Travelling post naturalisation

[eternal-1098]

Hi, I would be grateful for some advice on how I should proceed as I have quite a dilemma! I applied for my naturalisation months ago and finally it was granted and I attended the naturalisation ceremony today and got my certificate. However I have travel plans next week, which I'm keen not to cancel as my dad has had a stroke and I'm really would like to visit him.

My initial plans was to apply for British Passport, but can't do so in time to travel, so I plan to travel on my old passport and retain my BRP which I hope to show along with my old passport on arriving back in the UK. Has anyone managed to do this, as I know we are supposed to return our BRP after the ceremony, but I would like to keep it for now until I return and apply for british passport. Should I show them my naturalisation certificate at Heathrow on my return or just BRP? Will be grateful to hear experiences of people who have been through this.

Many thanks!

[noajthan]

BRP to be returned/destroyed after ceremony. (Within 5 days).

https://www.gov.uk/becoming-a-british-c ... p-ceremony

[eternal-1098]

Thank you, but will I not need the ILR so that I can enter the UK again? If it is not needed, so I just show them my naturalisation certificate? The issue is I haven't got the time to apply for British passport or right of abode before travelling next week...

[noajthan]

I understand your problem.

You no longer have a visa or ILR as you are now a citizen.

You may gain entry at border (after some delay, by showing your nc).
The challenge will be to board your flight.

[eternal-1098]

I see...I think boarding the flight should be OK, as I'm from a commonwealth country which doesn't need a visa to visit the UK. So I shall send back my ILR card and then present my NC at Heathrow. Will they need to take my fingerprints again?

Can I ask for some advice , should I make an application for a British passport before I travel, so that it would be ready in time or at least in process before I come back, and at least I can tell the IO that I have applied for a british passport already...

[noajthan]

I see...I think boarding the flight should be OK, as I'm from a commonwealth country which doesn't need a visa to visit the UK. So I shall send back my ILR card and then present my NC at Heathrow. Will they need to take my fingerprints again?

Can I ask for some advice , should I make an application for a British passport before I travel, so that it would be ready in time or at least in process before I come back, and at least I can tell the IO that I have applied for a british passport already...

You will need to submit nc with the passport application along with all current (uncancelled) passports. So that won't fly.

If you really have to travel, (against HO advice), before you have a first British passport then it'll be a case of talking your way back into the country (with current passport plus nc to back you up).

[eternal-1098]

yes you're right...didn't think that one through.

Thank you for your advice! I really hope it all works out, have a lot of anxiety about it now, but only one way to find out what will happen