Experiences using new UKVCAS for naturalisation/citizenship applications

[johnhkg]

So I attended my sopra appointment on 1st Dec for British Citizenship, submitted biometrics and referee docs, still not heard anything.

Saw a comment in this thread that someone heard back 32 days after their biometric appointment. I guess bank holidays haven’t helped, but getting a little anxious not having any confirmation at all.

I'm waiting too, but you have to understand that no two applications are the same. Some will take much longer to approve than others. Patience, my friend, and best of luck!!!

[citizenearth]

Hi for non eu nationals, where do you upload the passport stamps? There seems to be two options:

"Residence in the UK" and "Proof of identity/travel history"

The scan of your passport (including all stamps, and preferably all pages even if blank) goes under "proof of application" where it is a mandatory upload.

No need to upload it again for proof of residence or proof of identity/travel history.

I asked them at the UKVCAS appointment to scan all pages of the travel document for the stamps to confirm travel history and they said it's not required. Now I'm concerned that they're being lazy and will cause issues for my application

[Maryam63]

I was also concerned about the lack of communication once one's documents are uploaded/verified at the UKVCAS appointment. ...

Could you please let me know which number you used to get the information about the submission of your documents?

0330-123-1199

Many thanks and good luck with your naturalisation application.

[shi12345678]

Dear All

I have completed the citizenship application online , and payed the money just now on 9/1/2019. I have opted for EXISTING SERVICE - STANDARD SERVICE, because that was default. Now I have been asked to post the documents , but I have realised this service is not available anymore !! No option to upload document or promt to contact new service providers ..

So whom to contact?

Please guide me !

Best regards
shiva

[Hioru]

Dear All

I have completed the citizenship application online , and payed the money just now on 9/1/2019. I have opted for EXISTING SERVICE - STANDARD SERVICE, because that was default. Now I have been asked to post the documents , but I have realised this service is not available anymore !! No option to upload document or promt to contact new service providers ..

So whom to contact?

Please guide me !

Best regards
shiva

What do you mean?
If you were allowed to select that service and submit your application, then it is indeed available.
I have sent my evidence last week using this "old" service.

[shi12345678]

Dear Hioru

Thanks for replying. That means you selected "exisitng " and "Standard " options and sent passports,all originals to "Dept 4 UKVI The Capital New Hall Place Liverpool L3 9PP" Is it ?


I agree , If you say, it must be available then..

But even if so, I will ask them tomoroow, could I use online scanning service By phoning them. That Is my plan...
Best regards
shiva

[Hioru]

Dear Hioru

Thanks for replying. That means you selected "exisitng " and "Standard " options and sent passports,all originals to "Dept 4 UKVI The Capital New Hall Place Liverpool L3 9PP" Is it ?

Yes!
The existing service option was available to me when I submitted my application (30th of December). It mentioned in the checklist that I received after submission that I need to send my evidence to the above address you mentioned within 10 business days, which I did! So yes, the passport and everything else.

But even if so, I will ask them tomoroow, could I use online scanning service By phoning them. That Is my plan...
Best regards
shiva

If you would actually prefer the new service no harm in asking. Don't forget you might have to pay for your appointment with the new service if you are not using one of the 4 free places.

[qais_88]

Check out p20 of mn1 paper for
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... -07-18.pdf

This is a question I was pondering over as well...
To provide the information on our referees (ie profession,Passport details etc), do we use the paper form referee section? It shows as pages 19-21 for the paper AN form....

Hi Codem2013,
I appreciate your reply and support. I already printed that out but I believe it is a bit suspicious for most of us to go to a daycare manager or a GP or someone ‘strange’ and provide 2 separate documents requiring 2 signatures, etc.

In my opinion, very clumsy and may discourage the referee from helping (not that it is always easy to find one for a 3 year old).
I believe that is a miss from the HO and hopefully they can improve it in the future. I will try to explain to potential referee that only one signature is needed and that page 19/20 needs to be filled out to capture details so I can add to online application. I will give it a try and hope for the best.
Thanks!
@ Allyf, unless someone can provide us with a better option we have no choice but use the p19/20 out if the paper form.

Yes I agree with you, it is not very convenient..hopefully they will improve this or set up something similar to passport online application where you only provide the referee email, so he can receive all instruction and fill in everything online..
For referees, try ask your health visitor..

I have 2 questions,

1. Regarding the referees for my wife's BC application, two of my friends (not related) know my wife personally and will sign the deceleration. Their status are as below. My question is do they both qualify to be referees?
Ref A: British Citizen (Born in UK) - Self Employed - Profession Engineer - Degree in Civil Engineering
Ref B: Malaysian (Holds ILR) - Employed - Chartered Engineer - Degree in Civil Engineering

2. If they qualify, do they need to sign 2 separate declaration forms with 2 photos or do they both sign 1 declaration form with 1 photo?

Thanks in advance.

[shi12345678]

Dear Hioru

Thanks for replying. That means you selected "exisitng " and "Standard " options and sent passports,all originals to "Dept 4 UKVI The Capital New Hall Place Liverpool L3 9PP" Is it ?

Yes!
The existing service option was available to me when I submitted my application (30th of December). It mentioned in the checklist that I received after submission that I need to send my evidence to the above address you mentioned within 10 business days, which I did! So yes, the passport and everything else.

But even if so, I will ask them tomoroow, could I use online scanning service By phoning them. That Is my plan...
Best regards
shiva

If you would actually prefer the new service no harm in asking. Don't forget you might have to pay for your appointment with the new service if you are not using one of the 4 free places.

Hi Hioru
You are so nice to reply so quickly .. Thanks for prompt quick reply. I will update you what happened! tomorrow. do you think it will take long time for this standard service compared to scan service ?

[Hioru]

Hi Hioru
You are so nice to reply so quickly .. Thanks for prompt quick reply. I will update you what happened! tomorrow. do you think it will take long time for this standard service compared to scan service ?

The time difference is only in when Home Office receives your documents.
For old service it's when they are delivered to them (you can track it on Royal Mail's website if you send the evidence using Signed For or Special Delivery service).
For new service I don't know but I think it's the day when you have your appointment or day after that.

Once Home Office receives your evidence, be it the old service or new service, the time it takes for them to make the decision is the same.

The main difference between the old service and new service is instead of posting your evidence and waiting you get to keep the originals as they are sent online, and more ways for them to make money with these appointments. The time it takes to make the decision did not change.

[CR001]

Hi Hioru
You are so nice to reply so quickly .. Thanks for prompt quick reply. I will update you what happened! tomorrow. do you think it will take long time for this standard service compared to scan service ?

The time difference is only in when Home Office receives your documents.
For old service it's when they are delivered to them (you can track it on Royal Mail's website if you send the evidence using Signed For or Special Delivery service).
For new service I don't know but I think it's the day when you have your appointment or day after that.

Once Home Office receives your evidence, be it the old service or new service, the time it takes for them to make the decision is the same.

The main difference between the old service and new service is instead of posting your evidence and waiting you get to keep the originals as they are sent online, and more ways for them to make money with these appointments. The time it takes to make the decision did not change.

Application date is date of submission and payment online for citizenship.

[Hioru]

Application date is date of submission and payment online for citizenship.

Ah, yes, forgot this part, true! CR001 as always to the rescue.

Essentially, 0 time difference then.
But might have to spend money on travelling & on appointment time that suits your work schedule.

[arovbukay]

So I attended my sopra appointment on 1st Dec for British Citizenship, submitted biometrics and referee docs, still not heard anything.

Saw a comment in this thread that someone heard back 32 days after their biometric appointment. I guess bank holidays haven’t helped, but getting a little anxious not having any confirmation at all.

I'm waiting too, but you have to understand that no two applications are the same. Some will take much longer to approve than others. Patience, my friend, and best of luck!!!

Agree we need to be patient, but would be helpful if we had some sort of confirmation.

[zweky]

I am new here.
I am due to apply on 5 th of March. Can I book appointment in before I finally submit my online application?
Thank you.

[CR001]

I am new here.
I am due to apply on 5 th of March. Can I book appointment in before I finally submit my online application?
Thank you.

No you cannot. It is part of the online application process.

[SidiBou]

This is a question I was pondering over as well...
To provide the information on our referees (ie profession,Passport details etc), do we use the paper form referee section? It shows as pages 19-21 for the paper AN form....

Hi Codem2013,
I appreciate your reply and support. I already printed that out but I believe it is a bit suspicious for most of us to go to a daycare manager or a GP or someone ‘strange’ and provide 2 separate documents requiring 2 signatures, etc.

In my opinion, very clumsy and may discourage the referee from helping (not that it is always easy to find one for a 3 year old).
I believe that is a miss from the HO and hopefully they can improve it in the future. I will try to explain to potential referee that only one signature is needed and that page 19/20 needs to be filled out to capture details so I can add to online application. I will give it a try and hope for the best.
Thanks!
@ Allyf, unless someone can provide us with a better option we have no choice but use the p19/20 out if the paper form.

Yes I agree with you, it is not very convenient..hopefully they will improve this or set up something similar to passport online application where you only provide the referee email, so he can receive all instruction and fill in everything online..
For referees, try ask your health visitor..

I have 2 questions,

1. Regarding the referees for my wife's BC application, two of my friends (not related) know my wife personally and will sign the deceleration. Their status are as below. My question is do they both qualify to be referees?
Ref A: British Citizen (Born in UK) - Self Employed - Profession Engineer - Degree in Civil Engineering
Ref B: Malaysian (Holds ILR) - Employed - Chartered Engineer - Degree in Civil Engineering

2. If they qualify, do they need to sign 2 separate declaration forms with 2 photos or do they both sign 1 declaration form with 1 photo?

Thanks in advance.

Both referees look good to me. I believe they need to sign 2 separate declaration forms. Maybe CR001 can confirm that for reassurance.

SidiBou

[Hioru]

Both referees look good to me. I believe they need to sign 2 separate declaration forms. Maybe CR001 can confirm that for reassurance.

SidiBou

Well, if you want to follow Home Office's protocol it will be 2 separate forms.
That's what they give you when you apply online (2 separate forms to download, even though they are exactly the same). And that is even more so true for the paper-only application.

Not sure if one though will work, though if you have spare £1330 to test it, you can try of course. Otherwise, if you want to do everything that is humanly possible in order for your application to be in your favour, I would suggest 2 forms as that's what Home Office is asking..

[johnhkg]

If you apply online you use a separate downloaded form for each referee.

The paper application uses one form for two referees. I disagree with this method because the second referee will be able to see the personal data of the first referee. In this case I would still use one page for each referee.

[pusched]

Hi,

My partner (non-EEA) just got BPR card and as I am dual EU/British can apply for British citizenship straight away.

When I applied for my British Citizenship I took my documents to be checked (by a council service I believe) before the application was sent so that I could hold on to my passport.

I am currently trying to get my head around this new application process as on the gov website it says you will find out if you need to send your documents during the application.

Anyone knows at what stage do you find this out? We were hoping to apply but keep hold of the passport and BPR.

Thank you.

[dahuja]

Dear all,

This forum has been really useful to me in the past, so I am sharing my recent experience of application for naturalisation and use of UKVCAS with all.
I completed and submitted my application in the first week of January 2019. Before I submitted my application, I was trying to find out what dates are available from UKVCAS but there is no such option available. You have to complete the online form, make the payment and then only the option for selecting the centre and dates becomes available.
Anyway, I completed the form, paid the fees and then selected Birmingham and 10th Jan as my appointment date. Once I had made the selections, then I was able to register and login to the UKVCAS site.
The site then provided option for uploading the documents which was rather straightforward.
I was provided a document checklist on completion of form, so I used that to submit the relevant documents.
Finally, I had to print off the appointment confirmation QR code and take along to the appointment.

My appointment was scheduled for 1300 hours, so I reached there half an hour in advance. But the UKVCAS team was running late so I was told to go away and come back exactly at 1300. When I went back, I had to wait till 1325 before being given a token number to sit in the waiting area.
After a long wait, I was called in for a biometric, but the machine did not function properly and I was advised that the person checking my documents will take the picture and submit the biometrics as well. (I was like, so why dont they do this as a matter of course?)
Anyway, the lady who was supposed to check my documents just scanned my passports, completed the biometrics, but did not check my documents.
The appointment was completed in 10 minutes.
Overall, it wasn't a bad experience except it felt like a waste of time going all the way when they did not bother to see the original documents. Biometrics used to be done at Post Office as well previously, so why could that not have been continued. On the positive side, it was a free appointment, I was able to upload all the documents in advance and I did not have to submit my original passport as I will be travelling shortly.

[johnhkg]

Hi,

My partner (non-EEA) just got BPR card and as I am dual EU/British can apply for British citizenship straight away.

When I applied for my British Citizenship I took my documents to be checked (by a council service I believe) before the application was sent so that I could hold on to my passport.

I am currently trying to get my head around this new application process as on the gov website it says you will find out if you need to send your documents during the application.

Anyone knows at what stage do you find this out? We were hoping to apply but keep hold of the passport and BPR.

Thank you.

With the new system you fill out the online application as you did before for yourself. Then, after submitting and paying the fee you get to upload scans of all your required documents (the online application process generates a list for you). No need to send originals. See last post by dahuja telling you about the process. It is very accurate from my experience.

[CR001]

Can members who post in this topic PLEASE only post if it is British Citizenship that has been applied for and NOT a visa extension or ILR!!!

All other queries to be posted in the existing topic links below, as relevant.

general-uk-immigration-forum/ukvcas-sup ... 67745.html

general-uk-immigration-forum/new-appoin ... 67507.html

[bookerw100]

Dear all,

This forum has been really useful to me in the past, so I am sharing my recent experience of application for naturalisation and use of UKVCAS with all.
I completed and submitted my application in the first week of January 2019. Before I submitted my application, I was trying to find out what dates are available from UKVCAS but there is no such option available. You have to complete the online form, make the payment and then only the option for selecting the centre and dates becomes available.
Anyway, I completed the form, paid the fees and then selected Birmingham and 10th Jan as my appointment date. Once I had made the selections, then I was able to register and login to the UKVCAS site.
The site then provided option for uploading the documents which was rather straightforward.
I was provided a document checklist on completion of form, so I used that to submit the relevant documents.
Finally, I had to print off the appointment confirmation QR code and take along to the appointment.

My appointment was scheduled for 1300 hours, so I reached there half an hour in advance. But the UKVCAS team was running late so I was told to go away and come back exactly at 1300. When I went back, I had to wait till 1325 before being given a token number to sit in the waiting area.
After a long wait, I was called in for a biometric, but the machine did not function properly and I was advised that the person checking my documents will take the picture and submit the biometrics as well. (I was like, so why dont they do this as a matter of course?)
Anyway, the lady who was supposed to check my documents just scanned my passports, completed the biometrics, but did not check my documents.
The appointment was completed in 10 minutes.
Overall, it wasn't a bad experience except it felt like a waste of time going all the way when they did not bother to see the original documents. Biometrics used to be done at Post Office as well previously, so why could that not have been continued. On the positive side, it was a free appointment, I was able to upload all the documents in advance and I did not have to submit my original passport as I will be travelling shortly.

Hi thanks for sharing.
did you also have to take a proof of address - drivers license, utility bill etc? as some members here have reported UKVCAS asking for that on the day

[matei72]

An update... just got a phone call from the Home Office. They wanted to know several things, first if I have a second passport and if I have proof that I was here and gainfully employed between 2013-2015.

I was shocked, as the passports were the first thing that were scanned at my UKVCAS appointment. As a matter of fact, they were the only thing on the requirement list that the UKVCAS staffer had.

The Home Officer person also said that they're unable to accept bank statements as proof (!?!) - as I had submitted them not only as proof of address, but to also show I was receiving a salary etc.

I explained that I'd also had a load of P60s and correspondence from the HMRC scanned in as well - however she was unable to find them.

She eventually found the P60s, and she explained that the scans are just dumped in different folders in no particular order. In my case I had provided them with P60s, bank statements, passports, IRL card and a few other things. What is worrying is that she can't see some of the scans.

What a fiasco. To think that you're forced to pay a hefty sum for this "service" only to have experience this is galling.

[DocKnow]

You should complain to the official UKVCAS email and also to HO. I agree, the whole system feels like a fiasco. Most people who applied in November and used the UKVCAS system have not received their approval yet. A lot of people who applied under the old system seem to have received their approval.