powerbook1 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25, 2019 11:21 am
Sulla wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25, 2019 12:06 am
Quondam wrote: ↑Wed Jul 24, 2019 11:16 am
Would it be fair to say from the forums experience, that some of the smaller consulates provide a faster processing time?
There is some evidence to support the thesis that consulates or embassies that are less busy provide faster turnaround times for FBR. This is mainly due to them being able to speedily perform the initial document check on behalf of the FBR section. For Instance, I applied from China and was approved (on the register) in 3.5 months. Richard applied from Scotland in July 2018 and got his certificate well before other applicants that applied through the London embassy. There is also a recent example from Malaysia of quick delivery.
I'm not sure if this applies to New Zealand or not. It could, but on the other hand there are probably more people there who are eligible for citizenship through descent. It's hard to judge.
From what I have seen it also seems to depend on the efficiency of the embassy
I also applied at a Chinese embassy / consulate, and despite handing over my documents one month ago, they have yet to start the checking process before sending to Dublin. My application is one of a small handful that they are handling, so it seems FBR applications have to take a backseat alongside other embassy work
This was news to me as I thought the checking process occurred when I originally handed over the documents (as I waited an hour whilst they went through a checklist). It seems however there is some other processes that need to occur after this, and only then can they be sent to Dublin
Wow I almost can't believe I'm writing this
I called Dublin again this morning to see if my documents had been attached, and was told my application had already been approved! That means my entire application process took just over a month
The adviser said some embassies / consulates can make their own decisions on FBR applications, without sending all the paperwork to Dublin, which happened in my case. I can only assume because I applied at a small consulate, my application was probably the only one they had to deal with, and hence I got approved so quickly
It seems that the document checking process that I referred to in my previous message was actually the full application check, rather than a pre-screening prior to sending to Dublin
The adviser did mention though that it could be a while before I get my certificate, because my passport photos and address proofs need to be sent to Dublin (so these can be added to the certificate). He estimated it could be 1.5 months either way, depending on diplomatic mail schedules.
My timeline is thus so far:
11 Jun - Application Submitted Online
26 Jun - Documents Submitted
23 Jul - Documents added to application
25 Jul - Name entered into FBR