Naturalization application from USA - obtaining biometrics?

[j3brooklyn]

I am applying for naturalization for my son while we are living in New York. The application states that biometric information must be collected locally and submitted, but it doesn't clearly explain the process. Am I correct in assuming that, after sending in the application for naturalization, we will receive instructions on how to obtain and submit the biometric info? Assistance from anyone who has been through this procedure would be much appreciated.

[CR001]

If your son is under 18 years of age, he is REGISTERED. Only adults are naturalised.

What is your UK immigration status? What route are you apply for your son's citizenship?

[j3brooklyn]

Yes, correct, registration as a citizen. His mother is a citizen. Do you have useful information for me about the process when applying from the USA (my question), or are you just harassing me about my incorrect use of terminology?

[CR001]

Oh, ok, sorry you feel that way. I won't 'harass' you any further then with the other relevant questions to be able to offer advice for free.

I am sure someone will be along to ask you soon.

[j3brooklyn]

Thanks, but there are no relevant questions that need to be answered before answering my question which is quite simple: when in the application process does it become necessary to obtain biometrics and how is that done in the USA?

Clearly, you have no firsthand experience that would allow you to answer the question, which is why, instead of answering it, you simply posed an irrelevant question under the guise of offering free helpful advice.

If someone ELSE out there who has been through this procedure from the USA can answer my question, I'd appreciate your help.

[CR001]

There are some very relevant questions relating to your son and his mother that others will likely also ask, if they are inclined to. But the one I will ask is are you sure he needs to be registered as British if he is under 18 and has a British mother? He should be British by descent if born to a British mother (assuming that she was born in the UK) and could apply for a passport directly.

You will be notified to enroll biometrics after you submit the application, you can't do it before submitting. As far as I am aware, there are not many offices in US of A to enroll, with some members on the forum stating they chose to travel to Canada to do it too from the eastern parts of the states.

[j3brooklyn]

British mother not born in the UK. I'm applying for the right thing, thank you. Once again, if someone has actually done this from the US, please chime in. In other places, I've seen it reported that there are currently no locations in the US. Would love to hear from someone who has useful experience to share.

[ohara]

The few recent cases we have seen where people have applied for naturalisation from the USA, have all had to go to Canada or Mexico to enrol biometric information.

The process of biometric enrolment for naturalisation is simply giving your fingerprints and having your photograph taken. In the UK, it is all handled by the Post Office as they have biometric enrolment booths - they look just like a passport photo booth but a little bigger. I assume that similar equipment is installed at select locations (for example British embassies) around the world.

[j3brooklyn]

Thanks, that's exactly the info I was looking for. We're planning to be in the UK in July. Presumably, we can apply now and then take care of the biometrics when we're in the UK. Is there a maximum period of time allowed between receiving the invitation to submit biometrics and submitting?

[ohara]

It is probably worth asking UKVI if you can do biometric enrolment in the UK even with an application from abroad. The process may be different and the way it is handled in the UK is that you get a letter with your own unique bar code, which you take to the Post Office when you enrol and they simply scan the bar code and your biometric information is sent electronically to the Home Office.

For UK applications, you have 15 working days from the date of the invitation letter in which to enrol. I don't know if this is the case for applications from abroad.