Applying for Naturalisation during COVID19 pendamic

[alisattar09]

Hi I would really appreciate if some of the senior members reply to my quick queries:

I have got ILR through TIER2 general route on 15 Nov 2018 and my 1 year has already completed on ILR i.e. on 15th November 2019. However, due to my laziness, I didn't apply for naturalization as I was planning to do it in March 2020. I have 3 questions:

1) I want to apply now is it possible to apply during this time? Is HO taking biometrics?

2) I have some plans to travel back to my home country Pakistan in June/July and will stay there for 4-6 months. So I thought if I could apply now and able to submit my application with biometrics I can travel in June/July? will I be able to get my passport and BRP back when the application is made so I can travel?

3) also how long I can stay in my home country after the application is made before returning back to attend the ceremony? Is there any requirement that I have to come back?

[CR001]

1. No, biometric centres are currently closed. It is also not "HO" who take biometrics. It is done by third party agency UKCVAS sopra steria.

2. NO original documents are submitted. Everything is scanned and uploaded digitally. You should be mindful of being out of the UK for so long as ho can write and ask for original documents etc at any time. You also have a limited time to book and attend a ceremony once you receive approval, which comes by post and not by email.

3. You have to attend the ceremony in the UK. You have 21 days from approval letter to book the ceremony and must attend it within 90 days.

[passat]

1. No, biometric centres are currently closed. It is also not "HO" who take biometrics. It is done by third party agency UKCVAS sopra steria.

Can we submit the online application now and submit the biometrics when the UKVCAS centres open? Or the online applications are also not being accepted currently?

[CR001]

1. No, biometric centres are currently closed. It is also not "HO" who take biometrics. It is done by third party agency UKCVAS sopra steria.

Can we submit the online application now and submit the biometrics when the UKVCAS centres open? Or the online applications are also not being accepted currently?

You can apply online. You should also please ask your questions in your own topic you already have!!