Citizenship Applications Pending Approval Since 2020

[Sham321]

Hi All,

I have applied in November 2020 and my EVetting is completed in August 2022 and a complete silence since then. My solicitor has contacted them in December 2022 and the response received is 'Application is still in process and should be completed around the end of Q1 2023. This is very frustrating as I see most of the applications have been approved for even 2021.

Is there anyone else in the same situation as mine and awaiting for approval for 2020 application?

[meself2]

Possibly.
What CMU did you get acknowledgement from? Did you go for FOI to see the progress?

[Sham321]

Many thanks Meself2 for your reply. It was CMU6 I have received last response that its still in process.

I have not gone for FOI yet though. Would you recommend that?

[RCCar]

Sure do the FOI, no harm to do that. After that I recommend you to wait and if you not hear anything from them Q1, start JR process.

[meself2]

FOi should not impact the decision on your application, it's designed to be a separate process, so do FOI. It'll help you to see how far the work is moving on, plus may give you an idea if there's anything outstanding on your application (eg criminal record, which could happen). Also see this thread, abeit old, showing the outcome of one FOI.

[Sham321]

Thanks for your kind advises. Really appreciate it. Thanks

[ep00]

Are there general timelines for how long to wait before sending foi / going Jr ?

[meself2]

Are there general timelines for how long to wait before sending foi / going Jr ?

FOI - send this whenever, since it doesn't affect anything; just asks DoJ "what do you have on my file in regards to citizenship".
JR - according to forum members, 2 years: see post2020380.html#p2020380 with more info on it.

- With a JR you are essentially going to the Courts, as a last resort, to say that the Department has acted unlawfully by taking too much time on your application. What is "too much time" at the moment is 2 years, so a lawyer will only file this motion once you have actually past 24 months in waiting for a response.

[ep00]

Thanks! Yes I went on a reading spree and most posts say the same as you