Postponing citizenship ceremony

[malanjinho]

Hi guys,

Are there any exceptions to the requirement of attending a citizenship ceremony within 3 months of receiving the invitation letter? As I am a seaman, I will not be home to attend the ceremony within the required timeframe. I wonder if due to my working circumstances I am eligible to postpone the ceremony to a much later date beyond 6 months...

Appreciate your input. Thanks

[CULLINAN]

For now the requirement to attend has been extended from 3 to 6 months due to coronavirus. Extending beyond that, you would have to speak to your council as they do not usually allow that plus I would suggest not to risk either.

https://www.gov.uk/citizenship-ceremonies

[malanjinho]

Hi Cullinan,

Thanks for your reply!

I was under the impression that it is the UKVI who would have the authority to grant any extensions whatsoever. Would it just be enough to convince the council and not the UKVI? Because if it is only the council then I think I might have a better shot. Maybe try different councils until I find one who would understand?

I appreciate your advice against doing it though, however my circumstances are complicated as my routine does not change. I work on fixed rotations therefore I either do it now or I will just have to endlessly keep postponing the whole naturalization application, which is not an idea I happily entertain.

[CULLINAN]

The guidance says 6 months. Would advise not to delay it further than that. Also, you must attend the ceremony only at the council you chose when you submitted your application.

[malanjinho]

Well understood!

I will follow your advice and seek a way to attend the ceremony within the given 6 month period.

Thanks for your help, God bless you.