Documents required for citizenship application

Hi

I have had an ILR for 10 years and will be eligible to apply for citizenship in February. I was a bit naughty ( ignorant more like ) and overstayed my previous visa by a year, hence why it has taken me so long.

The thing that I now apply for - is it naturalization or citizenship or are both the same ? And, when can I get my passport?

More importantly, what documents do I require to apply for naturalization / citizenship ?


Thanks.

ztech wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 26, 2020 1:32 am

Hi

I have had an ILR for 10 years and will be eligible to apply for citizenship in February. I was a bit naughty ( ignorant more like ) and overstayed my previous visa by a year, hence why it has taken me so long.

The thing that I now apply for - is it naturalization or citizenship or are both the same ? And, when can I get my passport?

More importantly, what documents do I require to apply for naturalization / citizenship ?


Thanks.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... uly_20.pdf

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... gov-uk.pdf

And, when can I get my passport?

You are not applying for a passport but for British citizenship.

The passport is a travel document. It doesn't even prove that the holder is a British citizen. Many British don't have a passport as they don't travel, so they don't need it.

Usually, there are less documents required for naturalisation than for an ILR. Fill the application online, then when you are done, it will tell you what documents are required. Typically it's:

- Passport
- Your ILR
- Life in the UK test
- English test unless exempt
- Referees documents signed

That's the minimum but you could be asked for more depending on your situation such as a marriage certificate if you apply on the basis that you married to a British national... etc. So apply and you'll see what documents are needed for you.

If successful, you get approved, then you go through a ceremony then they give you a British Citizenship certificate. They don't give you a passport.

If you need to travel, you have to start an application with HPMO to get a British passport.

Thank you both.

How long does it take to get the results of a Naturlization application? And, afterwards, do I have to wait before applying to HMPO for a passport.

I like travelling and the visa-free status that a British passport commandeers greatly interests me.

Approval: normal service standards can take up to 6 months.
Ceremony invitation: 3-5 months or more due to corona plus more time depending on council availability.
Passport: up to 6 weeks.

You can travel on your ILR BRP before you attend the ceremony i.e. before you become British on the date of ceremony. You can only apply for a BP after you are British.

ztech wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 26, 2020 6:51 pm

Thank you both.

How long does it take to get the results of a Naturlization application? And, afterwards, do I have to wait before applying to HMPO for a passport.

I like travelling and the visa-free status that a British passport commandeers greatly interests me.

It can take from a few weeks to six months (UKVI service standard!), or sometimes longer. Plus waiting for the ceremony which can add weeks or months, currently due to Covid.

Once you have your naturalisation certificate you are British and can immediately apply for a passport, online or paper form.

PS. @Cullinan beat me to it.

Dammmm, so, I am looking at over a year before I can get my hands on a passport.

Hello again

After reading the two links by Cullinan, these are the documents that I see are required :

-Parking tickets
-BRP
-Passport
-Life in UK test stamped and signedby the TestSupervisor,if you passed the test before 1 October 2019
-UK degree certificate
-Evidence of lawful residence during the 5 years before the date of the application.
-The Home Office letter by which you were given permission to
remain permanently in the UK

What does 'Evidence of lawful residence during the 5 years before the date of the application' include?
And, I heard that you need two referee statements as well ?

What does 'Evidence of lawful residence during the 5 years before the date of the application' include?
And, I heard that you need two referee statements as well ?

Passport stamps covering the 5 years qualifying period.

Yes 2 referees.

https://visas-immigration.service.gov.u ... on_MN1.pdf

Parking tickets are not relevant unless you have numerous. FPN’s/convictions must be declared.

I do have a few parking tickets like parked on single/double yellow. About 10 over the last 5 years.
I also have two which I am fighting with the council at the Tribunal.
Will these need to be declared?

Read the guidance regarding FPNs.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... gov-uk.pdf

Also:

Most Parking Charge Notices are a civil matter. Plus PCN is issued to the vehicle. PCN could result in a CCJ though. If you do not have a CCJ, no need to declare.

An unpaid PCN penalty is treated as a civil debt and you could be pursued through the county court system or even get a visit from the bailiff if the debt remains unpaid.

However, some local authorities don’t have civil parking enforcement powers and in these areas parking is enforced by the police or police-employed traffic wardens who will issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) enforced through the criminal justice system.

Some more serious parking offences like parking on red routes or zig-zag markings are also enforced by the police or traffic wardens through the criminal justice system.

So you need to check if you have a PCN or FPN. No need to declare PCNs.

Just PCN'S my dear Cullinan.

I am now eligible to apply for naturlization but I am in two minds. Due to COVID , I lost my £65k job and have been sitting at home since October. I am actively looking but due to lockdowns and everyone wfh, it's not easy. Should I wait till I have a job?

Employment is NOT a requirement for citizenship.

Thank you.

I filled in the form and submitted it and have now realized that I mentioned that I passed the Life in the UK test but did not enter the Test ref no.
Is there anyone to contact to provide this information or no need to worry about it ?

I will also be changing my mobile no. in the coming months. Do I need to let HO know?

I tried to book a slot but it seems none are available!

As you haven't had your biometrics appointment yet you should still be able to upload documents. Best to explain in a letter giving all the details including new phone number and load with the other documents.

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 30, 2020 2:48 am

What does 'Evidence of lawful residence during the 5 years before the date of the application' include?
And, I heard that you need two referee statements as well ?

Passport stamps covering the 5 years qualifying period.

Yes 2 referees.

https://visas-immigration.service.gov.u ... on_MN1.pdf

Parking tickets are not relevant unless you have numerous. FPN’s/convictions must be declared.

CULLINAN, I was told at my appointment that I have to upload last 5 years' payslips, P60's and council tax bills. Can you please shed some light?

As long you have a non-EEA passport, you dont need any of those.

Thanks.
The guy at the UKVCAS was European and when I pointed out that I don't need to upload any P60's payslips , etc. , he told me that he is an immigration adviser and surely he knows more.

These places need to hire people who know their stuff.

UKVCAS staff knows nothing/very little about immigration matters. I was on Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa and according to the requirements, I had to submit employee’s passport copy. The UKVCAS lady said why are you submitting your wife’s passport copy?!?! It took a while to explain she is my employee!
Ignore..you do not need anything except passport stamps.

Thank you Sir.
What a journey it has been. I might write a book one day . British in 20 years.

Good news everyone.
I got my citizenship invitation letter 2 weeks ago.

So, it has taken about 3 months.

Special thanks to Uncle CULLINAN. Hats off to you.

ztech wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 02, 2021 11:10 pm

Good news everyone.
I got my citizenship invitation letter 2 weeks ago.

So, it has taken about 3 months.

Special thanks to Uncle CULLINAN. Hats off to you.

When is the ceremony?

I don't know yet.
There was a number on my letter. When I rung it, an automated message told me to visit my council's website. And, on the website, I was asked to fill in a form and I will soon be contacted.

CULLINAN, ceremony done today. Next, let's get the passport.