Naturalisation questions - please help!

[clairemcmullin]

I am currently filling out my naturalisation forms and I easily meet all the requirements, however I have just discovered that the application process can take around 4-6 months!

For personal family reasons I need to leave the country for a few months (leaving in 10 weeks time and sending the application off next week) . Will this affect my application? Do I need to be residing in the UK at the time of the processing of the application? I will still have a UK address.

If so, I believe I must return for a citizenship ceremony within 12 weeks of being approved which is doable. Can I book this online?

Oh I will also need to ask for my passport to be sent back ASAP which I believe they will do. (Eek! Tight time frames!)

Many thanks for your help in answering my questions.

[ban.s]

For answers, take a look at Citizenship FAQ - Common Questions

[clairemcmullin]

The section that says:

Q2: Can I travel after applying for naturalisation?

If applied using NCS, you will be able to keep your original documents so you will be able to travel.
(the requirement to be physically in the UK when the application is received by the HO has been changed)

That is great and I will definitely got through the NCS, but the next part that says the requirement to be physically in the UK has changed....what has it changed to??

Thanks for answering!!!

[ban.s]

the previous rule was to physically present in the UK until HO received the application which was typically 2-3 days after submission at NCS.

That is no longer a requirement and you can leave the very next moment after submission of your application at NCS.

[clairemcmullin]

Fantastic news!

Now one last question is how do I arrange for my ceremony to be help at the British consulate in NZ? I read that this was a possibility. IS that correct?

I am having a baby in NZ and will not be back for a few months.