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Nationality Checking

The Nationality Checking Service (NCS) is a partnership between the Home Office Nationality Group and a number of local councils in England and Wales.

The participating councils offer an optional service to applicants and for a modest fee, will check that applications for British nationality are completed correctly and have been submitted with all the necessary supporting documents such as passports, certificates and proof of English proficiency.

The completed applications will then be forwarded to the Home Office by special delivery post. Applications of this type can be dealt with, on average, more quickly than those that are not properly completed. Those using the service will be able to keep their passports and other important documents rather than send them to the Home Office.

Please note this is not an advisory service about citizenship or other immigration matters.  All enquiries about these subjects must be made to the Home Office.

To book an appointment please phone the Customer Contact Centre. Appointments are held at the One Stop Shop & Queen Victoria House

 

If you would like to become a British citizen you need to check that you are eligable.  You can check if you can apply at the Home Office Website.

Getting the application form

If you are eligible to apply you can get an application form from:

Completing the form(s)

I'm afraid that the Council cannot help you fill out your application form.  However there are guidance notes that comes with the application and you can also get help from the Home Office.

If you would like help completing the forms please contact the Home Office.  You can call them on 0845 0105200.

Completed forms

Once you have completed your form you can either send your application to the Home Office or you can use the Council's nationality checking service.  People often use the Council's nationality checking service because:

  • you get the documents checked the same day
  • you get your documents back the same day
  • Council will send the Home Office your application securely

Costs

  • If you use the Council the cost is £35.25 per person.  This is only the fee for the Council's nationality checking service and not for any other cost related to the application such as Home Office fees.

How do I use the Council's nationality checking service?

If you have an application form that is completed and you want to use our service then you will need to make an appointment.  You can do this by:

What do I need to make an appointment?

When you make an appointment you have to pay the fee.  The fee of £35.25 per person is payable at the time of booking.  We take cash and credit/debit cards.  If you want to pay by cheque in person then you need your cheque guarantee card.  You will also need to provide details of your 'Life in the UK' test.  If you are exempt from taking the 'Life in the UK' test then you need to contact the Home Office.

You are given a date, time and place for your appointment with us. 

The appointment

When you turn up for your appointment you must ensure that you have all of the correct documentation as outlined on your application form and the Home Office guidelines.  If you turn up without all of the required documents then your appointment will be cancelled.  Your fee will not be refundable.  If you do not arrive at the time of your appointment then it will be cancelled and your fees are not returned.  We suggest that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appoint to avoid cancellation.

After your appointment and providing everything is present and correct we will send your application via secure mail to the Home Office to be processed.  We will also give you back your documents.

How long does the appointment last?

There is no standard time limit as applications vary from person to person.

What should I bring with me to the appointment?

Please refer to your guidance notes which will tell you all of the documentation that needs to be provided.  Documents must be original. You must also bring with you a credit, debit, cheque, postal order or 'transcash' for the Home Office.  The amount you will need to pay is on the application form and also includes the fee for the Citizenship ceremony.

Where is the appointment held?

Your appointment will be held at either the One Stop Shop or the Register Office.

What happens if I am late or need to cancel the appointment?

You need to give us a minimum of 5 clear working days notice to ensure a refund if cancelling or to rebook without paying again.

Please arrive prompltly for your appointment- failure to do so may result in your appointment being rescheduled and an extra booking fee being charged. If you arrive late, we are unable to guarantee you will be seen that day, and you may be re-charged for another booking.

What happens after my appointment?

The Home Office usually lets you know within 10 days that they have received your application.  The length of time it takes for the Home Office to process your application does vary.  However you will be able to check the status of your application with the Home Office.

Once the Home Office approves your application you will be able to attend a citizenship ceremony to become a British citizen.

How do I make a complaint against the Council's nationality checking process?

If you would like to make a complaint about the Council's nationality checking process then you can do at the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).  We are regulated by the OISC.