New Citizenship Application

[joannakabana]

Hi all,

I'm absolutely thrilled this week as my husband was finally granted ILR (Thanks, in-part, to help and support from this forum).

He's very keen to apply for citizenship straight away (or as soon as his new BRP comes through) but we're a little confused as to what the process is with the new system. We thought that, under the old system, it was possible to apply for citizenship and his passport at the same time, using the NCS, so that was our plan.

Having gone through the hell of applying for ILR, I'm surprised by how easy it seems to be to apply for citizenship through the new system. Is it as simple as completing the form online then booking an appointment at the nearest UKVCAS centre? Will they provide the same function as the NDRS? Can he apply for the passport at the same time?

I know I probably sound a little naive, but we just like to do everything the right way and the advice on the Home Office website is so confusing! We'd be so grateful for any advice about this process!

joannakabana

[alterhase58]

I believe the new service doesn't offer passport application, so you will have to apply once you are British, after ceremony. Using either the paper form from the Post Office or online application.
The reason the naturalisation application appears to be easier is that it is not an immigration application - it comes under British nationality law and concentrates mainly on residency and good character requirements.

[joannakabana]

Thank you very much.

So will my husband definitely be able to use the UKVCAS centre for his application? He seems to think he’ll need to send his documents by post?

[alterhase58]

Thank you very much.

So will my husband definitely be able to use the UKVCAS centre for his application? He seems to think he’ll need to send his documents by post?

I don't see why not. Post is still possible but you'll have to send the originals.