Experiences using new UKVCAS for naturalisation/citizenship applications

[Nerazzuri]

I completed my application online today. I have a couple of outstanding questions.

1. When uploading my supporting documents to UKVCAS, there isn't a section for my referee declarations. Should these be uploaded too? Or do these only get taken to the appointment?
2. I didn't book any extras over the basic fee. Does this mean I still simply show up with my supporting documents at the agreed time? Sorry if this has been covered this is all a bit confusing.
3. I'd like to maintain a timeonline here (british-citizenship/november-2018-natur ... 80-60.html) but have a practical question - do people add these and then just repeatedly edit them as more information comes in, or wait until its finished and then add the whole thing then?

Thanks.

1. Referee declarations go under sponsorship (and Life in the UK goes under Education). Take the originals of everything you scan and upload just in case.
2. Yes, show up with the appointment confirmation that has a QR code.
3. So long as you post to the right month, it's up to you. You can wait till it's all done, or post initially and update as you progress by quoting your original post and adding in new milestones reached.

[eduleal]

People applying for naturalization can still travel, but as I’m applying for my daughter’s registration, the waiting is super stressful as we can be stuck for 6 months without being able to travel.

[Redhotman]

Hi, we’ve got appointment at Croydon next Tuesday, but I can’t find out what methods of scanning our documents are acceptable: is uploaded photo from I phone would do the trick? Thanks

[tapash]

Hi, we’ve got appointment at Croydon next Tuesday, but I can’t find out what methods of scanning our documents are acceptable: is uploaded photo from I phone would do the trick? Thanks

There are many apps on the phone for scanning, you could use that. But in my opinion batter to use a printer scanner because you can get the best quality for not give the sopra steria a chance of saying you need re-uploading due the quality of the scanning.

[Redhotman]

Thanks for reply. Does that mean that they will charge us for scanning our docs at sopra?

[Redhotman]

Also our appointment is free of charge. Does it mean they will ask us to pay at the spot to take out biometrics?

[Nerazzuri]

Also our appointment is free of charge. Does it mean they will ask us to pay at the spot to take out biometrics?

No, UKVI already charged you for that.

[RazRathore]

Hi,

I made the naturalization using UKCAS service on 16th November. I followed the similar process, filled a form and uploaded documents. I visited their Birmingham center due to the available appointment as per my suitability. The whole process was pretty new the staff and they were still learning the system.

Basically, Sopra Steria (UKVCAS) is a company that helps people submit applications online and conducts the Bio Metric checks along with verifying the original documents. The application is then fully submitted to UKVI with attached documents and Finger Prints. The staff in these centers are only trained to use the software and submit the applications.

Long story short, my application got submitted on 16th along with my finger prints. The originals were returned to me. Since than, I have only received 1 email last week about the survey. The email includes the link which takes you to a survey. The survey confirms if the decision has been made within last 3 months. In my case, it hasnt been made. I have tried to contact the naturalization contact number and was told that I will not hear anything within 6 months unless they need more information.

For those who are confused about travelling or not, you can surely travel until naturalization has been granted. I have just come back after 5 weeks holiday and have had no issues.

I am very anxious to get any update about my application as I have paid a fee and didnt choose the postal method.

[CR001]

Hi,

I made the naturalization using UKCAS service on 16th November. I followed the similar process, filled a form and uploaded documents. I visited their Birmingham center due to the available appointment as per my suitability. The whole process was pretty new the staff and they were still learning the system.

Basically, Sopra Steria (UKVCAS) is a company that helps people submit applications online and conducts the Bio Metric checks along with verifying the original documents. The application is then fully submitted to UKVI with attached documents and Finger Prints. The staff in these centers are only trained to use the software and submit the applications.

Long story short, my application got submitted on 16th along with my finger prints. The originals were returned to me. Since than, I have only received 1 email last week about the survey. The email includes the link which takes you to a survey. The survey confirms if the decision has been made within last 3 months. In my case, it hasnt been made. I have tried to contact the naturalization contact number and was told that I will not hear anything within 6 months unless they need more information.

For those who are confused about travelling or not, you can surely travel until naturalization has been granted. I have just come back after 5 weeks holiday and have had no issues.

I am very anxious to get any update about my application as I have paid a fee and didnt choose the postal method.

There has been no change to the HO processing and systems checks done or how long it will take to proves. It is only the document submission service that has changed from NCS and NDRS to the new UKVCAS.

Don't expect to be informed constantly or any hand holding by HO. It won't happen and the call centre won't update you with any meaningful information either as they don't have access to your full application.

[shankar981]

Hi,

I made the naturalization using UKCAS service on 16th November. I followed the similar process, filled a form and uploaded documents. I visited their Birmingham center due to the available appointment as per my suitability. The whole process was pretty new the staff and they were still learning the system.

Basically, Sopra Steria (UKVCAS) is a company that helps people submit applications online and conducts the Bio Metric checks along with verifying the original documents. The application is then fully submitted to UKVI with attached documents and Finger Prints. The staff in these centers are only trained to use the software and submit the applications.

Long story short, my application got submitted on 16th along with my finger prints. The originals were returned to me. Since than, I have only received 1 email last week about the survey. The email includes the link which takes you to a survey. The survey confirms if the decision has been made within last 3 months. In my case, it hasnt been made. I have tried to contact the naturalization contact number and was told that I will not hear anything within 6 months unless they need more information.

For those who are confused about travelling or not, you can surely travel until naturalization has been granted. I have just come back after 5 weeks holiday and have had no issues.

I am very anxious to get any update about my application as I have paid a fee and didnt choose the postal method.

Based on my past experience, the email for survey is sent after the decision is made. Note that the decision letter is sent in a 2nd class post and my take a week or two to arrive. Instead of calling Home Office, try sending them an email. They may be able to tell if a decision has already been made (they will not disclose the outcome).

[nanoram]

Hello all,

I am planning to apply for naturalisation using the new online application (submitting documents through new ukvcas).

Can any one help me with the required documents: in particular, do i need to the two referee letters with photographs as in previous paper format?

Thanks

[RazRathore]

Hi,

I made the naturalization using UKCAS service on 16th November. I followed the similar process, filled a form and uploaded documents. I visited their Birmingham center due to the available appointment as per my suitability. The whole process was pretty new the staff and they were still learning the system.

Basically, Sopra Steria (UKVCAS) is a company that helps people submit applications online and conducts the Bio Metric checks along with verifying the original documents. The application is then fully submitted to UKVI with attached documents and Finger Prints. The staff in these centers are only trained to use the software and submit the applications.

Long story short, my application got submitted on 16th along with my finger prints. The originals were returned to me. Since than, I have only received 1 email last week about the survey. The email includes the link which takes you to a survey. The survey confirms if the decision has been made within last 3 months. In my case, it hasnt been made. I have tried to contact the naturalization contact number and was told that I will not hear anything within 6 months unless they need more information.

For those who are confused about travelling or not, you can surely travel until naturalization has been granted. I have just come back after 5 weeks holiday and have had no issues.

I am very anxious to get any update about my application as I have paid a fee and didnt choose the postal method.

There has been no change to the HO processing and systems checks done or how long it will take to proves. It is only the document submission service that has changed from NCS and NDRS to the new UKVCAS.

Don't expect to be informed constantly or any hand holding by HO. It won't happen and the call centre won't update you with any meaningful information either as they don't have access to your full application.

well i understand what you are saying. But my friend had sent the postal application couple of weeks before my application. and he received the response within 2 months and now have the passport as well. I understand that they have launched this new application process to make it more efficient reliable but no email confirmation is sent to say that the application is being dealt. I am not dealing with a local off licence or a chicken chip shop. They should have an online system to show an update of the application. I.E if you order something online, you get all the notification like parcel with is in Depot, driver has picked it up, being delivered at this time.

[RazRathore]

Hi,

I made the naturalization using UKCAS service on 16th November. I followed the similar process, filled a form and uploaded documents. I visited their Birmingham center due to the available appointment as per my suitability. The whole process was pretty new the staff and they were still learning the system.

Basically, Sopra Steria (UKVCAS) is a company that helps people submit applications online and conducts the Bio Metric checks along with verifying the original documents. The application is then fully submitted to UKVI with attached documents and Finger Prints. The staff in these centers are only trained to use the software and submit the applications.

Long story short, my application got submitted on 16th along with my finger prints. The originals were returned to me. Since than, I have only received 1 email last week about the survey. The email includes the link which takes you to a survey. The survey confirms if the decision has been made within last 3 months. In my case, it hasnt been made. I have tried to contact the naturalization contact number and was told that I will not hear anything within 6 months unless they need more information.

For those who are confused about travelling or not, you can surely travel until naturalization has been granted. I have just come back after 5 weeks holiday and have had no issues.

I am very anxious to get any update about my application as I have paid a fee and didnt choose the postal method.

Based on my past experience, the email for survey is sent after the decision is made. Note that the decision letter is sent in a 2nd class post and my take a week or two to arrive. Instead of calling Home Office, try sending them an email. They may be able to tell if a decision has already been made (they will not disclose the outcome).

Thanks Mate, do you have the email address that I can sent an email to?

[citizenearth]

I applied on 19/12 and enrolled biometrics on 22/12. Today I received the following email from Home Office. I am very disappointed from the centre as I insisted on them to scan all passport pages but the lady insisted that only the first page is required and ignored my request. They were blaming the delay (4hours waiting on the day) on people bringing a lot of irrelevant documents to scan and now they will cause a delay in my application due to their un professional behaviour:

Email from Home Office:

“I refer to your application for British citizenship. Before we can proceed further please send all of the following original documents to this office by 06/02/19. You may scan documents and attach in a direct reply to this email. If scanning passports/travel docs, all pages must be copied.

§ Passport(s) or travel document(s) to cover the period from xx/xx/xx to xx/xx/xx.
Also xx/xx/xx-xx/xx/dx“

Does anyone know where shall I post the original travel document to?

Thanks

[makky86]

I applied on 19/12 and enrolled biometrics on 22/12. Today I received the following email from Home Office. I am very disappointed from the centre as I insisted on them to scan all passport pages but the lady insisted that only the first page is required and ignored my request. They were blaming the delay (4hours waiting on the day) on people bringing a lot of irrelevant documents to scan and now they will cause a delay in my application due to their un professional behaviour:

Email from Home Office:

“I refer to your application for British citizenship. Before we can proceed further please send all of the following original documents to this office by 06/02/19. You may scan documents and attach in a direct reply to this email. If scanning passports/travel docs, all pages must be copied.

§ Passport(s) or travel document(s) to cover the period from xx/xx/xx to xx/xx/xx.
Also xx/xx/xx-xx/xx/dx“

Does anyone know where shall I post the original travel document to?

Thanks

Why dont' you scan and send them to the email?

[bookerw100]

I applied on 19/12 and enrolled biometrics on 22/12. Today I received the following email from Home Office. I am very disappointed from the centre as I insisted on them to scan all passport pages but the lady insisted that only the first page is required and ignored my request. They were blaming the delay (4hours waiting on the day) on people bringing a lot of irrelevant documents to scan and now they will cause a delay in my application due to their un professional behaviour:

Email from Home Office:

“I refer to your application for British citizenship. Before we can proceed further please send all of the following original documents to this office by 06/02/19. You may scan documents and attach in a direct reply to this email. If scanning passports/travel docs, all pages must be copied.

§ Passport(s) or travel document(s) to cover the period from xx/xx/xx to xx/xx/xx.
Also xx/xx/xx-xx/xx/dx“

Does anyone know where shall I post the original travel document to?

Thanks

aah that is so annoying!!

it looks like they are asking you the scan and respond via email so I don't think you need to post the document unless someone here has had similar experience and think otherwise.

[Konsog]

That is very annoying, but I guess at least it means that they managed to access all your other documents okay. Once again though, it seems like the UKVCAS staff could really have benefitted from having had a bit more training on how to process these documents.

[citizenearth]

I applied on 19/12 and enrolled biometrics on 22/12. Today I received the following email from Home Office. I am very disappointed from the centre as I insisted on them to scan all passport pages but the lady insisted that only the first page is required and ignored my request. They were blaming the delay (4hours waiting on the day) on people bringing a lot of irrelevant documents to scan and now they will cause a delay in my application due to their un professional behaviour:

Email from Home Office:

“I refer to your application for British citizenship. Before we can proceed further please send all of the following original documents to this office by 06/02/19. You may scan documents and attach in a direct reply to this email. If scanning passports/travel docs, all pages must be copied.

§ Passport(s) or travel document(s) to cover the period from xx/xx/xx to xx/xx/xx.
Also xx/xx/xx-xx/xx/dx“

Does anyone know where shall I post the original travel document to?

Thanks

Why dont' you scan and send them to the email?

I will but I understood from the email that they also need the original sent to them?

[Konsog]

I will but I understood from the email that they also need the original sent to them?

I read it as: they'd like you to send them the originals via email (i.e. by scanning them). Maybe you could ask in your email if you should also send your passport by post, and see what they reply?

[zindagi03]

you can also upload by singing in ukvi website by yourself until few months.

[citizenearth]

you can also upload by singing in ukvi website by yourself until few months.

I don’t believe this is the case. If you upload anytjing on UKVI website after they submit it to Home Office it stays there on UKVI amd doesn’t make its way to Home Office.

[jafarkuku]

There you have it people, another UKVCAS application has been approved (November application). So calm down and wait. Don't let anyone scare you into thinking they aren't processing them.

[AidenUK1]

There you have it people, another UKVCAS application has been approved (November application). So calm down and wait. Don't let anyone scare you into thinking they aren't processing them.

I could not find it in the November 2018 timeline! Can you please provide the link?

[CR001]

There you have it people, another UKVCAS application has been approved (November application). So calm down and wait. Don't let anyone scare you into thinking they aren't processing them.

I could not find it in the November 2018 timeline! Can you please provide the link?

How far back did you look in the thread???

british-citizenship/november-2018-natur ... l#p1725820

Eligibility criteria: ILR + 5 years
Language Criteria: n/a
Nationality : USA
Method of application: Online + UKVCAS
Date of application: 05 November
Payment method: Debit card
Date of acknowledgement: 05 November
Date of debit of fees: 05 November
Date of Biometric letter issued: n/a
Date of biometric letter received: n/a
Date Biometrics enrolled: 15 November
Date on Approval letter: 17 December
Date of receipt of approval: 05 January
Date of receipt of ceremony letter: n/a
Date of Ceremony: 16 January
Date of Passport Application: n/a
Date of debit of fees: n/a
Date Passport to be received: n/a

[jafarkuku]

There you have it people, another UKVCAS application has been approved (November application). So calm down and wait. Don't let anyone scare you into thinking they aren't processing them.

I could not find it in the November 2018 timeline! Can you please provide the link?

this one too which was from today 24/01/2019

After years of debating whether to apply for citizenship or not I finally went through with it, as it allays any fears about the uncertain future for us EU citizens here in the UK, as well as it provides me with some benefits in my line of work.

Application submitted: Naturalisation
Eligibility criteria: living in UK since 2005, ILR
Language Criteria: Native speaker
Nationality : Irish
Method of aplication: Online
Date of application: 21/11/2018
Payment method: credit card
Date of acknowledgement: 21/11/2018 (email)
Date of debit of fees: taken 21/11/2018
Date of Biometric letter issued:
Date of biometric letter received:
Date Biometrics enrolled: 26/11/2018 at Priority UKVCAS lounge in London
Date on Approval letter: 24/01/2019
Date of receipt of approval: 16/01/2019
Date of receipt of ceremony letter:
Date of Ceremony: TBC
Date of Passport Application: TBC
Date of debit of fees: TBC
Date Passport to be received: TBC

I had previously applied for ILR, despite the fact that Irish citizens are settled here in the UK from arrival, so I provided that, both passports (dual-nationality with another non EU country), LIUK exam result, a load pf P60s, bank statements and council tax bills.

Was told by the bod at the UKVCAS office that their checklist only listed my passport... quite different to my checklist.

Didn't include proof of health cover, not sure if I need to show this, as I was working through my own LTD company for a number of years. I do have it, however no one asked me for proof during my ILR application.