Experiences using new UKVCAS for naturalisation/citizenship applications

[jwl83]

I am coming up to the date when I can apply for naturalisation (early 2019). It seems that by that time, using the new new/privatised UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services Centres) will be the way to submit biometrics and documents (with applications made online).

Given this is a new service, I'm trying to find out people's experiences from using it so far. With it being so new, there's not much information available about it.

What does the new UKVCAS offer for naturalisation applications? Are any new urgent/premium routes available to have a faster decision service or are is the same process at the Home Office followed as before, so no change?

Are there any negatives to the new UKVCAS service? I understand that a passport application can no longer be made at the same time as naturalisation.

Are there any alternatives to using the UKVCAS service?

For anyone who has used UKVCAS in the naturalisation application already, it'd be great to hear about your experience.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

[irfanahmad186]

Hi,

My fininds so far

1- I suppose to Submit my applicatoin on Nov 14 but I waited until Nov 26 as UKVCAS suppose to open new Service Centres week commencing 26th Nov. Guess what, I submitted my application on 26 and found out that you can submitt your application anytime once you qualify and will get a month to book your appointment ( or even more time). So waiting for 12 days didnt really help me .

2- Secondly, sadly they have not opened the centres still they supposed to open this week. They are reflected on their website but they have no appointments to offer on new centres ( EastHam/Shoelane) with Cannin town and Stratford not opened yet. Available appointments are only in Croydon with 200£ fee.

3. I Called UKVCAS to find out about Passport Application at the same time, as expected they have no idea whether or not this can be done at same time, Apparently it is not possible to do JCAP anymore.

Long story short, I have submitted my applicaiton but still waiting for appointment and I need to fly backhome in Mid Decemeber.

Ahmad

[apsk]

What I am sensing is, this new system is ripping applicants further. They are selling appointments also. Like for ILR in person fees was £2999, with nothing extra for appointment. Now they charge £100 per appointment extra and £19.20 for biometric. And what applicants are getting in return? Is the process time any quicker now?

[alterhase58]

What does the new UKVCAS offer for naturalisation applications? Are any new urgent/premium routes available to have a faster decision service or are is the same process at the Home Office followed as before, so no change?

Note that UKVI has not been privatised, it remains a section of the Home Office!
UKVCAS is the successor for NCS/NDRS run by the councils. UKVI still does all the processing and deciding of applications, and no premium or same day service. Naturalisation is not an immigration application.

[gkuk]

Hi,

Just saw a few comments about free appointments not being available.

Would like to add that I managed to get free appointment in Croydon. It was definitely not easy to get the appointment, was kind off checking for the appointment every now and then.

But was lucky all of a sudden around 3.45 pm on Tuesday 27th Nov was able to see free slots in Croydon, which I booked. Guess the free slots might open around evening time.

Will share my experience about the visit, once I finish the appointment.

Hope this helps.

[Alien2017]

Just managed to book a free appointment at Croydon for 19 of December.
If you tick the box to show you just free appointments, then scroll down through calendar, although as I said for me first available was 19th of December. Could have had one on the 6th but was not free, however I haven't clicked on it to see how much it is. They had 3 slots in the afternoon.

[bookerw100]

on this website

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... ed-to-know

it says "In most cases, you will have your supporting evidence (including your passport) returned to you immediately once the appointment is finished. You may not be able to use your passport for travel until you have received a decision on your application."

What do they mean you can't use your passport until a decision is made, what's the point of returning the passport then?

[alterhase58]

on this website

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... ed-to-know

it says "In most cases, you will have your supporting evidence (including your passport) returned to you immediately once the appointment is finished. You may not be able to use your passport for travel until you have received a decision on your application."

What do they mean you can't use your passport until a decision is made, what's the point of returning the passport then?

Been asked many times already.
This does not apply to naturalisation application, as before UKVAC, you may travel after submission. The statement is relevant for some immigration applications. Naturalisation comes under nationality laws, not immigragtion rules.

[iamrezaul]

Hi,

Just saw a few comments about free appointments not being available.

Would like to add that I managed to get free appointment in Croydon. It was definitely not easy to get the appointment, was kind off checking for the appointment every now and then.

But was lucky all of a sudden around 3.45 pm on Tuesday 27th Nov was able to see free slots in Croydon, which I booked. Guess the free slots might open around evening time.

Will share my experience about the visit, once I finish the appointment.

Hope this helps.

Hi gkuk, did you apply for passport as well?

[CR001]

Hi,

Just saw a few comments about free appointments not being available.

Would like to add that I managed to get free appointment in Croydon. It was definitely not easy to get the appointment, was kind off checking for the appointment every now and then.

But was lucky all of a sudden around 3.45 pm on Tuesday 27th Nov was able to see free slots in Croydon, which I booked. Guess the free slots might open around evening time.

Will share my experience about the visit, once I finish the appointment.

Hope this helps.

Hi gkuk, did you apply for passport as well?

The new service doesn't let you apply for passport at the same time anymore.

[helloemile]

Does anyone know whether under the new UKVCAS the process for naturalisation is faster?

[alterhase58]

Does anyone know whether under the new UKVCAS the process for naturalisation is faster?

NO - all that has changed is there is now a new organisation receiving applications - UKVI still does the processing and deciding.

[gkuk]

Hi,

Would like to share my experience of our visit to UKVCAS, Croydon for British Citizenship - Biometric and Facial/Photo for my wife and daughter 6 years old.

- Reached the centre in Croydon 20 mins early.
- After security check were directed to go to 1st Floor.
- wife and daughter had their Biometric and photo taken.
- The lady started checking the documents which we had uploaded to the website. Some documents were
asked again, to be rescanned to uploaded the right section in the "upload category" .
- (The previously uploaded docs by me, would still be there.)

Altogether it was a smooth process and the personnel serving were kind and helpful.

Now, waiting for the letter.


Regards

[Mohad]

Thank you for your post, please let us know when you get your decision date. thanks

[Mohad]

sorry to ask you again. Did they tell you how long will it to be processed on the application.

[iamrezaul]

Hi guys,

I had an appointment at the Croydon office today at 4 pm for naturalisation application. The process was real quick. I had to give the biometric using a self service machine first. Then a lady checked my documents. At the end of the checks she asked for my consent to submit the application.

When she confirmed all done, I asked for a proof but she said that I will only get an email confirmation.

But I haven’t received any email yet (over 4 hours passed). Not sure whether the delay is unusual. Any idea?

Thanks

[iamrezaul]

sorry to ask you again. Did they tell you how long will it to be processed on the application.

I asked the lady served me yesterday. She referred HO’s indication of 6 months as official answer but said unofficially it’s usually 6 weeks unless something gone wrong.

[shaneoh1980]

Hi everyone,

Firstly, thank god I found this page - seems impossible to find any useful official information!

I have a could of clarifications I am hoping someone can help with. I will be eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalisation on January 21st.

1. Can I book my appointment before then? As in, can I book and appointment for January 22nd some time this month, or do I have to wait until after I'm eligible to even book?

2. Do I need to pay when I book?

3. Am I right in thinking the process is now:
- book appointment
- upload documents
- attend appointment, where application is checked as well as biometrics taken
- wait for letter confirming citizenship and inviting to ceremony

4. At what point do I complete the application form? Is this online?

Thanks in advance.

[johnhkg]

Hi everyone,

Firstly, thank god I found this page - seems impossible to find any useful official information!

I have a could of clarifications I am hoping someone can help with. I will be eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalisation on January 21st.

1. Can I book my appointment before then? As in, can I book and appointment for January 22nd some time this month, or do I have to wait until after I'm eligible to even book?

2. Do I need to pay when I book?

3. Am I right in thinking the process is now:
- book appointment
- upload documents
- attend appointment, where application is checked as well as biometrics taken
- wait for letter confirming citizenship and inviting to ceremony

4. At what point do I complete the application form? Is this online?

Thanks in advance.

You can start completing the online application at gov.uk any time you like. But you can't submit and pay the fee until you are eligible. Only then do you move onto the steps you outline at point 3 above.

[shaneoh1980]

Thanks @johnhkg. So, basically, the major difference for the end user here is that you have your application checked/processed and complete biometrics in one appointment now? Otherwise it seems to be BAU.

[beedle123]

Just posting my experience with the 'new' process for naturalisation applications.

a) I duly completed the required online application on the Home Office website.
b) Once I submitted the application, I was directed to UKVCAS website to create a login and password for submitting my documents and booking a biometrics appointment.
c) I created my credentials on the UKVCAS website and uploaded all scanned copies of my supporting documents and chose a date for my appointment at my preferred location (normal service, not premium).
d) I went to the service centre where I had to submit biometrics at an automatic machine (I was impressed).
e) The lady at the counter verified that my biometrics were taken correctly by the machine as well as asked me if I would like to submit any more supporting documents and then let me go.

Before all this, I had initially booked an appointment at another centre, however UKVCAS called me to say that their new biometrics system was down, hence I should cancel my appointment. I did so immediately and booked a new one - above account is related to that.

However, I had to pay again and UKVCAS have not yet refunded me for the first appointment even though they said that I would get the money back in 10 working days which are long gone now.

Very expensive to call them as well because the call charges are GBP 2.50 per minute - so I have lodged a complaint on their website.

If I do not get a response or refund in 5 days, I will have no alternative but to tweet and write to the Home Office itself as it is their subcontractor who is handling this process.

[iamrezaul]

Just posting my experience with the 'new' process for naturalisation applications.

a) I duly completed the required online application on the Home Office website.
b) Once I submitted the application, I was directed to UKVCAS website to create a login and password for submitting my documents and booking a biometrics appointment.
c) I created my credentials on the UKVCAS website and uploaded all scanned copies of my supporting documents and chose a date for my appointment at my preferred location (normal service, not premium).
d) I went to the service centre where I had to submit biometrics at an automatic machine (I was impressed).
e) The lady at the counter verified that my biometrics were taken correctly by the machine as well as asked me if I would like to submit any more supporting documents and then let me go.

Before all this, I had initially booked an appointment at another centre, however UKVCAS called me to say that their new biometrics system was down, hence I should cancel my appointment. I did so immediately and booked a new one - above account is related to that.

However, I had to pay again and UKVCAS have not yet refunded me for the first appointment even though they said that I would get the money back in 10 working days which are long gone now.

Very expensive to call them as well because the call charges are GBP 2.50 per minute - so I have lodged a complaint on their website.

If I do not get a response or refund in 5 days, I will have no alternative but to tweet and write to the Home Office itself as it is their subcontractor who is handling this process.

Hi beedle123, have you received any confirmation email from UKVCAS after you finished your appointment?

[Ader]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the information you have all provided, its really helpful.

Under the new application process, how do you send your referree forms and passport photograpgh to home office. Do they collect a physical copy from you at the appointment or is it just a scanned copy that is submitted to home office?

[johnhkg]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the information you have all provided, its really helpful.

Under the new application process, how do you send your referree forms and passport photograpgh to home office. Do they collect a physical copy from you at the appointment or is it just a scanned copy that is submitted to home office?

Ader

You upload scanned copies of all documents to the UKVCAS website prior to your appointment, or have them do it for you when you attend. At the appointment they will check the applicant's passport and make an additional scan of various pages (not all). Once UKVCAS is satisfied that all the scanned documents are correct they will forward all to UKVI. They do not give you any confirmation that this has been done.

[rohit69]

I attended UKVCAS appointment on 23rd Nov, they were more amateurs & not sure of their software interface, I located scanner option for them in their software. I'm not sure how they will contact me about the decision on my application as I emailed them and haven't got any reply.

Their customer care call charges are £2.50 per minute and appointment charges are £60.