Nationality checking service
What is the nationality checking service?
The nationality checking service is for applicants intending to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.
It is offered by Hackney Council's Register Office and ensures that:
- applications for British nationality are correctly completed in line with Home Office Border and Immigration Agency guidelines
- all supporting documentation to accompany each application is checked, copied and certified (completed applications are forwarded to The Home Office by registered post).
The benefits of having applications checked for completeness and accuracy can lead to a reduction of delays. In addition, valuable documents such as passports and the majority of other important documentation can be retained by the applicant.
The nationality checking service is not however, a fast track service. The Register Office in Hackney Council will not act as agents for the applicant and is unable to offer any advice on nationality, or any other advice on other matters such as visas, immigration or asylum.
Frequently asked questions
Just follow the links below for answers to common questions about the nationality checking service.
How do I apply for British Nationality?
- Application forms are available from the Home Office website www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk or by contacting the UK Border Agency Nationality Contact Centre on 0870 010 5200. Please ensure you obtain the correct application form and supporting guidance notes.
- Complete the application form inline with the guidance.
- Prepare all supporting documents required to accompany the application.
- Contact the Hackney Register Office for a Nationality Checking Service appointment on 020 8356 3355. A non-refundable appointment fee is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment.
- All applicants over the age of 18, who are named on the application form are required to attend the same appointment. You will need to provide the Life in the UK test ID number or ESOL reference number for each named applicant over the age of eighteen.
- Attend the appointment with all application and information requirements. The Nationality Checking Service is on the ground floor of the Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, Hackney, London, E8 1EA.
- Appointments are offered during office hours, Monday to Friday. A Saturday service is also provided by appointment only.
What documentation is required during the nationality checking service appointment?
- A correctly and fully completed application form.
- All original documentation to support the application as specified on the application form and Notes for Guidance. Photocopied documentation is not permitted.
- The correct Home Office fee.
Please ensure before you apply that you have read the application Guidance notes. You must meet the legal requirements and fulfil the criteria for the basis of which you are applying to become a British Citizen.
Applications and all supporting documentation that are incomplete, incorrect or insufficient will be returned to the applicant during the appointment. Should you wish to book another Nationality Checking Service appointment you will be required to pay the non-refundable appointment fee for the additional appointment
If you are require further application or supporting documentation clarification to support each application you should contact the UK Border Agency Nationality Contact Centre on 0845 010 5200 in advance of your appointment.
What happens during the appointment?
- A registered nationality checking service officer will check each fully completed application form for completeness and accuracy.
- Original supporting documentation will be verified, certified and returned to you.
- The correct Home Office fee will be included in each application.
- The application form, certified copies of documents will be sent by special delivery to the Home Office.
If an application and supporting documentation prove to be incomplete, incorrect or insufficient, all documentation will be returned to the applicant during the appointment. Should you wish to book another nationality checking service appointment you will be required to pay the non refundable appointment fee for the additional appointment.
What happens after the appointment?
- Applications sent to the Home Office are assessed by an allocated caseworker. The time taken for the Home Office to assess each application varies according to individual circumstances and other factors, including the number of applications under consideration at a particular time. Average waiting time can be found on the Home Office web site.
- If the Home Office approves your application for British Citizenship they will write to you to confirm this and provide Citizenship Ceremony literature and booking information.
Where can I get advice about nationality?
- If you require British Citizenship or Right To Abode advice and application forms you are advised to contact the UK Border Agency Nationality Contact Centre on 0870 010 5200. You can also visit www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship for more information
- If you require immigration, via or asylum advice you should contact the Immigration and Nationality Enquiries Bureau helpdesk on 0870 606 776. You can also visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/applying/checkingservice/ for more information.
Will the Hackney Register Office act as my agent?
No, the Hackney Register Office provides a checking service only and will not give advice or act for you after the point of application.
If the Home Office needs to contact you about your application, they will do so using the contact details given on the application form.
If I use the service will my application be successful?
Using the nationality checking service cannot guarantee that you application will be successful. The service is provided by the Hackney Register Office nationality checking service is to check that the application is completed correctly. The consideration of the application is done by trained Home Office nationality caseworkers.
Does using the nationality checking service help me to jump the queue?
No, but using the service increases the likelihood of making an application that can be completed without further enquiry. Applications of this type tend to be dealt with more quickly by the Home Office than those requiring requests for further evidence from the applicant.
Do I have to use the nationality checking service?
No, the service is optional. You may continue to apply directly to the Home Office Nationality Group.
Why do I have to pay for the nationality checking service?
The Hackney Register Office nationality checking service will charge an administrative fee to cover the cost of providing the service. This is in addition to the normal fee payable to the Home Office for processing an application for citizenship.
How do I make a complaint about the nationality checking service provided by the Hackney Register Office?
The nationality checking service at the Hackney Register Office is registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner, an independent body established by Parliament to regulate organisations offering services of the kid on offer. Any complaints relating to the local authority service should be directed to the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner (OISC), 5th Floor, Counting House, 53 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QN. You can also visit www.oisc.gov.uk/complaints_about_immigration_advice or tel: 0845 000 0046.
Where is my nearest Knowledge of Life in the UK test centre?
To locate your nearest Knowledge of Life in the UK test centre please contact the Knowledge of Life in the UK test helpline on 0800 015 4245. Alternatively, www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk offers a postal search.
The five nearest centres to the Hackney Register Office are:
Best Computer Training
c/o Industrial Dwellings Society (IDS)
155 Stoke Newington Road
London
Tel: 020 7254 1032 / 020 7249 6947
Intech Centre
362 Essex Road
Islington
London
Tel: 020 7354 5655
TBG Learning Tower Hamlets
3rd Floor Truman Building
91 Brick Lane
London
Tel: 020 7247 0036
Delta Group
First Floor
241 High Street
London
Tel: 020 8509 6464
Anglo British Academy Forest Gate
246-250 Romford Road
Forest Gate
London
Tel: 020 8221 4661
The Register Office in Hackney Council registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commission (OISC) as a member of the Nationality Checking Service in September 2008. Authorised by the OISC. Ref no. F200800080.
Page updated: 22 Mar 2011
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