No response

[Anndeep]

I submitted my application on 22 March via NCS and application was received on 22 March.

Since then I haven't heard at all and neither has the fee been deducted.

Should I be worried?

[CR001]

Suggest you wait patiently. It has only been 8 working days. Remember Easter was in between and HO are likely dealing with a huge number of applications submitted before the fee increase on 18th March.

[Anndeep]

Many thanks. A relief to hear this.

[KPK]

My wife applied via NCS and Liverpool received the application on 14th March and the fee has still not been deducted so I wouldn't panic just yet.

[ozpoppy]

I applied via form UKM and it was received this Monday (04/04). I'm not worried at all that the fee hasn't yet been taken. However, I was just wondering if anyone can advise if there is any relationship between the fee being taken and the application being processed? i.e. does having the fee taken indicate your application has 'progressed'?

[ohara]

It seems the payments are taken in batches, and I'm sure my NCS advisor told me it can take up to six weeks. Don't forget we've just had the Easter long weekend, and also an influx of last minute applications to avoid the fee increase which happened mid March, as well as the overall increase in the run up to the referendum. No doubt HO have a large backlog to clear.

Your application doesn't even begin to get considered until after you have enrolled biometric information.

The timeline is basically:

- HO receives application
- Payment is processed and acknowledgement/biometric letter sent out around the same time (normally after 2/3 weeks or so)
- Once HO is notified of successful biometric enrolment, the application is passed to a caseworker and the main process actually begins

[ozpoppy]

Thanks ohara

Just shows I should have gotten around to applying earlier. In my case I could have applied any time over the last few years since the law changed. Still, I'm lucky in that I'm in no rush

[KPK]

Fees deducted today.

[tripping]

Thanks ohara

Just shows I should have gotten around to applying earlier. In my case I could have applied any time over the last few years since the law changed. Still, I'm lucky in that I'm in no rush

Ah dont sweat it. My colleague from New Zealand only just decided to get the BC after having resided in UK for 15 years - his wife is British, kids were born British. So instead of a shoo in application without the current rules with payment of maybe a couple of hundred pounds if he did it years ago, now hes kicking himself for having to shell out £1236. Thats the cost of a return flight to New Zealand over Christmas

[ohara]

Don't worry about it, I've had plenty of time to sort my own out, I was eligible for MN1 registration under sections 3(2) and 3(5) for most of my child life, and eligible for adult naturalisation since 2013 but I've only just got around to applying. Even 3 years ago it was much cheaper (around £700 I think) than now