Nationality Checking Service

Applying for British Citizenship

The Westminster Register Office can help you to lodge your application for British Citizenship through the Nationality Checking Service.  This service is a partnership between the Home Office's UK Border and Immigration Agency and some local authorities in England and Wales.

Council staff are trained and registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to carry out the Nationality Checking Service.

The aim of the Nationality Checking 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 enquiries from the Home Office.

Our service will ensure that application forms are filled in correctly. We also ensure that important documents, which need to accompany the application form, are checked, copied and certified so that, in most instances applicants can keep the originals.

Why should I use the service?

• applications that are completed correctly with the correct supporting documents are considered quickly by the Home Office
• your passports and other valuable documents are copied and certified without the need to send them away whilst your application is being considered
• your application will be checked by experienced staff who are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commission (OISC)
• your application will be sent by special delivery, (arriving the following working day), and you will be given a receipt confirming the tracking reference number

The Nationality Checking Service is not a fast track application service and does not guarantee the success of an application.

Making an appointment

If you are applying for British Citizenship you can meet with a member of the Nationality Checking Service team who will:

• Check that your application has been completed correctly
• Ensure that all the required documents have been submitted
• Check and provide certified copies of your passport(s) and relevant supporting documents 
• Send your application to the Home Office by special delivery post

We recommend that you read the Home Office guidance notes and ensure you have all correct documentation to support your application. You can access the guidance notes from the Home Office website.

The Nationality Checking Service is available by appointment only. Children under 18 years old do not need to be present.  If it is a joint application then both of you must attend the appointment.

Appointments are available in between 9.15am and 11:30am and 1:45pm and 3:15pm.

Please allow 45 minutes for your appointment.

To book an appointment please contact the Westminster Nationality Checking Service on 020 7641 1161.

Where to go for your appointment

Ground Floor, Westminster Register Office, The Old Marylebone Town Hall, 97-113 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5PT.

Please arrive promptly, as late arrival will result in your appointment being rescheduled and an additional fee will be charged.

We recommend that you arrive 10 minutes before your appointment. 

On arrival, please report to the main reception desk on the ground floor and ask to be directed to the Register Office for the Nationality Checking Service.

What to bring

(This is for guidance only – the onus is on you to ensure that you bring all supporting evidence/ documents)

• Your letter/email confirmation from the Westminster Nationality Checking Service. You will have received the letter/email at the time of booking your appointment.
  
  
• Your completed application form with your passport photo/s attached*
  
  
• Passport(s)
  
  
• All relevant documents to support your application, (as indicated in the application form guidance notes)
  
  
• ‘Life in the UK’ test or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) certificate
  
  
• Marriage or partnership certificate and spouse or partner’s UK passport when necessary
  
  
• The payment for the Home Office to consider your application (Payment can be made by credit/debit card or cheque. 



• A photocopy of your application form, so that you have one copy for your records.  (Nationality Checking Service staff are unable to provide you with a photocopy of your completed application form)

* Please ensure your photo is attached to the relevant page on the application form before your two referees complete their sections.  You must attach this with either glue or a staple as paperclips are not secure.  Please note: the Home Office state that if you have not attached the photos before your appointment then you must return with them attached on another visit and this will incur an additional fee as your appointment will have to be rescheduled. 

When you call to book your appointment the fee will be taken at the time of booking. You can also come into the Register office and book an appointment in person. The fee is always taken in advance of your appointment.

Lodging your application

During your appointment, your application will be checked by a Nationality Checking  Service officer and your documents will be photocopied and certified.  This means that you will be able to retain your original documents, such as your passport and birth certificate. 

Our Nationality Checking Service officer will lodge your application with the Home Office. The applications are sent by special delivery and you will be given a tracking reference number so that you are able to track your application through Royal Mail. Within three weeks of receiving your application, the Home Office will confirm in writing to you that they have received your application form.

You are advised to check the Home Office website for waiting times as we are unable to advise you further as to the progress of your application.  

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.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use the council’s Nationality Checking Service?

No. You may choose to forward your application directly to the Home Office yourself, use a solicitor or another agent if you wish.

A list of Nationality Checking Service providers is available on the Home Office Website

How do I obtain a citizenship application form?

You can download a copy from the Home Office website or by contacting the Nationality Group.

Nationality Group, Home Office UK Border and Immigration Agency, PO Box 12, Liverpool  L69 2UX

Tel: 0845 010 5200

Fax: 0151 237 5385

Email: ukbanationalityenquiries@ukba.gsi.gov.uk

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm

What is the “life in the UK” test?

If you are applying for naturalisation you will need to prove knowledge of  life in the UK and your English language ability as well as providing documented evidence of this with your application.

Does the council give advice about nationality?

The council will not be able to provide advice on nationality matters. For this kind of information and to find a local advisor contact the Home Office or the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) website

Can I choose where to have my British Citizenship Ceremony if my application is successful?

Yes. There is a section in the application form which asks where you would like to have your British Citizenship ceremony. If you leave this section blank, the Home office will assume that you would like the ceremony in the district of your home address. When completing the application form you can specify another local authority in which to attend a ceremony if you prefer.

Westminster Register office hosts British Citizenship ceremonies twice weekly and we can arrange your ceremony should you choose to have it within the district of Westminster.   

What if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?

If you need to cancel your booking this must be done seven days before your appointment. If the appointment is not cancelled seven days in advance, the fee you have paid will not be refunded.

You can reschedule your appointment. This must be done 48 hours in advance or you will be required to pay again.

What do I do if I want to provide feedback on the service I receive?

All customer feedback is valued and helps to shape the way we run the Nationality Checking Service. If you experience good customer care or would like to suggest a way we could improve our service please complete our customer comments form when you visit for your appointment or email registeroffice@westminster.gov.uk.

If you would like to make a complaint about the service you can direct your complaint to:

The Citizenship and Nationality Senior Ceremonies and Registration Officer, Westminster Register Office, Marylebone Road, LONDON  NW1 5PT

Telephone: 020 7641 1161

Email: registeroffice@westminster.gov.uk.

If you do not wish to make your complaint through Westminster Council you can contact the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). 

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

Telephone: 0845 000 0046

Fax: 020 7211 1553

For general enquiries email: info@oisc.gov.uk

The Westminster Register Office would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success with your application.