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Travelling after submission of citizenship application

Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 11:04 am
by abdullahiba
Hi
I am looking to submit my citizenship application this week. However, I have to travel to Pakistan in December for a couple of weeks.

Based on my understanding, if I apply through the post, I will have to send my original passport and documents, and given the time it is taking them to process the applications, I wouldnt be able to travel.

As an alternative, can I use the NCS and keep my original documents and therefore travel abroad while my application is being processed?

The other question i wanted to clarify was, that if I get my naturalisation certificate before I have to travel, can I use the naturalisation certificate to travel back to the UK (i'm assuming i wont be able to use the ILR card to get through immigration)?

Regards
Abdullah

Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 11:11 am
by guyintheuk
If you use the NCS of course you can travel after submission of your application ! thats why people the NCS !!!

Regarding the certificate ! no you can't use it to enter the UK !!! but of course you can use the ILR to enter .. in case you have got your certificate before you travel

Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 11:14 am
by abdullahiba
thanks for the prompt reply. what i dont know is will the ILR be still valid (and i would be in the possession of it) once i have received the naturalisation certificate?

Thanks

Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 1:55 pm
by Glc
You may still use your current passport with the ILR stamp to enter the UK even when you have received your naturalisation certificate. Uk citizens, in fact, are not required to have a UK passport to enter the UK. Nonetheless, It is my understanding that you only become a British citizen once you attend the ceremony. If you're keen in applying for a British passport later on, you still have 3 months from the date of your naturalisation certificate to decide when you intend to attend the ceremony. It's just a matter of timing, actually, between receiving your certificate, attending your ceremony, and the date of your travel. Hope this info helps.

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 2:35 pm
by tahnyuh
[Deleted]

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 3:49 pm
by Jambo
tahnyuh wrote:I'm so thankful for this post! I've been searching for this for ages..

If I understand correctly, when you are granted ILR/settlement you receive both a stamp in your passport AND a biometric residence card?
No.

In the past it was a stamp in the passport. Nowadays (for application from within the UK), it is a card.

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 3:55 pm
by tahnyuh
[Deleted]

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 3:59 pm
by Jambo
Yes.