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I just got my letter saying that my application was approved.

I'm calling the council (Southwark) first thing tomorrow to arrange the citizenship ceremony. However, I wanted to get people's views on the following: I applied for citizenship using the Southwark NCS and I applied for the passport at the same time. Passport fees left my account some time ago. In addition, I'll be traveling abroad on the 22nd of December, returning mid Jan.

My question is, will thee be enough time (just under four weeks) to arrange the ceremony and receive the passport or should I just play it safe and wait until I come back?

Thanks as always

You should consider:

1. The availability Southwark Council have for you to attend your ceremony in December

2. Delays in the Christmas post for the delivery of your passport.

I suggest you call the Council tomorrow and book your ceremony for when you return from your travels.

well the timeline is a bit tight. If you managed to attend your ceremony, Passport should arrive the latest by 10th Dec which gives you ample of time. But what if your council dont have any slots to book you in for ceremony ? Then you may have to go for special ceremony only for you by paying £150 or something around it depends on the council

Thanks a lot for the reply, guys.

I guess I'd better not risk it. There's really not much of an advantage getting it before I travel other than using the UK/EEA line at immigration when I come back. I'll just leave it for January when I come back. Have waited for six years, I can wait one more month.

Thanks again!

Just as an update, you guys were right. Just called and the earliest ceremony date available is the 13th of December, which leaves just over a week for the passport to arrive. Booked it for mid-Jan when I return. Better safe than sorry.

Thanks again!