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Naturalisation application - Indian passport expiring soon

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 9:54 pm
by shantul
Hi,

I am currently on ILR and now eligible for naturalisation. My current Indian passport is expiring in June 2013 (6 months from now). Should I take the gamble and apply for naturalisation in the hope that my application will be approved in time for me to surrender my Indian passport before it expires?

If this is too risky should I

a) Go through NCS so that I retain my original passport. If the naturalisation application is not approved in time can I then renew the Indian passport and fill in a change of circumstances form for the Home Office?

b) Renew Indian passport first and then apply for naturalisation?

Thanks.

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 10:03 pm
by Jambo
Not sure what's the issue here.

You don't need a valid passport for naturalisation application.

I believe you don't need to surrender a valid Indian passport. Just the last one you hold (valid or expired).

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 10:05 pm
by shantul
So, if my Indian passport expires while my naturalisation application is under consideration then there are no issues with the Indian High Commission or the Home Office?

I am not planning to travel anywhere until I get the British passport so does that mean it is OK to go ahead and submit the passport along with the application?

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 10:40 pm
by Jambo
The UK authorities have no issues with your passport expiring during the application. I have no real knowledge about the Indian authorities. I suspect they are OK also but I suggest you ask your question in the other countries section of the forum.

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 11:24 pm
by akash08
Jumbo is right. There is absolutely no issue anywhere. Not sure where is the problem?? None of the countries in question cares when your passport expired for the mentioned purpose!! Unless you are willing to travel, there is no issue.

Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 8:41 am
by shantul
Thanks for your replies. I wasn't sure whether it would be a problem if the Indian passport expired while I am in the UK and my naturalisation application is under consideration. Since this doesn't look to be the case, I'll confidently go ahead and submit my application :D