General Discussion During Naturalisation Application Process

[alterhase58]

Hi!
Thanks for the quick response but based on the discussions above there has been a change and now the standard option online is only to have an appointment with BRP and they will scan the documents (so the option to scan ourselves is not possible anymore), or at least this is my understanding.
My question is - once I make the payment and submit the application, are there many options for the meeting with BRP, as I will be abroad for work for the next ten days? I'm really worried about paying the fees and submitting the application, and then not being able to meet with BRP to scan the documents quickly enough..
Any thoughts among those who have submitted their application since 29 March (since the system change) would be very much appreciated!
Alex

You will take away all your originals (passport, BRP/PR card) when you are finished with the appointment. Travel is no problem.

[Alexnat2019]

Thank you! But do you know how soon I need to have the appointment? Can it wait two weeks?

[Tribulations28]

Thank you! But do you know how soon I need to have the appointment? Can it wait two weeks?

I believe you can as they allowed me 9 weeks to complete it, with a reminder after 15 working days, And I did not even request for the extra time. But mind you I applied end of feb.

[RJS]

Hi all,

First of all, thank you to everyone who replies to help on this forum - it is priceless and selfless help. I will promise to reciprocate once my process is complete so I can give accurate advice.

STATUS
1. I have completed GOV.UK application, made payment and waiting to attend my biometric appointment in about 10 days.

2. I have been in the UK since 2004 (Working Holidaymaker and then Work Permit) and been on an ILR since 2010 and am applying via that route.

3. I have uploaded all neccessary documents related to the checklist (I looked for advice on this forum of types of documents to upload).

4. For "Proof of Living in the UK", I found advice on this forum to provide my P60s for my entire time here (I have been employed throughout). I have softcopies / scans of all of these and have uploaded them. I have also uploaded my previous passport showing my travel for the last 5 years. I did the latter as my current passport was just renewed and has no stamps in it whereas my previous ones has a huge amount and corresponds to the details I provided in the form.

QUESTION

On the day of the biometric appointment, when they ask for the originals of the documents, I have everything EXCEPT about half of the P60s as I only received these electronically from my employer. How will I show them the 'original' if the only original I have ever had is a softcopy (PDF?).

Thank you!

[RJS]

Hi all,

I submitted and made my payment for the first part of the application on the GOV.UK site on Saturday evening. I was then brought to the "Further Actions" page where I am asked the following:

Book your appointment
You are about to be transferred to our commercial partner's website to book your appointment. You can return to your application until 20 September 2019 by logging in via the link sent in your submission confirmation email.

Your application may not be successful unless you complete all mandatory actions on the previous page. You must return to the previous page to complete any mandatory actions before continuing.

<Continue Button>


When I click Continue, I get this error message (Still on the GOV.UK site)

Sorry, there is currently a problem with this service
Please try again later.

We are working as quickly as possible to fix this problem. We advise you to keep checking and when it is available, you will need to make arrangements to provide your biometrics with our commercial partner so that you can complete your application.

You can return to your application by logging in via the link that was sent to you in your payment confirmation email. The link will take you to the 'Further actions' page where you should follow the instructions on how to make arrangements to provide your biometrics.

This has been happening since Saturday evening until this morning - I've tried about 4 times a day. I called the UKGOV helpline, they said it was probably due to UKCVAS. I called the UKCVAS helpline they said they could try to book me in over the phone, but then couldn't find my details. I have received the email from the Uk Visas and Immigration on Monday, the one that has this text:

Thank you for your application to the Home Office. Your application has been received and is being considered.

It may take up to six months to make a decision on your case. If we are unable to process your application within six months we will tell you as soon as possible.

Our web page contains further information on our service standards and other information which may relate to your application.

Please note that this is an automated response confirming receipt of your application and does not accept responses. Please do not reply to this email.

Question: Anyone having the same issue, had the same issue or know how I can make an appointment? I have everything ready!

I managed to resolve this after about 10 calls to both UKVI and UKVCAS and the latter using their (only available) premium number which cost me close to £50 in total! So thought I would share how to resolve this if you see it.

Explained Cause
Apparently it is not a unique incident as the new online application is still in BETA and occassionally has a problem when your details from the UKVI site arent automatically transferred to the UKVCAS site. This is the reason when you attempt to click on the Book an Appointment button on the UKVI page, it fails - it doesn't know where to go to.

Steps to Resolve
1. Call the UKVCAS phone number but choose the option that says your application has been more than 6 months ago (it's the only way I found you can get to a person)
2. Explain the issue. They will try to help you make a manual booking. In my case, this wasn't possible as they did not have my details due to the reason above.
3. If the same happens for you, call the UKVI helpline (I found calling around 4pm was a good time). I spoke to a gentleman who was super helpful (I wont share his name in case everyone on this forum inundates him, but if you call and dont get anywhere, let me know). Tell the person the issue and ask that you know it is an issue that happens occassionally and request that the case be escalated.
4. They will escalate it to the Home Office Technical team and give you a reference number.
5. The team should get back to you within a few days over email. For me, they haven't yet got back to me over email (it's still within their 3-5 day resolution time frame), but I try every day and found out that the problem was resolved within 24 hours for me and I've now made a booking.

[smarioana91]

Hi all,

First of all, thank you to everyone who replies to help on this forum - it is priceless and selfless help. I will promise to reciprocate once my process is complete so I can give accurate advice.

STATUS
1. I have completed GOV.UK application, made payment and waiting to attend my biometric appointment in about 10 days.

2. I have been in the UK since 2004 (Working Holidaymaker and then Work Permit) and been on an ILR since 2010 and am applying via that route.

3. I have uploaded all neccessary documents related to the checklist (I looked for advice on this forum of types of documents to upload).

4. For "Proof of Living in the UK", I found advice on this forum to provide my P60s for my entire time here (I have been employed throughout). I have softcopies / scans of all of these and have uploaded them. I have also uploaded my previous passport showing my travel for the last 5 years. I did the latter as my current passport was just renewed and has no stamps in it whereas my previous ones has a huge amount and corresponds to the details I provided in the form.

QUESTION

On the day of the biometric appointment, when they ask for the originals of the documents, I have everything EXCEPT about half of the P60s as I only received these electronically from my employer. How will I show them the 'original' if the only original I have ever had is a softcopy (PDF?).

Thank you!

Hello!

That was the same for me, we only get them electronically, and in fact I've never received any HMRC documents in any other way. So what I did to circumvent this was scan and upload all the P60s and whatnot onto the UKCVAS page, and ask all employers to sign a letter certifying that I worked there and between what dates. Once I had all these letters, I scanned and uploaded them as well. In my case this was easy, because they're all based in the city I live in, so I just wrote the letters myself, printed them out and went to each of my last three employers (relevant period) and had them sign it.

I agree with you though, it's overall worrisome they don't accept we are in the digital age. I had the same issue with the Life in the UK test, as I receive *all* bills electronically.

Good luck!

[Alexnat2019]

Hello! Could I ask - I thought now they didn’t ask, once we submit the application, to upload the documents but that instead, we only need to bring all the documents at the BrP appointment where they will do the scans for us. I don’t have a scanner at home so want to check I won’t be in a tricky situation!
Anyone with experience of the new template post April 2019 welcome.
Alex

[katyatash]

I believe this is an extra 60£ service (to scan and upload for you). I would recommend to upload everything yourself in advance- to make sure all is there. I personally have bought 40£ scanner for this application. You also can use app on your idiot-phone.

[java0936]

I have just completed my UKVCAS appointment last Saturday 6th April.
A few things note
1. The process is swift, they took copies of my passport, finger prints and photos that's it.
2. some customer services training for the staff is needed, the guy who received me didn't talk or communicate but doing his own thing. Maybe they got told not to communicate? But its very blizzard especially you paid for the supposedly premium services
3. I also purchase the document check, the guy told me all my upload was checked, they only asked him to check my referees confirmations. After I told him I have uploaded it, he wasn't even interested in looking at it. its not after three trial he reluctantly agreed to scan them again anyway.
4. Because it was done in a private suite (only two of us in there) I can see that after he got my photo(which buy the way he took it with his hand holding the camera, there wasn't even a tripod!! So Premium ) he was clicking what looked like the files to "transporting".

The whole thing including waiting took about less than 20 minutes and then he waved me away and said "they will be in touch". Apparently he was in a hurry to go to Novotel for some food or something (overheard the conversation he had with another staff).

Hope this can set your expectation.

[kate03]

Hi all,

I would really appreciate your help with an issue I have encountered.

I submitted my application jointly with my husband online on 1st March. We then enrolled the biometrics and posted the supporting documentation on 2nd March and the HO received it the following Monday.

I received a confirmation email in my husband's name on 4th March, however, there was nothing in my name. We recently got married and I received an email today addressed to my maiden name (which is not the name I applied with) acknowledging my application.

Should I be worried that the HO has incorrect details for me?

Does it mean that the clock on my application starts now, or on the day when I submitted my application?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Many thanks,

Kate

[CR001]

Hi all,

I would really appreciate your help with an issue I have encountered.

I submitted my application jointly with my husband online on 1st March. We then enrolled the biometrics and posted the supporting documentation on 2nd March and the HO received it the following Monday.

I received a confirmation email in my husband's name on 4th March, however, there was nothing in my name. We recently got married and I received an email today addressed to my maiden name (which is not the name I applied with) acknowledging my application.

Should I be worried that the HO has incorrect details for me?

Does it mean that the clock on my application starts now, or on the day when I submitted my application?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Many thanks,

Kate

What name is in your passport you submitted??

Your date of application is the date you applied, assuming you met the 12 months on PR/ILR and other requirements.

[kate03]

Hi all,

I would really appreciate your help with an issue I have encountered.

I submitted my application jointly with my husband online on 1st March. We then enrolled the biometrics and posted the supporting documentation on 2nd March and the HO received it the following Monday.

I received a confirmation email in my husband's name on 4th March, however, there was nothing in my name. We recently got married and I received an email today addressed to my maiden name (which is not the name I applied with) acknowledging my application.

Should I be worried that the HO has incorrect details for me?

Does it mean that the clock on my application starts now, or on the day when I submitted my application?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Many thanks,

Kate

What name is in your passport you submitted??

Your date of application is the date you applied, assuming you met the 12 months on PR/ILR and other requirements.

The passport is in my married name. I also sent my marriage certificate.

Thanks

[kmlenna]

Hi all,

I would really appreciate your help with an issue I have encountered.

I submitted my application jointly with my husband online on 1st March. We then enrolled the biometrics and posted the supporting documentation on 2nd March and the HO received it the following Monday.

I received a confirmation email in my husband's name on 4th March, however, there was nothing in my name. We recently got married and I received an email today addressed to my maiden name (which is not the name I applied with) acknowledging my application.

Should I be worried that the HO has incorrect details for me?

Does it mean that the clock on my application starts now, or on the day when I submitted my application?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Many thanks,

Kate

Hi Kate, it happened to me also when I applied for naturalisation. I’d applied in my married name and all my supporting documents are in my married name except my PR card (which is still in my maiden name). I was surprised when I received the acknowledgement email that it was in my maiden name. I sent a letter to my caseworker explaining that my details are not correct and I enclosed my marriage certificate. Then when I received my approval letter and ceremony letter it’s still in my maiden name, and when I received my naturalisation certificate it is also in my maiden name. When I applied for british passport I used my married name (my foreign passport in my married name), I submitted my naturalisation certificate (in my maiden name), my foreign passport and my marriage certificate, and my british passport application was approved without any problem.

[kate03]

Hi all,

I would really appreciate your help with an issue I have encountered.

I submitted my application jointly with my husband online on 1st March. We then enrolled the biometrics and posted the supporting documentation on 2nd March and the HO received it the following Monday.

I received a confirmation email in my husband's name on 4th March, however, there was nothing in my name. We recently got married and I received an email today addressed to my maiden name (which is not the name I applied with) acknowledging my application.

Should I be worried that the HO has incorrect details for me?

Does it mean that the clock on my application starts now, or on the day when I submitted my application?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Many thanks,

Kate

Hi Kate, it happened to me also when I applied for naturalisation. I’d applied in my married name and all my supporting documents are in my married name except my PR card (which is still in my maiden name). I was surprised when I received the acknowledgement email that it was in my maiden name. I sent a letter to my caseworker explaining that my details are not correct and I enclosed my marriage certificate. Then when I received my approval letter and ceremony letter it’s still in my maiden name, and when I received my naturalisation certificate it is also in my maiden name. When I applied for british passport I used my married name (my foreign passport in my married name), I submitted my naturalisation certificate (in my maiden name), my foreign passport and my marriage certificate, and my british passport application was approved without any problem.

Thank you kmlenna that makes me feel better! My PR card was in my maiden name, just like yours, so hopefully, this will not cause any issues.

Thanks for your help! Fingers crossed I will get my approval letter soon.

Good luck all!

[Yamarcleo]

Hello everyone iam in situation where I need my husbands passport back, urgently. But I don't know where to start.
My application has gone on 20 of February 2019 with my residence card n my husbands passport (married to BC)
Now as my husband very ill and his cancer is back he just came out of big operation . N time for him now is precious awaiting on tests results to be told how long he is left. SO He booked a holiday before I've sent off documents n he needs his passport back as it might be his last holiday...
I only need his passport back but pls Could l anyone tell me what I have to do to get it back n is it possible at all.thank u

[Szilvana]

Hello everyone iam in situation where I need my husbands passport back, urgently. But I don't know where to start.
My application has gone on 20 of February 2019 with my residence card n my husbands passport (married to BC)
Now as my husband very ill and his cancer is back he just came out of big operation . N time for him now is precious awaiting on tests results to be told how long he is left. SO He booked a holiday before I've sent off documents n he needs his passport back as it might be his last holiday...
I only need his passport back but pls Could l anyone tell me what I have to do to get it back n is it possible at all.thank u

You can request your documents back here: https://www.gov.uk/visa-documents-returned
Make sure you select "NO" when asks you about withdrawing your application.
They aim to return your documents within 10 days.

[Yamarcleo]

Oh is that so simple.

Do they still proceed with application thou when I tick no to withdrawal

[Szilvana]

Oh is that so simple.

Do they still proceed with application thou when I tick no to withdrawal

I believe so. Maybe someone here who went through the process can give more details.

[AlRU]

Hi all,

This maybe a silly question but I would appreciate your help. I currently have ILR and I'm a spouse of British citizen, I'm from NON EU.

When filling in naturalisation form, what would be the correct answer to the below question: YES or a NO:

Are you either:
An EEA national who has been issued with a permanent residence document
A family member of an EEA national who has been issued with a permanent residence card


Many thanks!

[alterhase58]

Hi all,

This maybe a silly question but I would appreciate your help. I currently have ILR and I'm a spouse of British citizen, I'm from NON EU.

When filling in naturalisation form, what would be the correct answer to the below question: YES or a NO:

Are you either:
An EEA national who has been issued with a permanent residence document
A family member of an EEA national who has been issued with a permanent residence card


Many thanks!

Answer is NO - EEA not relevant - you have ILR under UK Immigration Rules.

[AlRU]

Hi all,

This maybe a silly question but I would appreciate your help. I currently have ILR and I'm a spouse of British citizen, I'm from NON EU.

When filling in naturalisation form, what would be the correct answer to the below question: YES or a NO:

Are you either:
An EEA national who has been issued with a permanent residence document
A family member of an EEA national who has been issued with a permanent residence card


Many thanks!

Answer is NO - EEA not relevant - you have ILR under UK Immigration Rules.

Thank you for your reply! This is really appreciated!

Can I please ask for help with proof of residence / address: Is it correct that as a Non - Eu applicant, I wouldn't need to provide any other supporting documents when it comes to proof of residence apart from the actual passport with stamps? For my ILR, I had to provide 6 pieces of evidence per year to prove I've been living in UK (utility bills etc) so I and wanted to double check that I understood the requirement for naturalisation correctly. Many thanks to anyone who may know this!

[CR001]

Hi all,

This maybe a silly question but I would appreciate your help. I currently have ILR and I'm a spouse of British citizen, I'm from NON EU.

When filling in naturalisation form, what would be the correct answer to the below question: YES or a NO:

Are you either:
An EEA national who has been issued with a permanent residence document
A family member of an EEA national who has been issued with a permanent residence card


Many thanks!

Answer is NO - EEA not relevant - you have ILR under UK Immigration Rules.

Thank you for your reply! This is really appreciated!

Can I please ask for help with proof of residence / address: Is it correct that as a Non - Eu applicant, I wouldn't need to provide any other supporting documents when it comes to proof of residence apart from the actual passport with stamps? For my ILR, I had to provide 6 pieces of evidence per year to prove I've been living in UK (utility bills etc) so I and wanted to double check that I understood the requirement for naturalisation correctly. Many thanks to anyone who may know this!

Only passport(s).

You are not repeating the ILR process.

Citizenship is a completely different set of laws and requirements and process.

[AlRU]

Hi all,

This maybe a silly question but I would appreciate your help. I currently have ILR and I'm a spouse of British citizen, I'm from NON EU.

When filling in naturalisation form, what would be the correct answer to the below question: YES or a NO:

Are you either:
An EEA national who has been issued with a permanent residence document
A family member of an EEA national who has been issued with a permanent residence card


Many thanks!

Answer is NO - EEA not relevant - you have ILR under UK Immigration Rules.

Thank you for your reply! This is really appreciated!

Can I please ask for help with proof of residence / address: Is it correct that as a Non - Eu applicant, I wouldn't need to provide any other supporting documents when it comes to proof of residence apart from the actual passport with stamps? For my ILR, I had to provide 6 pieces of evidence per year to prove I've been living in UK (utility bills etc) so I and wanted to double check that I understood the requirement for naturalisation correctly. Many thanks to anyone who may know this!

Only passport(s).

You are not repeating the ILR process.

Citizenship is a completely different set of laws and requirements and process.

Thank you so much for your help!

[katkavics]

hi guys,
I couldn't figure out how to ask a new question so I'm really sorry but I'll just comment here.

I'm doing an online naturalisation application based on the permanent residency (which I rec'd over a year ago).
Life in the UK test - passed + English B1 test - passed.
So I seem to have everything needed.
2X reference declarations - where do I get that from? I mean I submitted the ppl's name &everything needed online but is there an extra paper I need to submit on top of these?
I can't figure out if I need to go to the UKVCAS after submitting my application online? They did my passport check at the permanent residency.
Sorry I'm just so confused.

[CR001]

hi guys,
I couldn't figure out how to ask a new question so I'm really sorry but I'll just comment here.

I'm doing an online naturalisation application based on the permanent residency (which I rec'd over a year ago).
Life in the UK test - passed + English B1 test - passed.
So I seem to have everything needed.
2X reference declarations - where do I get that from? I mean I submitted the ppl's name &everything needed online but is there an extra paper I need to submit on top of these? Only the online forms.
I can't figure out if I need to go to the UKVCAS after submitting my application online? They did my passport check at the permanent residency. UKCVAS only started in November last years, so couldn't have done your passport check unless you went to a service at the Council, which is not UKCVAS. If you wish to keep hold of your original documents, then yes you will need to make an appointment etc. If you are an EU citizen, you are also required to submit evidence of your residence such as P60s as your passport doesn't get stamped.
Sorry I'm just so confused.