Application for British Citizenship using UK Home Office Nationality Checking Service

Following the Supreme Court appeal hearing on Brexit, uncertainty amongst European Economic Area (EEA) nationals has continued to intensify and has promoted an increase in British Citizen applications by EEA nationals. Applying for British Citizenship is considered by some as a cumbersome process as it requires a properly executed application as well as correctly formatted supporting documents which meet the Home Office requirements. The Home Office and Local Authorities are working together to assist Applicants with submitting correctly completed British Citizenship applications and in effect have introduced the Nationality Checking Service (NCS) and Joint Citizenship and Passport (JCAP) service.  

Legal advice about British Citizenship applications from LEXVISA London Immigration Lawyers

UK Home Office and Local Authorities introduce Nationality Checking Service for British Citizenship

In a bid to assist Applicants, the Home Office and local authorities have teamed up to introduce the Nationality Checking Service (NCS). This service assists Applicants submit correctly completed British Citizenship applications and ensure all the relevant specified and supporting documents are submitted with the application.

The Nationality Checking Service has not been introduced by all local authorities in the UK but Applicants are advised that they can book an appointment with any participating local authority. Applicants using the Nationality Checking Service can retain their passport and other valuable documents as the local authority can copy and certify documents for Applicants.

The Nationality Checking Service officers can assist you with the following:

  • Checking your British Citizenship application form ensuring it is correctly completed;
  • Checking whether all the specified and supporting documents relevant to the application are provided; and
  • Sending your British Citizenship application to the UK Home Office.

The Nationality Checking Service Officers cannot help you with the following;

  • Provide you with legal advice regarding eligibility requirements and whether you meet the Home Office eligibility requirements for a British Citizenship application;
  • Fast track your British Citizenship application;
  • Provide you with a guarantee that your British Citizenship application will be successful.

Whilst the National Checking Service seems to be a favourable tool for a vast majority of Applicants, it is important to note the Nationality Checking Service advisors are not legally qualified and are not in a position to give you legal advice. The Home Office is well known to refuse applications where supporting documents are not presented in the correct format. Therefore, if you have any outstanding questions or exceptional circumstances surrounding your British Citizenship application it is highly recommended that you contact our team of experienced solicitors for the best legal advice.

Joint Citizenship and Passport Service (JCAP)

Applicants can now apply for a British Passport at the same as applying for British Citizenship. Previously Applicants had to first apply for British Citizenship, attend a British Citizenship ceremony and then submit a separate British Passport application.  Since the introduction of the Joint Citizen and Passport Service, Applicants can now submit both applications together. Whilst there is an additional surcharge to use this service, Applicants are at an advantage if they decide to use this service as you could potentially receive your British Passport within 3 weeks from the date of your British Citizen ceremony and cut down the waiting time to up to 50%.

Successful British Citizenship Applications

Our team of experienced and professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of the law. Please always call us for a telephone case assessment even if you wish to consider other advisers. If you wish to consider your options, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your matter and if necessary advise you of the next steps you should take in a consultation.

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.

We can ensure that you remain compliant with your visa conditions and will be able to demonstrate your eligibility for an extension visa or possibly indefinite leave to remain. Get in touch with our business immigration lawyers now on 02030110276.   You can also reach us via our contact form.

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