E-visa between naturalisation decision and ceremony

[AndrewMuzz]

Hello

We have applied for my wife’s naturalisation and she gave her biometrics in January. Based on recent timelines people have shared we could hear by the end of this month or soon after.

We have a holiday booked in April so our intention is to book the ceremony for after we return to avoid the risk that her first passport takes too long. I know that she is not actually a British citizen until the ceremony but has anyone actually generated the share codes and traveled during the interim period? I am slightly afraid that something will get updated and we won’t be able to prove her status with the online system being quite new.

Am I worrying about nothing here?

How long are first passports taking people at the moment?

Thanks for any help.

[alterhase58]

Naturalisation is not part of immigration and immigration systems are not updated for citizenship.
Passports can take from as little as 10 days (judging by the timelines being reported).
Check HMPO website for latest status. Currently they quote 3 weeks but many application are faster than that.

[AndrewMuzz]

Thanks. The fact they don’t update the system at all is really helpful to know.

[alterhase58]

Thanks. The fact they don’t update the system at all is really helpful to know.

Remember the UK doesn't have a citizen registration system, therefore no ID cards - unlike most other European countries ... Once you are British you are British!

[contorted_svy]

Thanks. The fact they don’t update the system at all is really helpful to know.

They don't update it at the front end but we don't really know how they use their information - advice is not to travel without a British passport once you become British!!! Your approach of booking the ceremony once you are back (if she does get approved in the coming weeks) and travel on her current immigration status is sensible.