Naturalisation application - no caseworker assigned even after 10 months

[Kiaraa]

Hi all,

I applied for naturalisation with biometrics done on 3rd October 2023. On 1st March 2024 I received an automated email saying that the application will not be decided within 6 months due to enquiries pending from other agencies. I started following up with FNE and requested SAR. The FNE emails were sent to another department but no reply from them and the SAR said that there was no caseworker assigned as of March 2024.

Finally this morning I received an email from FNE that due to a technical issue they still do not have a caseworker assigned and are trying to fix the issue but cannot give a timeline. I am beyond frustrated as I am employed with a reputable organisation, have no criminal conviction or even an FPN and have been living here for 10 years which means the application should have been straightforward.

Can anyone suggest my options here? Should I get legal advice as home office had blatantly lied in their email on 1st March that my application is delayed awaiting external enquiries whereas they haven’t assigned a case worker even after almost 11 months?

[contorted_svy]

The email you received in March is automated, so unlikely you would have any kind of case in court. Please refer to this guide on how to chase a delayed application viewtopic.php?f=42&t=343483

[Kiaraa]

Thank for your reply. The post you have attached was really helpful and I have done all the chasing using that. Has anyone faced this before that a caseworker hasn’t been assigned even after 11 months?

[contorted_svy]

I don't know if this particular circumstance occurred to a forum user, but the process for chasing the application is the same.

[Dancull]

Thank for your reply. The post you have attached was really helpful and I have done all the chasing using that. Has anyone faced this before that a caseworker hasn’t been assigned even after 11 months?

Mine has been 9 months, my case is with caseworking team but not with caseworker for considered yet. As far as I observed,likely caseworking team is conducting the check and sending out the enquirers. The case won't be assigned to the caseworker to considered until all the checks result are completed. They probably need to fix tech issue before the case forward to caseworking team, honestly going to be a bit of journey for your case

[Nightshade]

The email you received in March is automated, so unlikely you would have any kind of case in court. Please refer to this guide on how to chase a delayed application viewtopic.php?f=42&t=343483

You'd think they'd use a less accusatory wording for an automated email.