Nationality Checking Service
We provide a Nationality Checking Service that makes applying for British Citizenship simpler.
What is the Nationality Checking Service?
Lambeth Register Office works in partnership with the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate to provide a nationality checking service.
The aim of this service is to help reduce unnecessary delays in the process of applying for British Citizenship. This is not a fast track service but applications that are accurate and complete tend to be handled quickly and without further enquiry.
The service will ensure that application forms are filled in correctly and important documents, which need to accompany the application form, will be checked, copied and certified so that, in most instances applicants can keep the originals. All applications received via this service will be sent to the Home Office by registered post.
The benefits of using this service are:
- reduction of unnecessary delays
- application forms checked for completeness and accuracy
- most important documents can be kept by the applicant
- all applications are sent to the Home Office by secure registered post.
It cannot be guaranteed that the Home Office will approve an application that has been checked as the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate deals with each application on its own merit.
How do I use Lambeth's Nationality Checking Service?
An appointment will be necessary and all applicants over 18 must attend in person.
The fee for the checking service is currently
- Per adult application : £45
- Per married couple : £75
- Per child application: £20.
From 1 April 2011 full payment needs to be made at the time the appointment is booked.
Payment will be taken over the phone by debit or credit card.
Appointments can only be rescheduled once and are subject to 48 hours notice.
No refunds will be given once the appointment is booked.
When you attend an appointment with the Nationality Checking Service you must produce a Life in the UK Test Certificate or an ESOL certificate meeting Home Office standards and a covering letter from the college confirming that the course was conducted using citizenship materials, that you progressed from one level to the next and that the college is accredited. Please check that your ESOL course fully meets the requirements by visiting the Home Office website.
Please call the Citizenship Team on 020 7926 9421 or 020 7926 9441 to book an appointment.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
- A completed application form for British nationality.
- All relevant documents that you are required to produce (as indicated in the application form).
- The correct fee for the Home Office (as indicated in the application form). The fee for the Home Office is compulsory and must be paid by either credit card, debit card or a personal cheque.
How do I get an application form?
You can download a copy from the Home Office website or by contacting the Nationality Group.
Nationality Contact Centre
UK Border Agency
PO Box 12
Liverpool L69 2UX
Tel: 0845 010 5200
Fax: 0151 237 5385
Email: ukbanationalityenquiries@ukba.gsi.gov.uk
Open: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm
What happens next?
If the Home Office approves your application for British Citizenship they will write to you and send you an invitation letter, which will inform you who you need to contact to book your Citizenship Ceremony.
Your details will also be sent to the local authority in which you live. Once we have been notified that your application has been approved, we will automatically contact you with the next available group ceremony date.
Please note that when you make your application you can specify another local authority in which to attend a ceremony if you prefer.
Lambeth NCS provides a detailed and professional service to ensure your application meets the guidelines set by the Home Office. However, the ultimate decision to grant British Citizenship lies with the Home Office only. The Home Office also reserves the right to request further documentation/proof at any time during the course of the application. Failure to disclose information will affect your application and may result in it being rejected.
How do I make a complaint?
We want to know when things have not gone well so that we can try and put them right. If you have a complaint please contact the Corporate Complaints Unit.
However, if your complaint relates to the quality of the advice you have been given and the professional competence of the officer employed by Lambeth Council in conducting the NCS process, you can make your complaint in writing to:
Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner
Complaints Section
5th Floor, Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London SE1 2QN
www.oisc.gov.uk.