How to avoid “enquiries pending” template after 6 months? Advice before MP/complaint/email

[tanha_rixby]

Hi all,

I need advice on how to write to the Home Office, MP, and complaint teams without triggering a generic response or a defensive reaction. I feel like I’ve got one good shot to do this properly at the 6-month point, before needing to wait again.

Context:

• I applied for naturalisation around 6 months ago.
• Biometrics were done 3 days after submission.
• I recently received my SAR.
• From the SAR, I can see that all checks and casework actions (PNC, biometrics, SARU identity check, US biometric match, etc.) were completed within 48 hours of my biometric appointment.
• Since then, there’s been no caseworker activity logged at all apart from one redacted entry. The only other updates after October are system entries showing that my follow-up emails were logged by the Central Correspondence Team with notes like “no response needed – within SLA”.
• There’s no clear sign the case was ever assigned to a caseworker. Of course, I don’t want to accuse anyone of neglect, but it’s hard not to worry something has gone wrong or that the case has been left unattended.

The last two times I emailed, I got the same copy-paste reply: “enquiries are pending...” (once in February, once two weeks ago). From what I’ve seen on here, that seems to be the standard response even after 6 months. I’m almost certain that if I send another message after the 6-month point, it will just trigger the exact same template again.

My questions:

1. At the 6-month point, should I send everything at once (MP, complaint, final follow-up email)? Or is it better to stagger them, and if so, in what order?
2. What’s the best tone or structure to avoid triggering just another generic reply? I’m not trying to make accusations, but I also don’t want to be ignored again. It’s clear to me that someone probably needs to unblock the case internally, but I don’t know how to say that without sounding accusatory. (There’s a chance that there are things happening behind the scenes that aren’t visible in the SAR, so I want to be both safe and effective.)
3. Has anyone here used wording that actually led to a real review? Not just another template reply?
4. Would the following points be safe or smart to include?
   
   • Mention that I received my SAR and saw that nothing has moved since the first week.
   • Acknowledge that enquiries can take time, but that I understand they can be chased or re-submitted.
   • Request internal review and ask if the case can be flagged for priority handling.
   • Avoid saying “no caseworker assigned,” but hint at the long silence (based on SAR event logs) without sounding aggressive.

I really don’t want to get flagged as “difficult,” or have this somehow backfire. But I also don’t want to let things drag on for another few months in silence.

If anyone has any advice (especially those who’ve had movement after 6+ months), I’d be super grateful.

Thanks so much.

[contorted_svy]

Hi all,

I need advice on how to write to the Home Office, MP, and complaint teams without triggering a generic response or a defensive reaction. I feel like I’ve got one good shot to do this properly at the 6-month point, before needing to wait again.

Context:

• I applied for naturalisation around 6 months ago.
• Biometrics were done 3 days after submission.
• I recently received my SAR.
• From the SAR, I can see that all checks and casework actions (PNC, biometrics, SARU identity check, US biometric match, etc.) were completed within 48 hours of my biometric appointment.
• Since then, there’s been no caseworker activity logged at all — apart from one redacted entry. The only other updates after October are system entries showing that my follow-up emails were logged by the Central Correspondence Team with notes like “no response needed – within SLA”.
• There’s no clear sign the case was ever assigned to a caseworker. Of course, I don’t want to accuse anyone of neglect, but it’s hard not to worry something has gone wrong or that the case has been left unattended.

The last two times I emailed, I got the same copy-paste reply: “enquiries are pending...” (once in February, once two weeks ago). From what I’ve seen on here, that seems to be the standard response — even after 6 months.

My questions:

1. At the 6-month point, should I send everything at once (MP, complaint, final follow-up email)? Or is it better to stagger them — and if so, in what order? Any order you want. It makes no difference. Your MP will get the same generic reply.
2. What’s the best tone/structure to avoid triggering just another generic reply? We have no idea. People usually do get the same template replies. No magic formula here. I’m not trying to make accusations, but I also don’t want to be ignored again. It’s clear to me that someone probably needs to unblock the case internally, but I don’t know how to say that without sounding accusatory. (There’s a chance that there are things happening behind the scenes that aren’t visible in the SAR — so I want to be both safe and effective.)
3. Has anyone here used wording that actually led to a real review? Not just another template reply?
4. Would the following points be safe/smart to include?
   
   • Mention that I received my SAR and saw that nothing has moved since the first week. This is a fact, you can mention it.
   • Acknowledge that enquiries can take time, but that I understand they can be chased or re-submitted.
   • Request internal review and ask if the case can be flagged for priority handling. This won't be possible.
   • Avoid saying “no caseworker assigned,” but hint at the long silence (based on SAR event logs) without sounding aggressive. Just attach the SAR and ask if a caseworker has been assigned.

I really don’t want to get flagged as “difficult,” or have this somehow backfire. But I also don’t want to let things drag on for another few months in silence. This won't backfire but no guarantee it will avoid things dragging. If we had a magic solution people wouldn't keep waiting.

If anyone has any advice (especially those who’ve had movement after 6+ months), I’d be super grateful.

Thanks so much.

[tanha_rixby]

Thanks. That’s helpful.

• Avoid saying “no caseworker assigned,” but hint at the long silence (based on SAR event logs) without sounding aggressive. Just attach the SAR and ask if a caseworker has been assigned.

Quick follow-up: the SAR has some wording that says it's confidential (or that certain parts are), and also includes a line like: "These documents are the property of the data subject and should ultimately be retained by them."
Just wondering: is it safe/legal to attach the SAR when writing to my MP? Am I actually allowed to share it with her?

Also, just to confirm: based on your advice, it sounds like nothing I'm planning is considered “risky” or likely to backfire, right? If so, then I might try to phrase things in a way that makes it a bit harder for them to reply with the standard template, without being aggressive.

[contorted_svy]

It is your prsonal information and you decide who you want to share it with.

As I said above, it is your right to ask what is happening to your application so there is no reason that a follow up email should backfire (unless you are deliberately aggressive or rude). However, there is no guarantee that a more direct wording will *definitely* speed up your case.

[tanha_rixby]

Thanks for your advice.

I was wondering: do you think getting a solicitor to help draft my complaint (right after passing the 6-month mark) would actually make any real difference compared to me writing it myself?

In other words, does a strongly worded complaint from a solicitor go a long way at this stage?

Or is it more the case that using a solicitor only starts to make a real difference later on, for example, during the Pre-Action Protocol or if escalation becomes necessary?

Would love to hear any experiences or thoughts on this.

Thanks again!

[secret.simon]

What would the basis of any Pre-Action Protocol be?

You do not have a legal right for the decision to come through in six months. It is a Home Office aspiration, not a legal deadline.

Also, as a general rule, UK courts are chary of entering into citizenship matters (see, for instance, how restrained they have been in the case of Shamima Begum). That is seen as the domain of the executive, at least in the UK, and courts do not ordinarily get involved in naturalisation decisions.

[tanha_rixby]

What would the basis of any Pre-Action Protocol be?
...

Thanks for your reply. I guess you slightly misread my question. I know I have no legal right to get the decision within 6 months, and I know PAP needs a strong legal basis.

My question is simply this: at what stage could paying a solicitor make a difference?

My understanding is that, theoretically, one could follow all these steps:

Step 1. Write to UKVI and MP
Step 2. File a complaint
Step 3. Ask for a formal review of the complaint
Step 4. Escalate to ICE
Step 5. Escalate to Health Service Ombudsman
Step 6. Pre-action protocol
Step 7. Judicial Review

For reference:

• I have already read the great guide by contorted_svy which mentions steps 1-5.
• I have also read solicitor link removed by moderator this blog by a solicitor[/url] who CLAIM one could escalate to PaP and the court (steps 6 and 7)

Currently, at the 6-month point, my question is whether there is any real benefit in involving a solicitor from the early stages (for example, at Step 2) to draft a “more effective” complaint. Specifically, could a solicitor-written complaint at Step 2 lead to a faster or more successful outcome later on — or should I only think about instructing a solicitor at Step 6 (Pre-Action Protocol) if it becomes necessary? I’m trying to understand if paying a solicitor early could meaningfully improve my chances of getting the application resolved faster, or if it would be unnecessary at this stage. I don’t want to waste money if it makes no real difference, but I’m happy to pay if it could significantly help.


Thanks again for any advice!

[lolo2]

You do not have a legal right for the decision to come through in six months. It is a Home Office aspiration, not a legal deadline.

This has been commented here many times.

People tend to rely too much on the "average" time that other applicants get to receive a response and then start these actions even before the six months mark.

It's always been said that every application is unique and the Home Office clearly mention that a decision should be made within that timeframe - sometimes is less sometimes is more. Starting all these actions before the given time will not speed up the process. If there is any issue with the application, the Home Office always contact the applicant.

I fully understand that these waiting periods can be a bit daunting - I have been myself in a similar situation more than once during my immigration journey - but I don't think it's necessary to start chasing them earlier, not following the Home Office instructions.

I don't think a solicitor will make any difference either.

[tanha_rixby]

You do not have a legal right for the decision to come through in six months. It is a Home Office aspiration, not a legal deadline.

Starting all these actions before the given time will not speed up the process. If there is any issue with the application, the Home Office always contact the applicant.

I fully understand that these waiting periods can be a bit daunting - I have been myself in a similar situation more than once during my immigration journey - but I don't think it's necessary to start chasing them earlier, not following the Home Office instructions....

I think there might be a misunderstanding.
Just to clarify:

The Home Office has formally confirmed in writing a few days ago that my case will not be decided within 6 months. And now my 6-month point has already fully passed.

So, with respect, I’m a bit confused — are you suggesting I shouldn't even file a complaint after 6 months have passed?
Filing a complaint now seems like the normal and reasonable step to take.

My real question is simply:
Should I write the complaint myself (Step 2) — or would hiring a solicitor to help draft it make any real difference at this stage?

I'm not asking about PAP yet. I'm not escalating aggressively.
I'm just trying to get the complaint stage right and wondering if getting professional help now could improve my chances later if escalation becomes necessary.

Thanks again for any advice!

[contorted_svy]

You do not have a legal right for the decision to come through in six months. It is a Home Office aspiration, not a legal deadline.

Starting all these actions before the given time will not speed up the process. If there is any issue with the application, the Home Office always contact the applicant.

I fully understand that these waiting periods can be a bit daunting - I have been myself in a similar situation more than once during my immigration journey - but I don't think it's necessary to start chasing them earlier, not following the Home Office instructions....

I think there might be a misunderstanding.
Just to clarify:

The Home Office has formally confirmed in writing a few days ago that my case will not be decided within 6 months. And now my 6-month point has already fully passed.

So, with respect, I’m a bit confused — are you suggesting I shouldn't even file a complaint after 6 months have passed? you can file a complaint. But it doesn't guarantee it will speed up the decision.
Filing a complaint now seems like the normal and reasonable step to take.

My real question is simply:
Should I write the complaint myself (Step 2) — or would hiring a solicitor to help draft it make any real difference at this stage? It wouldn't. You are free to spend your money however you want.

I'm not asking about PAP yet. I'm not escalating aggressively.
I'm just trying to get the complaint stage right and wondering if getting professional help now could improve my chances later if escalation becomes necessary. You can do however you please. Using a solicitor is recommended for particularly tricky cases that eg may require discretion. If yours isn't you risk spending money on something unnecessary. You can always appoint a solicitor later. Unless you are rude or demanding, the wording you use in any communication with UKVI is unlikely to make a wolrd of difference to the outcome of your application or the time that UKVI will take to process it.

Thanks again for any advice!

[gingerbread777]

I am in a similar situ, applied in early December and bio was a few days after - it’s been radio silent, appreciate it’s within the time frame etc however I’m seeing applications getting approved so quickly and you start to wonder.

Consider yourself lucky that atleast you got a response,even though it’s generic, whereas I never did - emailed them 3 times nothing.

My application is very straightforward, only possible complication could be my divorce which was 3 years ago, anyways please keep us posted on your application, do hope you receive a positive result soon

[contorted_svy]

You won't get any reply before the 6 months have elapsed, which for you will be at the end of May. It si not useful to compare your timeline to anyone else's.

[tanha_rixby]

Unless you are rude or demanding, the wording you use in any communication with UKVI is unlikely to make a wolrd of difference to the outcome of your application or the time that UKVI will take to process it.

Just trying to fully understand your point properly...

I have already filed the complaint (which is a one-off) and contacted my MP (who doesn't seem to care), but I can still keep sending follow-up emails directly to the Home Office. As we know, most emails tend to get ignored.

I was wondering: how frequently can I re-send follow-up emails before it risks being seen as “rude or demanding”?

On one hand, most emails seem to be ignored (based on my experience), so it feels logical to follow up regularly. On the other hand, from my SAR, I can see that some emails are logged into the system, so too much contact might possibly look bad (is that the kind of thing you meant by "rude"?).

Worth saying that I revise and slightly adjust my emails each time, so it is not just a copy-paste repeat, but the core message remains the same.

Would you say once every few days (like every 3 to 5 days) is still fine? Or would it be better to leave a longer gap between emails now that the 6-month deadline has passed?

I am not asking whether it would "work" or change anything, more about your gut feeling from experience on whether this could hurt my case or be logged negatively if I email too often. Even if it does not help, it gives some peace of mind that I am doing my part, but I do not want to cause unnecessary problems.

Also, when sending such emails, would you recommend circulating between different Home Office addresses (like citizenship.support, furthernationalityenquiries, fmt, etc.), or just emailing all of them together each time?

Thanks again, really appreciate your advice and experience.

[contorted_svy]

Unless you are rude or demanding, the wording you use in any communication with UKVI is unlikely to make a wolrd of difference to the outcome of your application or the time that UKVI will take to process it.

Just trying to fully understand your point properly...

I have already filed the complaint (which is a one-off) and contacted my MP (who doesn't seem to care), but I can still keep sending follow-up emails directly to the Home Office. As we know, most emails tend to get ignored.

I was wondering: how frequently can I re-send follow-up emails before it risks being seen as “rude or demanding”?

On one hand, most emails seem to be ignored (based on my experience), so it feels logical to follow up regularly. On the other hand, from my SAR, I can see that some emails are logged into the system, so too much contact might possibly look bad (is that the kind of thing you meant by "rude"?).

Worth saying that I revise and slightly adjust my emails each time, so it is not just a copy-paste repeat, but the core message remains the same.

Would you say once every few days (like every 3 to 5 days) is still fine? Or would it be better to leave a longer gap between emails now that the 6-month deadline has passed?

I am not asking whether it would "work" or change anything, more about your gut feeling from experience on whether this could hurt my case or be logged negatively if I email too often. Even if it does not help, it gives some peace of mind that I am doing my part, but I do not want to cause unnecessary problems.

Also, when sending such emails, would you recommend circulating between different Home Office addresses (like citizenship.support, furthernationalityenquiries, fmt, etc.), or just emailing all of them together each time?

Thanks again, really appreciate your advice and experience.

I was talking about the phrasing when I used the phrase "rude and demanding". Eg sounding too entitled, or pushing them to give you an answer. That would frustrate them.

Considering that they take 2 weeks or more to reply, I would advise to keep emails a bit separated in time. Unless you have a specific reason why it is so urgent to get citizenship, too many emails could potentially slow the processing down even further as they may try to respond to all of them. I would advise to email every couple of weeks at most - more often won't really speed up your case.

I would email all email addresses that we know of.

I understand that the wait is frustrating, but emailing too often just keeps it at the forefront of your mind and stress you further. You have already done your part in putting together your application and starting to follow up. Keep a log of your communications with them, you can request another SAR to see if anything moves. Nothing that you do, within reason as I said above, will hurt your case, but it won't speed things up either. So do follow up, but don't create too much stress for yourself by emailing too often either.

[tanha_rixby]

Thanks again for all the help so far — this forum really helps take the edge off the wait.

I’ve just received a very delayed reply from the Home Office. It was in response to one of my emails sent almost a month ago — back when my application hadn’t yet passed the 6-month mark.

The message is from the "Public Correspondence (CCH), Customer Operations Support Services" team and just said my query has been forwarded to the relevant team, which is fine, but there was one line that confused me a bit. It said something in line with:

Please note that you are permitted to travel during the application process, and you should inform us of any dates you will be outside the UK.

This surprised me. I hadn’t heard of this requirement before, especially not for trips taken after submission. I’ve already been outside the UK briefly around Christmas and didn’t notify them at the time. I didn’t know I was supposed to.

Now I’m unsure what’s best to do:

• Should I reply to that message now and tell them I was abroad in December?
• Or wait and only mention it if/when a caseworker gets in touch?
• Or just ignore it unless it comes up again?

I don’t want to make a big deal out of nothing, but also don’t want to risk making it worse by leaving it unacknowledged if they do expect to be told.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks again.

[alterhase58]

That's news to me !

The question is asked a few times a week (for many years!) and we always advise that it's ok to travel after the application has been submitted.

Advice from the UKVI Helpline is not reliable including the call centre operation which is outsourced to 3rd parties - they are not caseworkers. Unless it's in the official UKVI guidance then I would ignore that statement. We haven't seen anyone reporing getting into trouble for travelling afterwards.

[contorted_svy]

That information is not relevant for them at all. Ignore it for now, keep a log of your trips just in case, but only discuss it with a caseworker. It is not in the guidance as your qualifying period is all that matters for absences and you were in the UK when you submitted.

[tanha_rixby]

That's news to me !

The question is asked a few times a week (for many years!) and we always advise that it's ok to travel after the application has been submitted.

Advice from the UKVI Helpline is not reliable including the call centre operation which is outsourced to 3rd parties - they are not caseworkers. Unless it's in the official UKVI guidance then I would ignore that statement. We haven't seen anyone reporing getting into trouble for travelling afterwards.

Thanks — yeah, it felt new to me too, and your reply made me think a bit more about it.

The fact that it came from the Public Correspondence team (not a caseworker) made me wonder if it’s just a generic line they send to everyone — or maybe part of a new policy we’ve all missed?

Thanks for hinting about “official UKVI guidance”: I wonder where I can find that guideline exactly to check the wording, whether there’s actually any mention of needing to report travel after submission.

That said, now that they’ve explicitly told me that I “should” inform them of travel during the process, does their email now create an obligation for me to report my past trip?
It puts me in a weird spot — if I reply and declare it now, it feels like I’m admitting I should’ve done that earlier (even though I didn’t know); but if I stay silent, I’m technically not following what they said either.
Plus, if I mention the dates now, someone on their side could get confused and misinterpret it as undeclared travel before submission, which isn’t the case. It’s just a bit confusing and I don’t want to cause trouble by over-explaining either.

I’ve got nothing to hide, but I’m worried that mentioning it out of the blue (months later) might cause confusion or trigger something unnecessarily.

What would you do in this situation?

[tanha_rixby]

That information is not relevant for them at all. Ignore it for now, keep a log of your trips just in case, but only discuss it with a caseworker. It is not in the guidance as your qualifying period is all that matters for absences and you were in the UK when you submitted.

Ok then, seems like there is consensus there's no such requirement to declare post-application travels.
I'll ignore it for now and decide once I hear from the caseworker.

[contorted_svy]

This is the AN guidance https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... 5+_V2_.pdf

[tanha_rixby]

This is the AN guidance https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... 5+_V2_.pdf

Thanks a lot. Interesting that in page 43 it explicitly says under "Travel after submitting an application" that "You do not need to tell us about your travel plans." So I would refer to that if they complain...