understand that’s good news for the individual as also them have had a two months wait at that stage) and doesn’t make a fair and professional impression.
For example, I have noticed that people who were told about their approval in September and whose certificates have already arrived would have applied well before the lockdown whereas most September approvals are those who applied between June and August this year.
Now, given that that the communication of the approval decision separately from the ceremony invitation is a recent addition to the process, there is a good chance that many people who learned about their approvals in September had actually been approved way earlier, but the Home Office hadn't got round to informing them.
I think you are right, as I applied for BC in March, and got approval in Sep. My certificate has arrived at Maidstone council, but no ceremony conducted during lockdown.
Thank you again for your time, help and support for all of us here.
Cheers,
Tamera
Thank you @nnn15nnn15 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 9:11 amI received a response, but it took them more than 3 months (I'm waiting since April and first emailed them in July). The response just said they forwarded my enquiry to the "relevant department" and I have no idea how long it will take to confirm the status of my application.Dorota01 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 03, 2020 11:39 pmI wonder if anyone has received a reply from citizenship.support@homeoffice.gov.uk?
I have emailed the above regarding my invitation letter three times in the last 3 months and still no reply.
In the current set up or the Home Office attitudes as you like, there is no way to find out if my certificate has been already printed or when will I get the invitation letter.
There is also no way to talk to anyone at the HO who can provide you any real update at all.
Yeah... and then on the other side, you have Croydon Council doing what they do best – happily following those so-called "national restrictions" and closing everything up. No common sense, no solution, comfortable being stuck in "stone age" bubble. Just Great! Covid - I am sick of this word.
Westmister is the most archaic council ever. They will never do virtual ceremonies. They even stopped coming office this week as soon as they heard about national restrictions.nnn15 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:34 amWestminster council updated their website this morning - "We are not currently taking bookings for citizen ceremonies due to the national restrictions. We will provide more information as soon as it becomes available".
Hopefully there is a chance that private ceremonies will be allowed..
In case all in-person ceremonies are suspended there should be a way to do virtual ceremonies as the government stated they introduced it in July.
I just posted an update abt it. Basically, the council will not conduct any ceremonies during lockdown. If you have not yet received yours, you may want to try to phone them now as I just phoned and spoke to a very nice lady at 9:45am this morning. She went through the list to check whether my name was there. Mine was received a week ago. Good luck.Szrsrts wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:05 amDid you get any updates from Maidstone Council? I was approved in early August. Thank youTamera wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:27 amHi Baybars1,baybars1 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:06 amIt is not clear that these September approvals, they may have learned about their approvals in September, but the date when their approval was communicated is not necessarily the date when the decision was made.Frou01 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 8:04 amAlso I’m very disappointed to see HO is NOT sending certificates in strict order.
Some people still waiting from May and June and a majority for July, pretty much everyone for August, but September approvals have their certificates send to their councils already?
That’s not ok (as much as I understand that’s good news for the individual as also them have had a two months wait at that stage) and doesn’t make a fair and professional impression.
For example, I have noticed that people who were told about their approval in September and whose certificates have already arrived would have applied well before the lockdown whereas most September approvals are those who applied between June and August this year.
Now, given that that the communication of the approval decision separately from the ceremony invitation is a recent addition to the process, there is a good chance that many people who learned about their approvals in September had actually been approved way earlier, but the Home Office hadn't got round to informing them.
I think you are right, as I applied for BC in March, and got approval in Sep. My certificate has arrived at Maidstone council, but no ceremony conducted during lockdown.
Thank you again for your time, help and support for all of us here.
Cheers,
Tamera
Hi allGonzo14 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 30, 2020 11:03 amHi all
For those awaiting citizenship ceremony from Barnsley council I spoke to them and they said that they are conducting ceremonies on an individual basis and allowed 1 guest . They have been receiving certificates regularly from the home office. I was approved on 24 July after making my application in September 2019. So hopefully I don’t have to wait long for the ceremony
I found the people from registrar office very nice and helpful, they always responded to me (unlike the HO) and shared some information. And some other members posted that Westminster council allowed them to attend the ceremony without the invitation letter if the certificate was with the council.Cost Manager wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:48 amWestmister is the most archaic council ever. They will never do virtual ceremonies. They even stopped coming office this week as soon as they heard about national restrictions.nnn15 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:34 amWestminster council updated their website this morning - "We are not currently taking bookings for citizen ceremonies due to the national restrictions. We will provide more information as soon as it becomes available".
Hopefully there is a chance that private ceremonies will be allowed..
In case all in-person ceremonies are suspended there should be a way to do virtual ceremonies as the government stated they introduced it in July.
May I please have the number? Thank youTamera wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:57 amI just posted an update abt it. Basically, the council will not conduct any ceremonies during lockdown. If you have not yet received yours, you may want to try to phone them now as I just phoned and spoke to a very nice lady at 9:45am this morning. She went through the list to check whether my name was there. Mine was received a week ago. Good luck.Szrsrts wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:05 amDid you get any updates from Maidstone Council? I was approved in early August. Thank youTamera wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:27 amHi Baybars1,baybars1 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 10:06 am
It is not clear that these September approvals, they may have learned about their approvals in September, but the date when their approval was communicated is not necessarily the date when the decision was made.
For example, I have noticed that people who were told about their approval in September and whose certificates have already arrived would have applied well before the lockdown whereas most September approvals are those who applied between June and August this year.
Now, given that that the communication of the approval decision separately from the ceremony invitation is a recent addition to the process, there is a good chance that many people who learned about their approvals in September had actually been approved way earlier, but the Home Office hadn't got round to informing them.
I think you are right, as I applied for BC in March, and got approval in Sep. My certificate has arrived at Maidstone council, but no ceremony conducted during lockdown.
Thank you again for your time, help and support for all of us here.
Cheers,
Tamera
Indeed, the biometrics submission date is probably a better predictor of the approval date than the approval email itself, with the actual approval date being somewhere between the two dates.
awaismalik1234 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 03, 2020 10:05 pmhello
is there anyone from slough council? are they doing ceremony or they have stopped? and if you call them will they check if the have the certificate or you have to wait for invitation letter?
