Home Office Document Return Service for British Nationality Applications

The Home Office Document Return Service for British Nationality applications allows Applicants and their family members to retain their documents whilst the online application for British Nationality is being processed. Using the Home Office Document Return Service does not guarantee successful applications for British Citizenship. The responsibility is on the Applicant to ensure that they have met all of the requirements and have provided the relevant documentation in support of the application. LEXVISA Immigration Team are highly experienced in preparing successful British Nationality applications, and are happy to arrange a consultation with a solicitor in order to discuss each individual’s matter further.

Home Office Document Return Service for British Nationality Applications

The Home Office Document Return Service for British Nationality applications allows Naturalisation Applicants and their family members to keep their documents while the online British Nationality application is being processed. Applicants need to take their original supporting documents to a participating local authority for photocopying, so that the local authority can then send the copies of the original documents to the Home Office. Only Applicants who apply for British Citizenship online can use  The Home Office Document Return Service, Applicants who apply using the paper form by post are not eligible for this service and must send all of their original documents to Sheffield for processing.

There are 52 local authorities across the UK which offers this document return service for British Nationality applications. The full list of local authorities participating in the Home Office Document Return Service for British Nationality applications can be found on the Home Office website.

General Requirements for British Nationality Applications

In order to make an application to naturalise as a British citizen, individuals must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least 12 months. There are different routes through which someone can make a successful British Nationality application, and each one has specific requirements that Applicants will need to meet. Knowing the applicable route and how to meet those requirements are the vital first steps for someone making a British Nationality application.

Firstly, there is the ‘5 Years Qualifying Route’ for EEA nationals. Once 5 years of lawful residence in the UK has been completed and the Applicant has held Indefinite Leave to Remain for at least one year, they may then apply for British Nationality. There is also the ‘3 Years Qualifying Route’ for spouses of British Citizens who can apply for British Citizenship as soon as they have completed 3 years lawful residence in the UK and have Indefinite Leave to Remain. As well as those evidence requirements specific to their route of application, all applicants for British Naturalisation are required to demonstrate that they meet the further requirements for good character, English language ability, and knowledge of British society and life.

Using Legal Representation for British Nationality Applications

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to apply for British Nationality.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful British Nationality Applications

Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

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