Finally got through Durham office and apparently our application has not been touched since 20th May, guy said he would leave note on our application to be looked at asap as it has been over 7 weeks now.

Looks like we need to chase them as with everything else.

Same here, no response from Durham since we applied on 15/05/2014, called 0300 222 0000, they even could not find the details, disgrace

emmaluck wrote:What seems to the problem with Durham ? They still appear to be treating first week of May while Peterborough is now on third week of May.

Ours is also with Durham office, have no idea why such delay and no communication.

Hi folks,

Applied via Check&Send on 19th of May having heard nothing since (no sms, letters, anything). Is this normal?

Hi folks, I had to send my wife's certificate back right away upon receipt due to misspelling error on UKBA side, however haven't heard anything back for almost six weeks now. Called up nationality customer services and been told that basically they have received it and it was just lying around with...

I had an passport interview last Saturday, all went well, had a nice chat in relaxed env., however struggled with some questions like my daughter's nursery teacher. So if anyone's got kids going to nursery and school, make sure you know their names up to the heads. Apart from that, pretty same quest...

Gongrats Alex, good luck to you too.

To others facing "red tape" issues at local post offices, take guidance with you as a proof. It comes with application pack anyway. If they are in doubt, insist them calling IPS. I like to argue too but sometimes it just does take you anywhere.

I did use the Check and Send service at Uxbridge Post Office and guess what ? Lady at the post office insisted that I have to send my ILR BRP card or she won't accept my application... I know this sounds crazy but I explained her that there is no point of me sending the BRP card as I am sending my ...

A A Butt wrote:By the way do you know when they had recived your application? mine was on 07 April they sent the text.

I have received text on 8th, so similar timelines, good luck.

Hi, Does any body has a letter from HMPO who applied in the month of april 2014 ? I have applied on 02 April just after naturalisation with my family but nothing comes up yet little worried because I have booked travel in half term holidays. Hi, I have just received an interview letter today having...

Hi folks, My turn is now to share: Eligibility criteria: HSMP->Tier1->ILR (classic route), Joint application (me, wife and child) Language criteria met : FCE + IELTS Method of application: NCS Council name if NCS used: NCS Date of application: 10.02.2014 Payment method CC/DC: Direct Debit Date of re...

Why do not you go and sit B1 exam (PET) and do not bother with courses? With little self-education, it should be relatively easy to pass it. Courses are expensive and sounds like those folks are after your money.

Btw, as I understand, your scores on Listening and Speaking parts must be at least 4.

After spending lots of time trying to find an answer to the same question myself, I may conclude that you CAN use an expired IELTS report ONLY if it had already been submitted to UKBA for immigration purposes in the past as part of any application you had made (entry clearance, extension etc). Hope ...

What I mean is this way they are discouraging immigrants by making it harder (raising fees, introducing new requirements, giving out minimum information, applying rules retrospectively, use ambiguity in their definitions etc.)

Thanks guys for replies. Yes, it would seem logical but unfortunately not everything is subject to logic and common sense with HO, hence wanted to verify.

VR, headteachers do not usually teach, so technically he/she is not a teacher, but thanks for reply. I am more interested in finding out if someone already used headteacher as a referee and what was the outcome. Also the guidance says "at least three years" and I do not want to take a chance. Althou...

Hi folks,

I would appreciate if somebody could advise whether school' headteacher is acceptable as a referee. I can see just a teacher in the professions' list.

And how strict is the rule to be known by referee for at least three years? We are just short of few weeks.

Thank you in advance.

Like if they care you mean.... the whole system is designed like that for purpose

Thanks Guys, for the help. I now understand that even though I passed IELTS 5/6 years ago, I need to retake the exam. Thanks No, you have been advised to search for similar topics and there are a few of them. But in two words, for purpose of naturalisation only, you can submit your expired IELTS pr...

I thought about it a few years ago, before applying for citizenship. Actually while moving stuff around house, and moving mountains of papers made me think that. Just out of curiousity, I made a subject access request three years ago. It was well worth the money. The SAR file contains all the appli...

Hi Humanvoid, Sorry to confuse you :). The firstname+middilename bit appears in the passport under "given name" which I reckon is the first name, the surname appears under "Family name/Last name". At least thats how it is in the Indian passport. HTH Thanks for clarifying this for me, appreciated.

Thanks InUkOnHsmp for quick response, Now you've made me more confused :) they told me I can change the MAIDENLASTNAME to MARRIEDLASTNAME on the basis of the marriage certificate, the given name has to stay as is in her passport. What does "the given name has to stay as is in her passport." bit mean?

The NCS worker also told me if I wanted her name in the certificate to be ACD, I should have got a deed poll done, and got it to the NCS appointment. So for other people in the same boat, do consider doing this. I will have to put this in when I apply for her passport now. Not sure if we can get it...

Anyway, i invite you guys thoughts. Quite honestly, I cannot wait to get rid of the very very old documents. It’s just such big piles of documents sitting in our home :) I am yet to go through naturalization process, but I would consult HO on this matter. Once you've got affirmative and convincing ...