Questions on citizenship application

My wife becomes eligible to apply for UK citizenship this week. I have a couple of questions.

1. Is it possible to apply via royal mail, or does everyone have to apply online now? I can’t find a newly updated form on the website

2. Is biometrics appointment with Sopra Steria now a requirement? No more biometrics at the post office?

3. Is it possible to upload all documents at Sopra Steria site prior to the appointment? Do they need to be in pdf or can be pictures taken by phone? Do I need to upload ALL pages of her passport? She is non EU

4. I heard there are no free appointments with Sopra available. Is it possible to pay extra for the next day appointment and closer to home, so she doesn’t have to travel to Croydon?

5. Can I book an appointment and then reschedule it if something earlier becomes available?

The process with Sopra seems very confusing. Do they check documents during the appointment? Do they need to see the originals? Can I upload everything myself prior to the appointment and for them to check?

6. Did anyone have experience with urgent appointment? What is the cost to have biometrics ASAP?

Thanks a lot

1. You have to apply online.

2. Yes. No longer a Post Office process for biometrics.

3. You upload at home or work. For Sopra to scan and do it for you, they charge extra. PDF should be fine, no bigger than 6MB per upload. All stamped and bio pages of passport yes.

4. It really depends on where you are based. You can choose the service you want online.

5. Probably, not many have tried as there is a risk of something going wrong. You need to take originals in case something needs to be rescanned. You can scan it yourself but you still should take your documents with you to the appointment.

6. The Sopra site gives the costs and it largely depends on where you are and what centres are available in your area. Not sure what you mean by 'urgent appointment'. Why the rush? There is also no fast track service for Citizenship.

Thank you for your responses. We are in London and I was wondering whether it is possible at all to schedule an appointment in central London within days, and not to wait weeks for availability.