Travelling While Waiting For Uk Citizenship: What You Need To Know

Yes, you can travel outside the UK while waiting for your British citizenship application to be processed. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, you will need to demonstrate your entitlement to re-enter the UK at the UK border, so make sure to travel with evidence of your ILR or other valid immigration status. Secondly, you will usually be required to enrol your biometric information within 45 days of submitting your application, and failure to do so will invalidate your application. Lastly, if your application is approved, you will have 90 days to attend a citizenship ceremony in the UK.

You can travel outside the UK while your British citizenship application is pending

Travelling outside the UK while your British citizenship application is pending

Yes, you can travel outside the UK while your British citizenship application is being processed. However, there are several important factors to consider before making any travel plans.

Firstly, you must ensure that you have a valid passport and evidence of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or other valid immigration status. This is crucial as a British citizenship application does not provide you with immigration permission. At the UK border, you will need to demonstrate your entitlement to re-enter the UK, so travelling with your original valid passport and proof of ILR or other valid status is essential.

Secondly, remember that the Home Office typically requires applicants to enrol their biometric information within 45 days of submitting their British citizenship application. This usually involves attending an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) Centre in person. Failure to provide biometric information within the specified timeframe will invalidate your application. Therefore, it is important to factor this requirement into your travel plans and ensure you are available for the appointment.

Additionally, it is worth noting that if your British citizenship application is approved, you will have 90 days to attend a citizenship ceremony, which is typically held at your local council. This time frame may impact your travel plans, especially if you intend to be away for an extended period.

Finally, while travelling, ensure that you can receive emails and letters regarding your application. The standard processing time for British citizenship applications is up to six months, and you should expect to receive a decision within this timeframe.

In conclusion, while it is possible to travel outside the UK while your British citizenship application is pending, it is important to carefully consider the requirements and potential implications to ensure a smooth process.

You will need to demonstrate your entitlement to re-enter the UK at the UK border

A naturalisation application does not grant you immigration permission, so you must demonstrate your entitlement to re-enter the UK at the UK border. This can be done by travelling with evidence of your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or other valid immigration status.

ILR is how you settle in the UK. It gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like and apply for benefits if you're eligible. It is also known as 'settlement' or 'indefinite leave to enter'. If you have ILR, there is no longer any time limit on your ability to stay in the UK.

If you have ILR, you will have a biometric residence permit (BRP) which will either say 'indefinite leave to enter' or 'indefinite leave to remain'. Most BRPs will expire on 31 December 2024, so you should continue to carry your BRP with you when travelling internationally until this date.

If you have permission to stay in the UK longer than your BRP, you will need to create an account to get an eVisa. This is an online record of your immigration status. Access to your eVisa will not be set up automatically.

If you have lost the physical document that proves your ILR or ILE, you can make a 'no time limit' (NTL) application for confirmation of your status in the form of an eVisa. You can apply for NTL if your passport, containing your status or previous NTL endorsement, has been lost, stolen, or has expired.

If you have 'settled status' under the EU Settlement Scheme, you will not need to apply for a document confirming your status. The Home Office will have emailed you a link to an online service that you can use to view and prove your status.

You must submit biometric information within 45 days of submitting your application

Once you have applied for British citizenship, you are allowed to travel outside the UK while your application is being processed. However, you must ensure that you can access emails and letters regarding your application while you are away.

When you apply for British citizenship, you will usually receive an email asking you to book an appointment to have your biometric information taken. Biometric information includes your fingerprints and photograph. This must be done within 45 days of submitting your application.

To book your biometric appointment, you will need to create an account on the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) website and make your appointment online. You will need to bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation document with a QR code, your passport or travel document, and any other supporting documents unless you have already uploaded them online.

If your application includes family members, they must all attend the appointment with you. Children under 16 must be accompanied by the 'responsible adult' named on their application, who must bring photo ID.

The cost of biometric appointments varies depending on the service and location. While appointments at core service points are free, other locations known as 'enhanced service points' charge a fee. You can also pay extra for urgent or out-of-hours appointments or additional services.

If you do not attend your biometric appointment and provide your biometric information within 45 days, your application will be invalidated.

If your application is approved, you will have 90 days to attend a citizenship ceremony

If your application for British citizenship is approved, you will have 90 days to attend a citizenship ceremony. This ceremony is a crucial step in the process of becoming a British citizen. Here's what you need to know about the citizenship ceremony:

Booking the Ceremony

You will need to book the citizenship ceremony yourself. These ceremonies are typically held at your local council. It is important to note that you will need to pay a fee to arrange the ceremony, which includes the administration of the citizenship oath and pledge.

Timing of the Ceremony

It is essential to plan the timing of your ceremony carefully. You must attend the ceremony within 90 days of receiving approval for your application. Failure to do so may result in your application being invalidated.

Documents Required

Make sure you have the necessary documents with you when attending the ceremony. While the specific requirements may vary, you will generally need to bring your original valid passport, evidence of your ILR or other valid immigration status, and any other relevant documents requested by the authorities.

Biometric Information

In most cases, you will be required to enrol your biometric information, including your photograph and fingerprints, within 45 days of submitting your application. This process may involve attending a biometric appointment in person at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) Centre. Failure to provide biometric information when required will invalidate your application.

After the Ceremony

Once you have attended the citizenship ceremony and received your certificate of naturalisation, you can apply for a British passport. Remember that you must use your British passport to enter the UK. Alternatively, if you do not wish to obtain a British passport, you can apply for a certificate of entitlement to enter the country.

Travel During the Process

It is important to note that a naturalisation application does not provide you with immigration permission. Therefore, if you travel outside the UK while your application is being processed, you must demonstrate your entitlement to re-enter the UK at the border. Ensure that you carry the required documents, such as evidence of your ILR or other valid immigration status.

Additionally, be mindful that prolonged absences from the UK may raise doubts about your future intentions. Demonstrating your intention to live permanently in the UK is a crucial factor in obtaining naturalisation. Excessively long periods spent outside the UK may result in your naturalisation application being refused.

You will need to apply for a British passport to travel outside the UK after becoming a citizen

Once you have obtained British citizenship, you will need to apply for a British passport to travel outside the UK. This is because British citizenship does not automatically grant you a UK passport.

To apply for a British passport, you must ensure that the details on your current passport match those on your citizenship certificate. For instance, check that your name is spelled the same on both documents. If any of the details are different, your British passport application will not be approved.

You can find out more about how to apply for a British passport on the GOV.UK website.

It is important to note that a British citizenship application does not extend your current immigration permission. Therefore, when travelling outside the UK, you will need to demonstrate your entitlement to re-enter the UK at the UK border. This can be done by travelling with evidence of your indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or other valid immigration status. Additionally, you should be mindful that a lengthy absence from the UK may cast doubt on your future intentions, which is a crucial factor in gaining naturalisation.

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