If you use NCS do they give you your passport back same day?

[Bryce]

Hi, I have no idea for the best board to post this in so I'll try a new topic.

I'm an NZ national with ILR from ancestry, since March 2013. I'm looking to apply for citizenship now BUT am going travelling for 5 weeks from 23 August, so I'm nervous about the timeline (leaves only 3 months). However it says online (https://www.gov.uk/government/collectio ... ng-service) that "The local authority will ensure that your form is correctly completed, and they will copy your documents and return them to you."

Q1: Does that mean the validate your passport, photocopy it and give it back the same day? If so, then I guess I would be okay to travel even if the application drags out. Except…
Q2: If the ceremony date is then set for while I'm abroad, would I be able to request to attend a different one, or would that invalidate my application if I can't attend the date they set?

Worst case scenario I can do my application after coming back from travelling but thought I'd ask this to assess what to do.

Thanks

BVG.

[noajthan]

Q1 Yes - NCS copies & returns all your docs including passport.

Shop around in your local area, the charge at different councils can vary.

Q2 Yes - the ceremony can be rescheduled.

Note: there is a timelimit in which to attend a ceremony, I think its 90 days after notification - you certainly can't put it off forever.

If you're away it is advisable to have someone monitoring & opening your mail in order to catch the official letter (& in case there are any follow up queries).

Good luck.

[CR001]

There is also the new requirement to submit your biometric enrollment at the Post Office once you receive the letter from Home Office to do this.

[Bryce]

Thank you!

[tfirth]

Q1 Yes - NCS copies & returns all your docs including passport.

Shop around in your local area, the charge at different councils can vary.

Q2 Yes - the ceremony can be rescheduled.

Note: there is a timelimit in which to attend a ceremony, I think its 90 days after notification - you certainly can't put it off forever.

If you're away it is advisable to have someone monitoring & opening your mail in order to catch the official letter (& in case there are any follow up queries).

Good luck.

Do they also take a copy of your BRP and return the original at the NCS appointment?

[CR001]

Do they also take a copy of your BRP and return the original at the NCS appointment?

Yes.