UKM application experience and timeline

[jellybean19]

Update :

Eligibility criteria: UKM ( By descent )
Nationality: American
Applying from: UK
Method of application: Paperform
Date sent to UKVI - 27th Dec 2018 ( next day , tracked service with P/O)
UKVI in Liverpool received my Form & Docs - 28th Dec 2018
Payment method: Debit Card
Date money gone off account: Tuesday 29th 2019
Email with case number : Wednesday 30th Jan 2019
Date of acknowledgement by letter : Letter dated 29th Jan 2019, received in post Friday 1st Feb 2019
Date of letter requesting biometrics: Letter dated 29th Jan 2019, received in post Friday 1st Feb 2019
Biometrics done: Friday 1st Feb 2019
Requested documents be Returned: Thursday 7th Feb 2019
Documents arrived back : Thursday 14th Feb 2019
Date of approval: Letter dated 1st March 2019 ( letter arrived 8th March 2019)
Date of ceremony: Booked for 17th April 2019
Ceremony took place today 17th April 2019.
**
Date applied for passports: 14th May 2019
Sent by Next day special delivery- sent to HMPO Peterborough.

[keh723]

Timeline:
(Sent along with my sister’s application, one from PA and mine from GA)

Eligibility criteria: UKM ( By descent )
Nationality: American
Applying from: US
Method of application: Paperform
Date sent to UKVI - 1/24 USPS Priority Intl
UKVI in Liverpool received my Form & Docs - 2/1
Payment method: Debit Card
Date of fee debit: 2/11
Email with case number : 2/12
Date of acknowledgement by letter : 2/12
Date of letter requesting biometrics: 2/11
Biometrics done: 2/27
Date of approval: 3/12/19
Ceremony Invite received: 5/1/19
Date of ceremony: 5/31/19
Date applied for passports:

I could have had my ceremony anytime after 5/1, which would put my time from UKVI receipt of application to ceremony at 3 months! Much quicker than I expected. We had my sisters certificate moved to Atlanta; they have it now. We picked May 31 to allow her time to make travel arrangements and so she is here for another family event. As much waiting as it seemed we did, looking back, it was pretty quick.

[kioksor]

6 months service time and no further information is crazy ...

Eligibility criteria: Born to a British Mother in Australia prior to 1983
Nationality: Australian
Applying from: UK
Method of application: Online
Date of application: 27/03/19
Payment method: Credit card
Date of receipt by UKBA: 27/03/19
Date money gone off account: 27/03/19
Date of acknowledgement: 28/03/19 (by email)
Date of letter requesting biometrics: none booked online as instructed
Biometrics done: 11/04/19
Date of approval:
Date of ceremony:
Date applied for passports:
Date passports received:

[jkproperties]

6 months service time and no further information is crazy ...

Eligibility criteria: Born to a British Mother in Australia prior to 1983
Nationality: Australian
Applying from: UK
Method of application: Online
Date of application: 27/03/19
Payment method: Credit card
Date of receipt by UKBA: 27/03/19
Date money gone off account: 27/03/19
Date of acknowledgement: 28/03/19 (by email)
Date of letter requesting biometrics: none booked online as instructed
Biometrics done: 11/04/19
Date of approval:
Date of ceremony:
Date applied for passports:
Date passports received:

I wonder if it has changed?
I applied a few days earlier, but I wasn’t told to book online, how did you book online? From the site you did the application?
I am still waiting for them to ask for Biometrics.

[Conky2a]

Not sure if this helps jkproperties, but when my wife was mistakenly asked to redo her biometrics, she was asked to book online. Below is the address they provided.....

https://hmpo.uk.tlscontact.com

Best of luck.

[bletchlypark]

I have still yet to hear back on the ceremony. My approval was dated Apr 5, maybe they send the invitations out the beginning of the month? Hopefully I will hear something in the next couple of weeks.

[jkproperties]

Not sure if this helps jkproperties, but when my wife was mistakenly asked to redo her biometrics, she was asked to book online. Below is the address they provided.....

https://hmpo.uk.tlscontact.com

Best of luck.

Thank you,
I will give it a try.
Thank you again

[jellybean19]

Update

Eligibility criteria: UKM ( By descent )
Nationality: American
Applying from: UK
Method of application: Paperform
Date sent to UKVI - 27th Dec 2018 ( next day , tracked service with P/O)
UKVI in Liverpool received my Form & Docs - 28th Dec 2018
Payment method: Debit Card
Date money gone off account: Tuesday 29th 2019
Email with case number : Wednesday 30th Jan 2019
Date of acknowledgement by letter : Letter dated 29th Jan 2019, received in post Friday 1st Feb 2019
Date of letter requesting biometrics: Letter dated 29th Jan 2019, received in post Friday 1st Feb 2019
Biometrics done: Friday 1st Feb 2019
Requested documents be Returned: Thursday 7th Feb 2019
Documents arrived back : Thursday 14th Feb 2019
Date of approval: Letter dated 1st March 2019 ( letter arrived 8th March 2019)
Date of ceremony: Booked for 17th April 2019
Date applied for passports, sent by Next day special delivery on Tuesday 14th May 2019
HMPO text acknowledgement of receipt of application : Friday 17th May 2019
Date of interview for 1st British passport : Not needed as applied near to time of Ceremony so I was told.
HMPO text acknowledgement passport approval: Thursday 23rd May 2019 ( Just 6 days from application process start date)
1st British passport received date :
My Documents returned date :

There's light at the end of my journey . No more landing cards for me

[jellybean19]

Update

Eligibility criteria: UKM ( By descent )
Nationality: American
Applying from: UK
Method of application: Paperform
Date sent to UKVI - 27th Dec 2018 ( next day , tracked service with P/O)
UKVI in Liverpool received my Form & Docs - 28th Dec 2018
Payment method: Debit Card
Date money gone off account: Tuesday 29th 2019
Email with case number : Wednesday 30th Jan 2019
Date of acknowledgement by letter : Letter dated 29th Jan 2019, received in post Friday 1st Feb 2019
Date of letter requesting biometrics: Letter dated 29th Jan 2019, received in post Friday 1st Feb 2019
Biometrics done: Friday 1st Feb 2019
Requested documents be Returned: Thursday 7th Feb 2019
Documents arrived back : Thursday 14th Feb 2019
Date of approval: Letter dated 1st March 2019 ( letter arrived 8th March 2019)
Date of ceremony: Booked for 17th April 2019
Date applied for passports, sent by Next day special delivery on Tuesday 14th May 2019
HMPO text acknowledgement of receipt of application : Friday 17th May 2019
Date of interview for 1st British passport : Not needed as applied near to time of Ceremony so I was told.
HMPO text acknowledgement passport approval: Thursday 23rd May 2019 ( Just 6 days from application process start date)
1st British passport received date : 24th May 2019
My Documents returned date : 24th May 2019[highlight=yellow][/highlight]

There's light at the end of my journey . No more landing cards for me

update

Well, my UKM journey is now over. I've just answered my front door and signed for two packets. One containing my 1st British Passport and the other all my documents and my USA Passport. I feel complete and totally legally here ( though I was anyway I had ILR stamp) but you know what I mean. Never have I imagined just how nerve wrecking this process would of been, and I was only UKM and seemingly a straight forward case but that was enough for my days of not not hearing from the HO on process, not knowing where my documents where, not being able to travel with no passport etc was awful. But this was over ridden by the the approval letter and my lovely ceremony and finally holding my Certificate of Registration, the first hurdle completed. Then I had to wait for my holiday to be over before I could apply for 1st British passport. Which I was told would be 6 weeks, and turned out to so so quick.

Anyway, I wanted to wish you all going through this process the best of luck. When the time comes and you have your ceremony smile through it ( I say that as my anxiety took over and I sobbed most the way though mine lol ) . Keep that certificate safe, it's worth a lot of money they told me and you've earned it

I feel quite emotionally right now....... good luck everyone xx

[keh723]

Anyway, I wanted to wish you all going through this process the best of luck. When the time comes and you have your ceremony smile through it ( I say that as my anxiety took over and I sobbed most the way though mine lol ) . Keep that certificate safe, it's worth a lot of money they told me and you've earned it

I feel quite emotionally right now....... good luck everyone xx

My sister and I have our ceremony this coming Friday. We are both so excited! I have a feeling the tears will be flowing.

[bletchlypark]

I emailed my caseworker and much to my surprise they responded. She confirmed that my certificate has been dispatched to the consulate, but also reminded me the process can take up to 12 weeks.

Time to hurry up and keep waiting.

[jellybean19]

Anyway, I wanted to wish you all going through this process the best of luck. When the time comes and you have your ceremony smile through it ( I say that as my anxiety took over and I sobbed most the way though mine lol ) . Keep that certificate safe, it's worth a lot of money they told me and you've earned it

I feel quite emotionally right now....... good luck everyone xx

My sister and I have our ceremony this coming Friday. We are both so excited! I have a feeling the tears will be flowing.

Ekkk, that's exciting for you both. I was so nervous and my anxiety was high ( I suffer with it anyway) so I had many tears, I wish I'd relaxed more as I look worried n my pictures, lol. Have a lovely ceremony both of you xx

[cmac484]

For anyone who has received their ceremony invitation, did you receive it via email or snail mail? I'm waiting to here from the UK consulate in Atlanta.

[keh723]

For anyone who has received their ceremony invitation, did you receive it via email or snail mail? I'm waiting to here from the UK consulate in Atlanta.

I’m in Atlanta and actually have my ceremony on Friday. I received an email from the Atlanta Consulate. They instructed me to call to arrange my ceremony before our required date. When I called, I easily was put through to the correct person who was very nice and helpful. They have been very responsive to all my questions and even helped to facilitate getting my sisters certificate moved from NYC to Atlanta. My sister had a much different experience with NY and they just gave her a couple dates and times to pick from. Atlanta, you pick your date and time and as long as the time is available you are good. It did take 6-8 weeks to get my invite from the date of my approval. Could have had the ceremony sooner, but wanted to have it with my sister. Be glad you are working with Atlanta.

[keh723]

I emailed my caseworker and much to my surprise they responded. She confirmed that my certificate has been dispatched to the consulate, but also reminded me the process can take up to 12 weeks.

Time to hurry up and keep waiting.

If your certificate was dispatched, you should hear very soon. It’s getting closer!!

[keh723]

***Update***
I’m officially a British citizen!!! My sister and I had our ceremony together this morning in Atlanta. It was wonderful. Very intimate and emotional. My family was there to witness this lovely event. So incredibly happy!!

Eligibility criteria: UKM ( By descent )
Nationality: American
Applying from: US
Method of application: Paperform
Date sent to UKVI - 1/24 USPS Priority Intl
UKVI in Liverpool received my Form & Docs - 2/1
Payment method: Debit Card
Date of fee debit: 2/11
Email with case number : 2/12
Date of acknowledgement by email : 2/12
Date of email requesting biometrics: 2/11
Biometrics done: 2/27
Date of approval: 3/12/19
Ceremony Invite received: 5/1/19
Date of ceremony: 5/31/19
Date applied for passports: ASAP

[allthemadmen]

Update!

Eligibility criteria: UKM (Born in the US to British mother in 1973)
Nationality: United States
Applying from: Unites States
Method of application: online
Date of application: 22nd October 2018
Payment method: Credit card
Date of receipt by UKVI: (Documents received by UPS) 12th November 2018
Date money gone off account: 22nd October 2018
Date of acknowledgement: 22nd October 2018 (email)
Date of biometric appt. invitation: 4th December 2018 (email)
Date biometrics appt confirmation: 7th December 2018 (email)
Biometrics done: 19th December 2018
Date of approval: 5th March 2019 (postal mail, registered, with documents)
Date of ceremony: 8th May, 2019. Invitation received by email 29th April.
Date applied for passports: Online, 2nd June 2019. Plan to send documents in coming days (single confirmation of identity required). Application and payment confirmed by email immediately.
Date passports received:

[bletchlypark]

Update:

I received the invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony today. Will update when ceremony is scheduled.

[Conky2a]

Update:

I received the invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony today. Will update when ceremony is scheduled.

Congratulations Bletch , happy days.....

[bletchlypark]

Well that didn't take long. Just a bit of phone tag and the ceremony is scheduled. I could have probably scheduled for as soon as next week but my schedule this month is a bit busy.

Eligibility Criteria: UKM
Nationality: United States
Applying from: Unites States
Method of application: Online with documents sent via DHL
Payment method: Credit card
Date of application: Dec 17, 2018
Date documents sent: Dec 19, 2018
Date of UKVI acknowledgement email: Dec 18, 2018
Date of receipt by UKVI: Dec 21, 2018
Date funds withdrawn: Dec 18, 2018
Date of e-mail requesting biometrics: Mar 1, 2019
Bio-metrics done: Mar 18, 2019
Date of approval: Apr 5, 2019
Date of invitation to ceremony: Jun 4, 2019
Date of ceremony: Jun 28, 2019 (Atlanta Consulate)
Date applied for passport: PENDING
Date passports received: PENDING

[Ballet]

Eligibility criteria: UKM
Nationality: South African
Applying from: South Africa
Method of application: Online
Date of application: 8 March 2019
Payment method: Credit card (8 March 2019)
Date of acknowledgement: 11 March 2019
Documents sent by courier: 11 March 2019
Date of receipt by UKVI (DHL notified): 14 March 2019
Date of biometric appt invitation: 4 June 2019
Date of biometrics appt confirmation: 5 June 2019
Biometrics done: scheduled for 6 June 2019
Date of approval:
Date of ceremony:
Date applied for passport:
Passport Application received:
Passport Application Marked Dispatched:
Date passport received:

[keh723]

Well that didn't take long. Just a bit of phone tag and the ceremony is scheduled. I could have probably scheduled for as soon as next week but my schedule this month is a bit busy.

Congratulations! They were so nice at the Atlanta British Consulate. It was very nice and intimate. They really make it all about you and your experience.

[jkproperties]

Eligibility criteria: UKM
Nationality: South African
Applying from: South Africa
Method of application: Online
Date of application: 8 March 2019
Payment method: Credit card (8 March 2019)
Date of acknowledgement: 11 March 2019
Documents sent by courier: 11 March 2019
Date of receipt by UKVI (DHL notified): 14 March 2019
Date of biometric appt invitation: 4 June 2019
Date of biometrics appt confirmation: 5 June 2019
Biometrics done: scheduled for 6 June 2019
Date of approval:
Date of ceremony:
Date applied for passport:
Passport Application received:
Passport Application Marked Dispatched:
Date passport received:

Wow, you have waited long for Biometric request, I am in the same boat, but 2 weeks behind you, hopefully mine will also come through soon.

Where in SA are you based?
Good luck..

[Ballet]

Hi jkproperties

It took about 12 weeks from submission to the biometric request (which I almost deleted as it comes from an odd address!).

The link provided in the mail takes you to a landing page and doesn’t allow you to book an appointment; I got another link from a friend for this.

I'm in Johannesburg.

Eligibility criteria: UKM
Nationality: South African
Applying from: South Africa
Method of application: Online
Date of application: 8 March 2019
Payment method: Credit card (8 March 2019)
Date of acknowledgement: 11 March 2019
Documents sent by courier: 11 March 2019
Date of receipt by UKVI (DHL notified): 14 March 2019
Date of biometric appt invitation: 4 June 2019
Date of biometrics appt confirmation: 5 June 2019
Biometrics done: scheduled for 6 June 2019
Date of approval:
Date of ceremony:
Date applied for passport:
Passport Application received:
Passport Application Marked Dispatched:
Date passport received:

Wow, you have waited long for Biometric request, I am in the same boat, but 2 weeks behind you, hopefully mine will also come through soon.

Where in SA are you based?
Good luck..

[jkproperties]

I have been stressing about deleting my junk mail and am taking extra care to double check everything.

Ok, I’m also in Johannesburg,
Is your booking in Fredman drv?

Best of luck.

Hi jkproperties

It took about 12 weeks from submission to the biometric request (which I almost deleted as it comes from an odd address!).

The link provided in the mail takes you to a landing page and doesn’t allow you to book an appointment; I got another link from a friend for this.

I'm in Johannesburg.

Eligibility criteria: UKM
Nationality: South African
Applying from: South Africa
Method of application: Online
Date of application: 8 March 2019
Payment method: Credit card (8 March 2019)
Date of acknowledgement: 11 March 2019
Documents sent by courier: 11 March 2019
Date of receipt by UKVI (DHL notified): 14 March 2019
Date of biometric appt invitation: 4 June 2019
Date of biometrics appt confirmation: 5 June 2019
Biometrics done: scheduled for 6 June 2019
Date of approval:
Date of ceremony:
Date applied for passport:
Passport Application received:
Passport Application Marked Dispatched:
Date passport received:

Wow, you have waited long for Biometric request, I am in the same boat, but 2 weeks behind you, hopefully mine will also come through soon.

Where in SA are you based?
Good luck..