Postal or Online Application

[JonnyLookback]

Hi,
My wife is about to apply for Citizenship (yeah not the best time to apply as the timeframes have dramatically increased). I see the .gov website directs you to an online application however after a bit of a search I see there is a postal option. I thought it may have become defunct but seems the application forms have been recently updated (April 2019), so I'm assuming that they are still relevant to the application process and postal is still an option?

The reason I ask is that I'm thinking (may be wrong) that postal would be easier, saves visiting a UKVCAS centre?

Any thoughts appreciated.

[CR001]

It makes no difference on decision times which route you use.

Postal you have to send all original documents, which you only get back shortly before or after decision.

Using UKCVAS you get to keep all your originals and can therefore travel if you wish to, while your application is with HO.

[JonnyLookback]

Thanks for the quick response. We aren’t too concerned with how long it takes (backlog is already in progress I see), it was purely to save visiting a centre which I read seems to be an almost full day excercise.

I understand biometrics still will need to be done at a relevant post office but we are okay with that.

Thanks regards retaining originals

[CR001]

which I read seems to be an almost full day excercise.

It isn't a full day. If you upload your documents, it is then just a check the uploads are fine and biometrics and you are done. A couple of hours at the most.

Also, my understanding is that applications made within the UK need to use the online form, but stand corrected on that.

[JonnyLookback]

Hmmm okay on the online being for those specifically in the UK.

There is a requirement in the application were one shouldn’t have been out the country 3 years to the date of application, seems a strange requirement. 3 years from today we have 17 to apply or that requirement applies. Once we submit online, a few days away. Will that be the date of application or do they delay the acknowledgement for any reason. Does anyone know?

[CR001]

The date of application is the date you submit and pay for the online form.

Presumably your spouse has ILR etc?

Citizenship is based on residence and the requirement to be physically present in the UK at the start of the qualifying residence period has been there for very long time. Note that many have been refused for failing to meet this requirement and absence of even a holiday applies.

[JonnyLookback]

Yes she has ILR.

Okay on the application start date. As I say we are a bit tight on time due to the requirement. We era well within the 270 days outside the UK limit I just thought the being in the UK exactly 3 years prior to citizenship application was a bit strange but obviously we have adhere to the requirements.

Again, thank you.

[alterhase58]

I just thought the being in the UK exactly 3 years prior to citizenship application was a bit strange but obviously we have adhere to the requirements.

Agreed it sounds strange but it's actually laid down in law and is therefore mandatory:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/61/schedule/1
Quote: "(2)The requirements referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) of this paragraph are—
(a)that the applicant was in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the period of five years ending with the date of the application ...."