Nationality Checking Service
Making your application to become a British Citizen using the Nationality Checking Service in Warwickshire
The Nationality Checking service (NCS) is a partnership between the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) and local authorities across the UK.
This is NOT a fast track service, but checking applications for accuracy before they are submitted can help reduce unnecessary delays. Correctly completed applications with the relevant documents are generally resolved more quickly by the IND than incomplete applications. It cannot be guaranteed that the Home Office will approve an application that has been checked, however, as the IND deals with each application on its own merit.
The Nationality Checking Service is available by appointment only. To arrange an appointment please contact 01926 746805.(Warwick) or 02476 348944/8 (Nuneaton).
The NCS service in Warwickshire is currently provided at Nuneaton Register Office
and Shire Hall, Warwick Market Square, Warwick CV34 4RR only.
The service offers, for a modest fee:
- checking of completed application forms
- checking that the correct selection of form and appropriate fee (to IND) have been made
- ensuring that all required supporting documents are attached
- checking, copying and certifying your supporting documents
- secure, swift and safe submission of your documents to the Home Office
The advantage of using the service is that your documents, including your passport, remain in your safekeeping and are not forwarded to the Home office for the duration of your application. The copies which we have certified as correct copies of the originals, are forwarded with your application to the Home Office.
All applicants for naturalisation wil need to demonstrate knowledge of life in the United Kingdom, in addition to a level of competence in English.
The aim of these procedures is to ensure that new British Citizens are equipped with basic level understanding of British culture, customs and life in the UK in general.
For applicants whose first language is English or who are already competent in the language, should take the test on Knowledge of Life in the UK. Test centre location details and further information is available at www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk. Please note that evidence of identity must be produced when you sit the test. A letter will be issued from the Test Centre when you have passed the test and this must be provided with your other documents when you use the Nationality Checking Service.
For applicants whose first language is not English or who have a limited command of the English language should undertake an English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) - with - Citizenship course. These are standard ESOL courses with 'Life in the UK' syllabus and will be provided from EnglishUK accredited colleges:
- University of Cambridge ESOL examinations (ESOL Cambridge)
- Trinity College London
- City & Guilds
- Edexel
- English Speaking Board (ESB)
- Open College of the Northwest (OCNW)
- Education Development International
Applicants passing at level 1, 2 or 3 will have reached the required standard. When you attend an appointment with the Nationality Checking Service you must produce an ESOL certificate stating that you have a 'Skills for Life ESOL' qualification. You must also have an additonal letter from the College confirming that the course used citizenship materials and that a life in the UK syllabus was used.
Further information and advice is available on the Home Office website at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk and www.learndirect.co.uk and www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk.
Fees (inc VAT)
Adult £40.00
Married couple (applying at the same time) £60.00
Family (husband and wife and up to 2 children applying at the same time) £70.00
Additional children £15.00 each
Child under 18 only (single application) £15.00
