Navigating Delays in Your British Citizenship Application: A Comprehensive Guide

Congratulations! You've reached the end of your immigration journey and submitted your application for British citizenship, also known as naturalisation. However, if you find yourself facing delays in the processing of your application, you’re not alone. Application delays can lead to frustration and uncertainty, affecting not just you but also your family members. In this blog post, we’ll explore the steps you can take if your citizenship application is delayed, ensuring you stay informed and proactive during this challenging time.

Understand Application Processing Times

The first step is to determine whether your application is truly delayed. Check the date you submitted your application, particularly the date of your biometrics appointment, and compare it to the current processing times.

The Home Office aims to complete naturalisation applications within six months from the date they receive your application. If your application is still within this timeframe, it's likely that the Home Office won't provide updates, so patience is key. However, if it surpasses six months, it may be time to take further action.

Keep in mind that delays can occur for various reasons, including:

• The Home Office requiring additional information from you.
• External checks being conducted related to your application.
• A surge in application volume due to events like Brexit, Covid-19, or the war in Ukraine.
• The complexity of your case, such as multiple visas or gaps in your residence history.

Contact UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI)

If your application has not been processed within the expected timeframe and you haven’t received any updates, it’s time to reach out to the Home Office. Request that your case be escalated or fast-tracked as a priority.

Have your full name and Home Office reference number handy—this can typically be found at the top of your submitted application or any correspondence from the Home Office. Document all interactions with the Home Office, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you speak with, as well as the advice given.

Reach Out to Your Local MP

If you still haven’t received a decision after contacting the Home Office, consider reaching out to your local Member of Parliament (MP). MPs often receive quicker responses from the Home Office due to a dedicated MP response unit.

You can contact your local MP via email or by writing a letter to the House of Commons. Include all relevant details about your application and the steps you have taken so far. Many applicants have successfully expedited their cases through MP intervention, making this a worthwhile step.

File a Complaint with UKVI

If your situation remains unresolved, the next course of action is to submit a formal complaint to UKVI. You can do this through their online complaints form or by sending an email. Alternatively, you can write a letter to the Complaints Allocation Hub.

In your complaint, include:

• Your contact details (address and phone number).
• The names of the applicant or complainant if you’re acting on behalf of someone else.
• Detailed information about your complaint, including relevant dates and any staff members you’ve interacted with.
• Your Home Office reference number and any other pertinent details.

The complaints team will aim to respond within 20 working days, but they may reach out for further information if necessary.

Escalate to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

If your complaint remains unresolved after following the above steps, you can escalate the issue to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. This is a free service designed for situations where you have exhausted all other options.

Keep in mind that the Ombudsman can only investigate complaints that are referred by an MP, so you’ll need to ask your MP to assist with this process.

Consider a Pre-Action Protocol Letter

Should all else fail, you might consider filing a pre-action protocol (PAP) letter against the Home Office. This letter essentially serves as a warning that you may take legal action due to unreasonable delays.

The Home Office has 14 days to respond to your PAP, during which they will reassess your case. If they fail to respond adequately, you can proceed with a judicial review.

Judicial Review as a Last Resort

Judicial review should only be considered as a last resort, as it can be a complex and costly process. It involves challenging the Home Office's decision in court, which requires expert legal advice.

If you’re facing delays with your citizenship application, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging process. You can also check out our guide for more insights into why citizenship applications may take longer than expected.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are steps you can take to advocate for your citizenship application. Stay informed, stay proactive, and you’ll be one step closer to achieving your goal of British citizenship.

If you have questions or need assistance navigating this process, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] We are here to help you every step of the way.