Asylum seekers
Nationality Checking Service
The Nationality Checking Service (NCS) is provided in partnership with the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate.
If you are applying for British citizenship we will:
- check that your application has been completed correctly
- ensure that you submit all the required documents such as passports, certificates and proof of English proficiency
- certify your supporting documents
- send your application(s) to the Home Office by special delivery post.
The NCS is not a fast-track application service, but applications which have been completed properly do tend to be dealt with more quickly. Information regarding waiting times for your application to be processed are available on the Home Office website: Waiting times|
.
We will photocopy your documents so you can keep your original documents such as your passport. However you must provide us with original documents. If you do not have a passport or travel document you may be able to supply other original documents. Our Nationality Checking Team will be able to advise you.
Apply for British Citizenship
You will need to satisfy the following criteria:
- Residential qualification.
You will need to have resided in this country for 5 years (as a single applicant). Alternatively, for 3 years if you are the spouse or civil partner of a British Citizen. In this case you must have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain or Enter by the time that you make your application. - If you are applying under the 5 year rule you must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Enter for at least 12 months. The ILR stamp should be in your passport, travel document, or on a letter from the Home Office.
- Knowledge of Life in the UK.
You must have passed the Life in the UK test or hold an ESOL qualification with a Citizenship element.
A citizenship application form is available from:
- Web site:
- UK Border Agency|
- Tel:
- 0845 010 5200
- In writing:
- The Home Office IND
Managed Migration
Immigration and Nationality Directorate
PO Box 306
Liverpool L2 0QN.
The Calderdale Register Office hosts Citizenship ceremonies.
Using the Nationality Checking Service
The checking service is strictly on an appointment basis. Please telephone 0845 112 5511.
Applicants over 18 must attend in person. When booking your appointment we will ask you for your Life in the UK test certificate.
Life in the UK Test
When applying for British citizenship you need to show that you know about life in the UK.
You can do this either by taking The 'Life in the UK' test| or by taking the combined (English for Speakers of Other Languages) ESOL course in English with citizenship|.
Cost of the National Checking Service
We will charge you a fee of
- £60 per adult application
- £30 per child application.
All fees include VAT.
Please note that these fees are in addition to the normal fee you must pay to the Home Office for processing your application for nationality.
You will need to pay the full amount, in advance, when making your appointment.
Appointments can only be changed once and only up to 48 hours before the appointment date. We regret that we cannot make appointments if the fee is not paid in advance and we cannot refund the fee if you do not attend your appointment.
Home Office fees may be paid by card, transcash or cheque (made payable to The Accounting Officer, Home Office). We cannot send cash to the Home Office.
What do I do if I want to complain about the service I receive?
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 or if we are unable to send your application for process by the Home Office.
If you wish to take the matter further there are a number of ways you can do this.
- 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. - Tell the Service Manager, Sarah Richardson.
You can do this by completing a feedback form, which you can pick up from our reception. - If you are still not happy with our response you can complain directly to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
Complaints section
5th Floor
Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London SE1 2QN.
Telephone: 020 7211 1500, Fax: 020 7211 1533.
Other information and Home Office contacts
Please note that Calderdale Council 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 or if you have any queries regarding your eligibility to apply for British Citizenship, you should consult your legal advisors or contact the Home Office directly on 0845 010 5200 or visit the OISC website: Adviser Finder|.
The Nationality Checking Service at Calderdale Council is registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner to provide this service.
