Applying for British Citizenship

Applying for British Citizenship can be difficult and can take a long time. The Home Office will return any application that is not filled in properly or does not have the right supporting documents.

We can help you avoid these problems by checking your application before it reaches the Home Office.

The Nationality Checking Service

The Nationality Checking Service is a partnership between the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate and local councils. It means that you can apply for British Citizenship in person at York Register Office.

As part of the service, we will:

• check that you have completed your forms properly
• make sure that you have supplied all the necessary documents
• photocopy and certify your documents, including your passport
• send your application safely and quickly to the Home Office

Why use the checking service?

Our Nationality Checking team has been trained and registered with the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner (OISC). We will provide a fast, efficient and friendly service.

You will also be able to keep your original documents as we will send photocopies of your documents to the Home Office.

You do not have to use our checking service. You can choose to apply direct to the Home Office or use a solicitor or another agent.

What happens during the Nationality Checking Service?

When you make an appointment we will give you more information on what to bring. You must apply in person even if making a joint application with your wife/husband or civil partner. Children under 18 do not need to attend in person.

You must bring:

• a completed citizenship application form
• proof of your knowledge of  "Life in the United Kingdom" (see below)
• all the documents listed in the application form guidance notes
• the citizenship application fee to be paid to the Home Office
• the checking service fee, which must be paid separately from the citizenship application fee

On average your appointment will take one hour per applicant.

What does it cost?

The Nationality checking fees are:

• £45 per adult application
• £25 per child application
• (all fees include VAT)

Please note that these fees are in addition to the fee you need to pay to the Home Office for processing an application for nationality. Home Office fees may be paid by credit/debit card, postal order or cheque (made payable to "The Accounting Officer, Home Office"). We cannot send cash to the Home Office.

You may pay the Register Office checking fee by postal order or cheque, (made out to The City of York Council) or by credit card or cash.

You must also pay a non refundable deposit of £20 per application for your appointment. This may be paid by cash or by credit card.

This must be paid on the day you book your appointment. We will deduct the deposit from your final fee when you arrive for your appointment. Appointments can only be changed up to 48 hours before the appointment date. We regret we cannot make appointments where no deposit is paid in advance and we cannot refund the fee if you do not attend your appointment.

What should I do next?

For more information on the Nationality Checking Service, or to book an appointment contact the Citizenship team. We aim to offer you an appointment within 10 working days.

Please note that York Register Office is not able to give you advice about nationality. We can only check that you have the correct paperwork and that your application has been completed properly. We cannot give immigration advice or act for you after you have made your application. For this kind of information contact the Home Office directly on 0845 010 5200 or visit the OISC website (www.oisc.gov.uk)

Common Questions about the Nationality Checking Service

If I use the nationality checking service, does that guarantee a successful application?

No. Your application will still be assessed by the Home Office and they may still have to make further enquiries. But by using the checking service, you can be sure that your application will be completed properly, making it more likely that it will proceed more quickly.

How do I prove my knowledge of  'Life in the UK'?

When applying for British citizenship you need to prove your knowledge of life in the UK, as well as your English language ability. You will need to give original documented evidence of this with your application. You can do this in two ways, either by taking the Life in the UK Test or by taking combined English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and citizenship classes.

How do I give feedback or complain about the service?

If you have a compliment, comment or complaint about the service, please let us know. We will give you a customer satisfaction form to complete when you arrive for your appointment.

If you wish to take the matter further there are a number of ways you can do this:

1. Tell a member of staff immediately

It is always nice to know we are doing well and, if we are not, simple mistakes or misunderstandings can often be sorted out straightaway.

2. Tell the Service Manager, Mr Robert Livesey or the Council Feedback team

You can do this either by completing a City of York Council Complaints form (which you can pick up from reception) or by telephoning (01904) 654477 or by writing to:

Robert Livesey
Registration Service Manager
56 Bootham
York
YO30 7DA 

Email: registrar@york.gov.uk

3. If you are still not happy with our response you can complain directly to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner

Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
Complaints section
5th Floor
Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London SE1 2QN  

Tel: 020 7211 1500
Fax: 020 7211 1533 
Web: www.oisc.gov.uk

How to find us

York Register Office
56 Bootham
York
YO30 7DA

Access for wheelchairs and pushchairs is at the rear of the building, accessed through the double doors to the left of the building and down the driveway. The nationality checking team is located on the ground floor . Please let us know if you will be bringing a wheelchair or pushchair when you make your appointment.

Disabled parking is available on the yellow lines at the front of the building if your disabled permit allows this. The nearest car parks are on Bootham Row or Marygate.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am.to 5.00 pm