UK citizenship document upload

[Pabs]

Hello,

I am applying for UK citizenship as an EU national that has lived and worked in the UK for 10+ years. I am applying online and I have got to the point where I need to decide between the 'new' and the 'existing' service to register my biometric information.
My (limited) understanding is that:
- The existing service means I register my biometric information at a Post Office and still need to send my original documents by post (except passport if I use the local Council's service to send a copy for me). I have got one of the last available appointments to do this through the Council (as this option is being replaced by the new service).
- The new service means I can register my biometric information AND send copies of original documents (after checking originals) at the same time. This can be done at various centres that have just opened in many cities across the country, managed by a private company called Sopra Steria.

My questions are:
- Should I stick to the existing service, as I already have an appointment for the passport checking service in just over a week, or are there any important advantages of using the new service?
- If I use the new service, would I avoid having to post any documents at all? I.e. would I get to keep all my originals instead of having to send them to the Home Office for up to six months? This would be a key advantage in my view.
- What is the cost of the new service? I know there is a range of optional extras, but I'd be interested in the standard, and possibly the document checking service.

Many thanks!

P

[alterhase58]

My questions are:
- Should I stick to the existing service, as I already have an appointment for the passport checking service in just over a week, or are there any important advantages of using the new service?
Presumably it's an NCS/NDRS appointment, they check more than your passport - they will post copies of your documents and you will retain all your originals. The new service will eventually take over all of those run by the councils. Essentially no difference, but for branding and the different options and applications on offer. Does not change the speed at which UKVI process applications.
- If I use the new service, would I avoid having to post any documents at all? I.e. would I get to keep all my originals instead of having to send them to the Home Office for up to six months? This would be a key advantage in my view.
Same as for NCS/NDRS - you will retain your original documents including passport.
- What is the cost of the new service? I know there is a range of optional extras, but I'd be interested in the standard, and possibly the document checking service.
Check the website https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/home-internal - but you have already paid for your appoinment above?

Many thanks!

P

[Pabs]

Thank you for your reply. I was not aware that all documents can be retained when using the NCS/NDRS. When I booked an appointment with the Council, it was for the so-called "EU passport return service", which I understand would allow me to keep only my passport, while still needing to post other documents. So not sure if the service I booked through the Council is the same as / part of the NDRS? It is this range of services, many with similar names and/or behind cryptic acronyms, and without a clear explanation of what each offers and how they differ, that I'm finding a little confusing.

Thanks!

[CR001]

Thank you for your reply. I was not aware that all documents can be retained when using the NCS/NDRS. When I booked an appointment with the Council, it was for the so-called "EU passport return service", which I understand would allow me to keep only my passport, while still needing to post other documents. So not sure if the service I booked through the Council is the same as / part of the NDRS? It is this range of services, many with similar names and/or behind cryptic acronyms, and without a clear explanation of what each offers and how they differ, that I'm finding a little confusing.

Thanks!

What exactly are you applying for???

EU Passport return Service is not for citizenship applications and is not the same as NDRS/NCS.

Do you already have a Document Certifying PR as your first line in your original posts states you are applying for citizenship??

https://www.gov.uk/government/collectio ... rn-service

The European passport return service allows you and your family to take your passports to a participating local authority for verification and copying, and for the local authority to then send the copy to the Home Office. This allows you to keep your passports while your applications for documentation to prove your right to live in the UK are being processed.

You can use this service if you are an EEA or Swiss national and you have applied online for a registration certificate or a document certifying permanent residence. You can also include any family members (of any nationality) who you have included in your online application.

The European passport return service can only be used to verify and copy your and your family’s passports, to submit with your applications. National identity cards and other supporting evidence must be submitted as originals only.

[Pabs]

I am applying for citizenship, and I do already have a document certifying PR. I did make this clear to the Council, who confirmed the service they offered was what I needed... But I'm now beginning to doubt it based on the last reply, so perhaps I should go with the new service just to be sure, even if it means losing the fee for the existing service (it is a non-refundable fee but, strangely, only to be paid on the day, so all quite confusing).

[CR001]

I am applying for citizenship, and I do already have a document certifying PR. I did make this clear to the Council, who confirmed the service they offered was what I needed... But I'm now beginning to doubt it based on the last reply, so perhaps I should go with the new service just to be sure, even if it means losing the fee for the existing service (it is a non-refundable fee but, strangely, only to be paid on the day, so all quite confusing).

For NDRS and NCS service (which is phased out now), the fee is payable when you book the appointment so you definitely have the wrong type of appointment booked.

Probably best to go with new service as you will likely be told on the date of your EU Passport return service that they can't help you with citizenship application.

[Pabs]

Just to add some more detail, this is the information contained in the e-mail confirming my appointment with the Council:

The Passport Return Service is a partnership between the Home Office and Local Authorities. In return for an administration fee we will photocopy the relevant pages of your passport and return the original passport to you. We will then forward the copy to the Home Office, along with your application form, checklist and original supporting documents. If you wish to keep a copy of your application form and supporting documents you must photocopy them before attending your appointment.
Your original documents will be returned to you by the Home Office once they have considered your application.

So it actually seems clear I'd still need to post my original documents except for the passport. The title of the e-mail refers to EPRS (i.e. European Passport Return Service). When I phoned the Council to make the appointment I did ask a couple of time to specifically confirm this was the service I needed to use to apply for citizenship without needing to send the passport, and they said yes. Is this wrong??

[Pabs]

All things considered, I think I'll go with the new service. Many thanks for the helpful replies.

Before I pay though, I'm thinking whether, in the question on the application that asks if I can send my passport, I should say yes (as I have done) even though I would much rather not have to because I will be travelling. Or would it be perfectly OK to say no without affecting my chances, and avoid the risk of HO asking for the original?

[alterhase58]

All things considered, I think I'll go with the new service. Many thanks for the helpful replies.

Before I pay though, I'm thinking whether, in the question on the application that asks if I can send my passport, I should say yes (as I have done) even though I would much rather not have to because I will be travelling. Or would it be perfectly OK to say no without affecting my chances, and avoid the risk of HO asking for the original?

In which context are they asking this question? I have only ever done the paper form and this question wasn't on there two years ago. This will have no bearing on your application - UKVI ask for originals from time to time.

[Pabs]

Hello,

I am applying for UK citizenship through the new UKVCAS system (managed by Sopra Steria). I am applying as an EEA national having lived and worked in the country for 10+ years. I already have my PR document.

Regarding document uploads on the UKVCAS page, I am only asked to upload one as mandatory (passport), even though the document checklist I got at the end of the online application process included additional ones, namely:

- Life in the UK test pass notification
- Proof of living in the UK
- Two referee declarations
- Evidence of identity
- Proof of nationality

In addition, I'm pretty sure I'll also need to provide/upload a copy of my Permanent Residence document, proof of English language (in my case it will be a postgraduate certificate from a UK university) and a list of additional trips/absences (as I exceeded the limit of 30 entries in the online application). It just seems rather strange that (a) the PR, language proof, etc. were not listed in the HO checklist of documents I need to provide, and (b) that no documents other than the passport were listed as mandatory in the UKVCAS system. Am I missing something?

That aside, my key questions are:

- For proof of living in the UK, should I use P60 forms (if so going back 5 years, or 6 or longer?), my PR document, or something else?

- If I provide my passport, do I need to provide anything else as proof of identity and proof of nationality? These are being requested separately from the passport, hence my question. Should I provide a national identity card, for instance, or driving license,...?

- Would it also be helpful for my application to include additional documents such as:
+National identity card
+Driving licence
+Copies of the British passports of my children, who are born British, and my partner (not married or in civil partnership), who recently got her citizenship.
+Proof of home purchase/ownership in the UK
+Bank statements
+Letter from employer

(Or are the above not needed and they may just generate unnecessary paperwork and delay? Any of them that'd be particularly useful to upload?)

Thanks a lot!

P

[Pabs]

Thank you. It was a question on the online application. I've ticked yes, as I guess under the new system you are essentially providing your passport even if not physically providing the original.

[alterhase58]

Some quick answers to some of the points.

Hello,

I am applying for UK citizenship through the new UKVCAS system (managed by Sopra Steria). I am applying as an EEA national having lived and worked in the country for 10+ years. I already have my PR document.

Regarding document uploads on the UKVCAS page, I am only asked to upload one as mandatory (passport), even though the document checklist I got at the end of the online application process included additional ones, namely:

- Life in the UK test pass notification
- Proof of living in the UK
- Two referee declarations
- Evidence of identity
- Proof of nationality

In addition, I'm pretty sure I'll also need to provide/upload a copy of my Permanent Residence document, proof of English language (in my case it will be a postgraduate certificate from a UK university) and a list of additional trips/absences (as I exceeded the limit of 30 entries in the online application). It just seems rather strange that (a) the PR, language proof, etc. were not listed in the HO checklist of documents I need to provide, and (b) that no documents other than the passport were listed as mandatory in the UKVCAS system. Am I missing something?

That aside, my key questions are:

- For proof of living in the UK, should I use P60 forms (if so going back 5 years, or 6 or longer?), my PR document, or something else?10 years needed - easiest would be employer letter(s) - very useful if you worked for the same company many years. I just submitted one letter covering 10 years.

- If I provide my passport, do I need to provide anything else as proof of identity and proof of nationality? These are being requested separately from the passport, hence my question. Should I provide a national identity card, for instance, or driving license,...? Passport only which is proof of your nationality.

- Would it also be helpful for my application to include additional documents such as:
+National identity card
+Driving licence
+Copies of the British passports of my children, who are born British, and my partner (not married or in civil partnership), who recently got her citizenship.
+Proof of home purchase/ownership in the UK
+Bank statements
+Letter from employer
None of the above required for AN, except employer letter as per earlier comment
(Or are the above not needed and they may just generate unnecessary paperwork and delay? Any of them that'd be particularly useful to upload?)

Thanks a lot!

P

[Pabs]

Hello,

I am uploading documents through the UKVCAS portal ahead of my appointment with a local service centre.

Does anyone have experience with this, who could advise under which document category I should upload:

- Life in the UK test pass notification (should this be under 'Other'??)
- P60s (should this be under 'Residence in the UK?')
- Permanent Residence Document (should this be under 'Residence in the UK'?)

If I wish to include copies of the British Passports and birth certificates of my children to support my application (I realise this is not needed, but I thought it may strengthen the case that I am indeed settled in the UK), would this go under 'Other' or 'Life events'?

Thank you.

[CR001]

Topics Merged (click to read)

Please do not post British citizenship questions in the EEA/EU route sub forum and also keep all questions in one topic.

[alterhase58]

If I wish to include copies of the British Passports and birth certificates of my children to support my application (I realise this is not needed, but I thought it may strengthen the case that I am indeed settled in the UK), would this go under 'Other' or 'Life events'?

If you comply with all the requirements you don't need to "strengthen" your case.