naturalisation question

[stevcal]

Hello guys,

I need advice. I am due for naturalisation next month (October). Both mum and dad have the ILR sticker in their passports. However, our kids (one is 4 years and another one is 1.5 years) do not have any passports at all. Both of them were born in the UK but BEFORE the parents had ILR.

When we are applying for naturalisation, we intend to register the kids for BC. Will there be any problems with the lack of passports for the kids, even though they do have their own birth certificates?

Please help!


Stevcal

[Joseph]

There should be no problem at all. You could have applied already for registration on the basis of your child's birth certificate and your ILR. Your child was eligable for registration starting when you got ILR, not just when you naturalize.

In any case, you can add you child to your application and the additional fee of £200 is the same as if you had done it earlier. You could include a statement that your child never left the UK and therefore doesn't have a passport. To be totally covered, you could get a letter from you family doctor stating that your child has been a regular patient. If your child goes to school, a letter or bill would be helpful. Do you have Child Benefit? Any documentation from these sources along with the full birth certificate would be helpful.

Joseph

[stevcal]

Thanks Joseph. I really appreciate it. Will let you know how it goes!

stevecal

[stevcal]

Went to Wandsworth today to submit my naturalisation application forms. Everything was (as they say) a breeze. I noticed that the lady who was handling our case did photocopy all our documents including degree certificates. She handed the degree certificates (originals) back to us.

When i came back home and checked the forum, I realised that people say the home office needs the originals when it comes to the certificates.
Has there been a change in the way these certificates are handled by the NCS centres?

Stevcal

[Joseph]

It seems that Wandsworth is different from the others. They said the same thing to me when I rang them a few weeks ago.
The other centres keep the originals and the Home Office returns them. My documents were sealed letters from the school registrars; I didn't care if they were damaged!
Joseph

[stevcal]

Thanks Joseph. You have put my heart at rest! I was getting worried silly thinking the lady at the NCS had made a mistake!
Will keep you posted.

Stevcal