Travel during naturalisation

[VirtualWaver]

Hi Guys,

I believe the answer is "Yes" but wanted to double check: my understanding is that it is ok to travel abroad whilst the naturalisation application is in progress.

And even if it gets approved while we are abroad, we can still travel back to the UK with the ILR without issues because the ILR will only be invalidated after attending the citizenship ceremony and obtaining the registration certificate as naturalisation approval alone doesn't invalidate ILR, correct?

Second question, please: what if the naturalisation application will be unsuccessful once we are abroad? It won't cause any issues travelling to the UK, correct?

[CR001]

Free to travel.

Only british once ceremony attended. Until then, you simply hold only ilr.

If refused, nothing happens to your ilr.

[contorted_svy]

Hi Guys,

I believe the answer is "Yes" but wanted to double check: my understanding is that it is ok to travel abroad whilst the naturalisation application is in progress.

And even if it gets approved while we are abroad, we can still travel back to the UK with the ILR without issues because the ILR will only be invalidated after attending the citizenship ceremony and obtaining the registration certificate as naturalisation approval alone doesn't invalidate ILR, correct?

Second question, please: what if the naturalisation application will be unsuccessful once we are abroad? It won't cause any issues travelling to the UK, correct?

Once you attend biometrics you can travel without issues. You will maintain your immigration status throughout. You do have to come back to attend the citizenship ceremony within 3 months of acceptance.

[VirtualWaver]

Thanks a lot, both! Your answers validated my thoughts. Have a lovely evening ahead!

[alterhase58]

The email/letter you will receive from UKVI is just a notification that your application has been approved. It doesn't have any other meaning in law. The only document that confers citizenship is the naturalisation certificate which is dated on the ceremony day. So very important, when you get it, treat it well (but don't laminate!), it costs enough! Also remember that nationality applications are separate from immigration. And of course once you have it you don't have to worry about ILR or visa applications any more