What is the Nationality Checking Service?
The Nationality Checking Service is a partnership between the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate and Local Authorities in England and Wales.
Bracknell Forest Borough Council is offering an optional service to those applicants who wish to take advantage of it. British citizenship applications will be checked for accuracy and all necessary documents will be photocopied, certified and sent alongside to support the application. Applicants using the service can keep their original valuable documents such as passports and marriage certificates rather than sending them to the Home Office.
Will my application get processed more quickly?
Complete and accurate applications are dealt with on average more quickly than applications that are incomplete. The processing time for each application varies according to individual circumstances and is dependent on how many applications are under consideration at a particular time. It cannot be guaranteed that the Home Office will approve an application as the IND deals with each application on its own merit.*
Do I have to use Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s checking Service?
No, this service is optional. Applications can still be made using other agents such as solicitors or dealing with the Home Office directly.
What happens when I use the checking service?
This service is available by appointment by contacting the Bracknell Forest Register Office on 01344 352052 or 01344 352004.
- Application forms can be obtained from the Home Office website.
- All application forms will be checked for accuracy or help can be given in completing the forms.
- All supporting documents such as passports will be checked and certified so you can keep the originals.
- All applications will be forwarded to the Home Office by secure post.
Do I have to pay for the checking service?
Bracknell Forest Borough Council will charge a fee for an individual application and there is a sliding scale for joint and family applications.
Chargeable fee to customer Inclusive of VAT |
|
| Adult who submits a single application pays one fee | £45 |
| Husband and wife or civil partners living together who apply at the same time pay one fee | £65 |
| Husband and wife or civil partners (and up to 2 children) | £80 |
| Additional children on parents application | £15 per child |
| One or more children under the age of 18 who apply separately from their parents | £15 per child |
The Home Office will be taken seperately at your appointment.
Will all local authorities provide this service?
A limited number of authorities throughout England and Wales are working with the Home Office to provide this service.
If you live in an area that does not provide a checking service you can submit your application to any participating local authority.
How do I get a citizenship application form?
Application forms can be obtained from the Bracknell Forest Borough Council Register Office, Easthampstead House, Town Square, Bracknell, Tel: 01344 352052, the Home Office website www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk or the Nationality Group direct.
How do I know Bracknell Forest Borough Council is competent to offer the checking service?
Bracknell Forest Register Office is registered with the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner, an independent body established by Parliament, which regulates organisations offering services of this kind.
Will the Council give me advice about nationality?
Bracknell Forest Borough Council will not be able to provide advice on nationality matters. If you require advice you can contact the Nationality Helpdesk on 0845 010 5200. Lines are open from 08.30 until 18.00 Monday to Friday.
What do I do if I want to complain about the service I receive?
If your complaint relates to the attitude or level of customer service provided by Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s Register Office, you should direct your complaint in the first instance to the Registration Services Manager at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Town Square, Bracknell RG12 1AQ. All complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the Council’s Complaints procedure, a copy of which is available from Bracknell Forest Borough Council Register Office
Alternatively if your complaint relates to the quality of the help you have been given and the professional competence of the officer employed by Bracknell Forest Borough Council, you can make your complaint in writing to:
Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
Complaints Section
5th Floor, Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London SE1 2QN
Details are also available on the OISC website at: www.oisc.gov.uk
* What documents might I need?
It is essential that you have taken, and passed, the test of life in the UK. Further information on this test can be found at www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk. There are other ways of proving proficiency in the English language, the Register Office can advise you if necessary. The Test of Life in the UK questions will be based on the information contained in the handbook 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship.'
You will also need to produce your passport or other documents covering your qualifying period, and proof of your indefinate leave to remain in the UK. A list of all other documents required will be given to you when you make an appointment.
This is a very busy and popular service which may mean that you have to wait a few weeks for an appointment. Please call us as soon as you are ready to apply and we will make an appointment as quickly as we possibly can.
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