Citizenship Ceremony cancelled due to Covid-19

[Runner12345]

HO says 8-12 weeks from 7 August. Following that logic, 8 weeks is up on 2 October but somehow I doubt we will see a sudden influx of invitations coming through by then.

[Raihanul]

Guys, I'm just a bit curious. I believe you all got an email and an approval letter. But I spoke to my lawyer today and was told she didn't get an email. She only got an approval letter on 16th of June and another approval letter in the following week. Kind of weird. Did you all get an email confirmation?

[apostrophe]

I got an email on 21st May, nothing else apart from this. Now waiting for the invitation.

[Mayo101]

Guys, I'm just a bit curious. I believe you all got an email and an approval letter. But I spoke to my lawyer today and was told she didn't get an email. She only got an approval letter on 16th of June and another approval letter in the following week. Kind of weird. Did you all get an email confirmation?

I got an approval letter in May, no email.

[Sous49]

Guys, I'm just a bit curious. I believe you all got an email and an approval letter. But I spoke to my lawyer today and was told she didn't get an email. She only got an approval letter on 16th of June and another approval letter in the following week. Kind of weird. Did you all get an email confirmation?

Hello there

I have not received a decision email , only an invitation letter

Good luck

[Frou01]

Guys, I'm just a bit curious. I believe you all got an email and an approval letter. But I spoke to my lawyer today and was told she didn't get an email. She only got an approval letter on 16th of June and another approval letter in the following week. Kind of weird. Did you all get an email confirmation?

I wouldn’t put too much into it.

I think it depends if the caseworker was still in office
and had access sending letters and the ones who got emails are by those who have worked from home.

I got an email. From what I can see that’s what the majority got during lockdown.

[Tirinti]

Guys, I'm just a bit curious. I believe you all got an email and an approval letter. But I spoke to my lawyer today and was told she didn't get an email. She only got an approval letter on 16th of June and another approval letter in the following week. Kind of weird. Did you all get an email confirmation?

I've only received an email with attached PDF. I think sending approval mail by post is waste of time and resources and harms environment. they should focus on printing certificates and sending them to councils. Even he invitation letter should be sent via email.

[baybars1]

Guys, I'm just a bit curious. I believe you all got an email and an approval letter. But I spoke to my lawyer today and was told she didn't get an email. She only got an approval letter on 16th of June and another approval letter in the following week. Kind of weird. Did you all get an email confirmation?

Hello there

I have not received a decision email , only an invitation letter

Good luck

That's good. It's how it used to be, just the ceremony invitation, which would also advise on the approval.

[Raihanul]

Guys, I'm just a bit curious. I believe you all got an email and an approval letter. But I spoke to my lawyer today and was told she didn't get an email. She only got an approval letter on 16th of June and another approval letter in the following week. Kind of weird. Did you all get an email confirmation?

Hello there

I have not received a decision email , only an invitation letter

Good luck

Hi,

Thnak you all for replying. I felt like I was left behind for a second.

[axeman85]

I have read alot of comments on here. It has nothing to do with council BUT HO.

If you just got approval email or letter in August or last week then you need to exercise patience and wait for at least 8 or 12 weeks before complaining....

There are people who got approved since May who are still waiting for invite....

I dont think it is too much work to put a piece of paper in machine, input name and print , put in envelope and post.. its not much task but they seem to be taking their time.

All I can say is if its not up to 12weeks and you complain they will just fob you off by sending the standard email that says wait 12 weeks and apologies...

All I know is people from May, June, July will definitely get the invite before the end of November 2020...

[nnn15]

I was approved in April, it's been nearly 5 months and I'm still waiting for the ceremony invitation letter.
I contacted my MP as none of the support services of the HO (the helpline, citizenship support email) were able to confirm the status of my application. The MP submitted an enquiry with the HO, but they haven't informed me about the outcome yet.

[IrobotZ]

I have read alot of comments on here. It has nothing to do with council BUT HO.

If you just got approval email or letter in August or last week then you need to exercise patience and wait for at least 8 or 12 weeks before complaining....

There are people who got approved since May who are still waiting for invite....

I dont think it is too much work to put a piece of paper in machine, input name and print , put in envelope and post.. its not much task but they seem to be taking their time.

All I can say is if its not up to 12weeks and you complain they will just fob you off by sending the standard email that says wait 12 weeks and apologies...

All I know is people from May, June, July will definitely get the invite before the end of November 2020...

Applied Feb 2019. Made my first complain Aug 2019 the Home office replied: sry but we can take as long as we want; Second complain early 2020 involving my MP and the Home office replied the same answer but just made it more formal; Third complain mid 2020 and got an approval email from the Home office late June saying my application is approved but I need to be patient and wait for the invitation letter; Fourth complain last month and the home office said it will take another 8-12 weeks.

And Now I need to move home really soon, God knows how much longer it would take for the Home office to send out a piece of paper I would say consider yourself lucky if you could finish the journey within a year. At least your in a better circumstance than me.

[axeman85]

I have read alot of comments on here. It has nothing to do with council BUT HO.

If you just got approval email or letter in August or last week then you need to exercise patience and wait for at least 8 or 12 weeks before complaining....

There are people who got approved since May who are still waiting for invite....

I dont think it is too much work to put a piece of paper in machine, input name and print , put in envelope and post.. its not much task but they seem to be taking their time.

All I can say is if its not up to 12weeks and you complain they will just fob you off by sending the standard email that says wait 12 weeks and apologies...

All I know is people from May, June, July will definitely get the invite before the end of November 2020...

Applied Feb 2019. Made my first complain Aug 2019 the Home office replied: sry but we can take as long as we want; Second complain early 2020 involving my MP and the Home office replied the same answer but just made it more formal; Third complain mid 2020 and got an approval email from the Home office late June saying my application is approved but I need to be patient and wait for the invitation letter; Fourth complain last month and the home office said it will take another 8-12 weeks.

And Now I need to move home really soon, God knows how much longer it would take for the Home office to send out a piece of paper I would say consider yourself lucky if you could finish the journey within a year. At least your in a better circumstance than me.

I am not daying guaranteed we will get invite by end of November. I am daying hopefully it will be soon. Its sad that you have had to wait that long. And when you ask they keep sending the same email with excuses of covid 19. Personally I got apprpved july 31st and I haven't received anything yet so far. So I am equally in the waiting game ...

[IrobotZ]

I have read alot of comments on here. It has nothing to do with council BUT HO.

If you just got approval email or letter in August or last week then you need to exercise patience and wait for at least 8 or 12 weeks before complaining....

There are people who got approved since May who are still waiting for invite....

I dont think it is too much work to put a piece of paper in machine, input name and print , put in envelope and post.. its not much task but they seem to be taking their time.

All I can say is if its not up to 12weeks and you complain they will just fob you off by sending the standard email that says wait 12 weeks and apologies...

All I know is people from May, June, July will definitely get the invite before the end of November 2020...

Applied Feb 2019. Made my first complain Aug 2019 the Home office replied: sry but we can take as long as we want; Second complain early 2020 involving my MP and the Home office replied the same answer but just made it more formal; Third complain mid 2020 and got an approval email from the Home office late June saying my application is approved but I need to be patient and wait for the invitation letter; Fourth complain last month and the home office said it will take another 8-12 weeks.

And Now I need to move home really soon, God knows how much longer it would take for the Home office to send out a piece of paper I would say consider yourself lucky if you could finish the journey within a year. At least your in a better circumstance than me.

I am not daying guaranteed we will get invite by end of November. I am daying hopefully it will be soon. Its sad that you have had to wait that long. And when you ask they keep sending the same email with excuses of covid 19. Personally I got apprpved july 31st and I haven't received anything yet so far. So I am equally in the waiting game ...

Good luck mate, hope everybody could get the invitation letter soon

[smthsmth]

First of all, good luck to everyone going through this process and I hope all of you will get your citizenship soon. I was finally able to attend a virtual ceremony this morning and I'd like to share my timelines with you.

Online application: 15/02/2020
Biometrics submitted: 25/02/2020
Approval email: 19/05/2020
Ceremony invitation from HO: 01/08/2020 - The date on letter 18/03/2020

Tried to reach to my council since then to book ceremony with no luck until yesterday when they finally called me to book in for virtual ceremony today to which I attended and was told I'm British now and will receive my certificate via Royal Mail special delivery in the next few days.

According to my invitation letter, my 6 months deadline was due to expire this Friday. So, almost a last minute goal ...

Now off to last step of this journey for getting the passport which won't be easy either I guess

[Soo123]

Hi U Azziz

Any luck with Hillingdon council ?

[gbalague123]

Wandsworth council here
Approved in May.
No Ceremony invitation yet
I sent an email. This was their answer :


Dear xxxx,

You are not on our database at present, but you will be added to our system in due course once we receive your certificate from the Home Office.

Please note that we are currently booking ceremonies for people who received their invitation letters before lockdown, so it may be a little while before we can schedule a ceremony for you.

Please contact again us in a few weeks’ time when hopefully we will have your certificate and have cleared the backlog.

Your patience is much appreciated.

[U Aziz]

Hi U Azziz

Any luck with Hillingdon council ?

Hi Soo123,

Nothing really! I’ve called them yesterday and they have transferred me to HO saying that you should’ve received the invitation letter by now..
HO helpline came up with the generic answer saying everyone should wait for 12 weeks after 7 Aug and they can’t escalate it before that.

[Raihanul]

I have read alot of comments on here. It has nothing to do with council BUT HO.

If you just got approval email or letter in August or last week then you need to exercise patience and wait for at least 8 or 12 weeks before complaining....

There are people who got approved since May who are still waiting for invite....

I dont think it is too much work to put a piece of paper in machine, input name and print , put in envelope and post.. its not much task but they seem to be taking their time.

All I can say is if its not up to 12weeks and you complain they will just fob you off by sending the standard email that says wait 12 weeks and apologies...

All I know is people from May, June, July will definitely get the invite before the end of November 2020...

Applied Feb 2019. Made my first complain Aug 2019 the Home office replied: sry but we can take as long as we want; Second complain early 2020 involving my MP and the Home office replied the same answer but just made it more formal; Third complain mid 2020 and got an approval email from the Home office late June saying my application is approved but I need to be patient and wait for the invitation letter; Fourth complain last month and the home office said it will take another 8-12 weeks.

And Now I need to move home really soon, God knows how much longer it would take for the Home office to send out a piece of paper I would say consider yourself lucky if you could finish the journey within a year. At least your in a better circumstance than me.

Owahhh !! This feels unreal I hope you get it all sorted soon. Good Luck man. We're all in the same crisis together.

[Raihanul]

First of all, good luck to everyone going through this process and I hope all of you will get your citizenship soon. I was finally able to attend a virtual ceremony this morning and I'd like to share my timelines with you.

Online application: 15/02/2020
Biometrics submitted: 25/02/2020
Approval email: 19/05/2020
Ceremony invitation from HO: 01/08/2020 - The date on letter 18/03/2020

Tried to reach to my council since then to book ceremony with no luck until yesterday when they finally called me to book in for virtual ceremony today to which I attended and was told I'm British now and will receive my certificate via Royal Mail special delivery in the next few days.

According to my invitation letter, my 6 months deadline was due to expire this Friday. So, almost a last minute goal ...

Now off to last step of this journey for getting the passport which won't be easy either I guess

Hi, Can you clarify. I thought the council should have your certificate and you get it in the day of the ceremony. You mean your council did ceremony without actually getting anything from the HO. Did they give you any sort of paperwork or confirmation.

[VulgarisMagistralis]

Hi Ariskar,
You are right it's frustrating and only thing to do is being patient as you said.
I've contacted the council several times using this email
RegisterOffice[at]lbhf.gov.uk and they reply promptly.
Goodluck to all of us waiting.

Has anyone received an invitation letter for Hammersmith and Fulham Council?

I have received an email that my citizenship application has been approved early July 2020, but I haven't heard or received anything else since then, just doing my best to be patient...

HI Maria,

Iam with H&F and got my approval 2nd of July,2020 decision 29th June,2020 and got nothing ive sent email to council friday unfortunately no certificate received.

Hello BoyTed, thank you for your update. My spouse also waiting ceremony invitation with H&F Council, with approval date 2 June 2020 (email & letter received 10 days later), ceremony invitation letter pending. Which contact email address did you use to get in touch with them?

Thanks.

Hi everyone, I'm waiting for a certificate in H&F as well, I got an approval email back in August.

I asked about the certificates backlog in the council using the same email address. They are indeed conducting ceremonies, but all I got back is that the Home Office is "slightly behind" schedule. No more details about it. They do search for one's name if you ask about it though. I assume something could be arranged as long as they get the certificate, even though we don't have invitations. This is conjecture, though, I just find it funny that they would search for a certificate even when I tell them I don't have the invitation yet.

Anyway, good luck and let us know when it happens!

[baybars1]

Judging by the most recent posts, councils are still doing ceremonies for those who would have attended their ceremony in March, save for the lockdown.

Herewith a theory.

As they realised that the lockdown would delay the ceremonies, the Home Office stopped sending prepared invitation letters and probably also stopped preparing new invitation letters those cases that they had just approved.

However, in order to keep the successful applicants informed, they started sending approval letters by email, stating that the approval had been granted, but the ceremony itself will be delayed by up to 12 weeks (an estimate, of course). That is why there have been some applicants whose ceremony invites had date that was older than the date on the approval letter, which they have discovered recently, after the ceremonies had resumed.

As for the cases that have been decided since the lockdown was announced, the relevant approval letters would normally arrive as email attachment. Now, the 7-12 weeks timeline after 7 August 2020 mentioned by the Home Office refers to when they are planning to start sending invitation letters to those whose cases have been decided since the lockdown started.

[baybars1]

Hi Ariskar,
You are right it's frustrating and only thing to do is being patient as you said.
I've contacted the council several times using this email
RegisterOffice[at]lbhf.gov.uk and they reply promptly.
Goodluck to all of us waiting.

HI Maria,

Iam with H&F and got my approval 2nd of July,2020 decision 29th June,2020 and got nothing ive sent email to council friday unfortunately no certificate received.

Hello BoyTed, thank you for your update. My spouse also waiting ceremony invitation with H&F Council, with approval date 2 June 2020 (email & letter received 10 days later), ceremony invitation letter pending. Which contact email address did you use to get in touch with them?

Thanks.

Hi everyone, I'm waiting for a certificate in H&F as well, I got an approval email back in August.

I asked about the certificates backlog in the council using the same email address. They are indeed conducting ceremonies, but all I got back is that the Home Office is "slightly behind" schedule. No more details about it. They do search for one's name if you ask about it though. I assume something could be arranged as long as they get the certificate, even though we don't have invitations. This is conjecture, though, I just find it funny that they would search for a certificate even when I tell them I don't have the invitation yet.

Anyway, good luck and let us know when it happens!

That is not so surprising, actually. The invitation letter may have been delayed in transit (say the postman may have slipped the letter in someone else's letterbox and that person may have forgot and/or junked the letter). However, if your certificate has not arrived, the invitation letter is irrelevant.

[Frou01]

I’ve found an article about citizenship ceremonies, it’s already 3 months old, but at that time people were already waiting.

Interesting as they show figures of what are the busiest councils regarding citizenship (based on figures of last year). But if it’s similar might explain why it takes so long to catch up:

“ The top 10 council areas for the number of citizenship ceremonies last year were: Birmingham (2,699); Westminster (2,519); Surrey (2,505); Hertfordshire (2,420); Ealing (2,367); Tower Hamlets (2,302); Barnet (2,283); Newham (2, 282); Brent (2,277); and Wandsworth (2,057).”

“ Home Office figures show 109,943 people attended citizenship ceremonies across the UK in 2019. The events, organised by local authorities throughout the country, are the final step in the process to full citizenship and being able to obtain a British passport.”


Full article:

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/679630 ... Us1ba9TDCg

[Gioldn]

Im Wandsworth too.. approved beginning of August .. so I will have my ceremony in 2021? Please if you could post it once you receive the invitation letter...thanks

Wandsworth council here
Approved in May.
No Ceremony invitation yet
I sent an email. This was their answer :


Dear xxxx,

You are not on our database at present, but you will be added to our system in due course once we receive your certificate from the Home Office.

Please note that we are currently booking ceremonies for people who received their invitation letters before lockdown, so it may be a little while before we can schedule a ceremony for you.

Please contact again us in a few weeks’ time when hopefully we will have your certificate and have cleared the backlog.

Your patience is much appreciated.