Nationality Checking Service
The service is run by appointment only. To make your appointment, you should contact us on
01908 372101 (select option 4). Please be advised that this phone line is open on a Tuesday between 9:30am 4:30pm. Please have your payment card to hand. If you get the answerphone please leave
one message and you will receive a call back within 48 hours. This ensures everyone is contacted in order of their message. Please do not leave a second message.
What is the Nationality Checking Service?
The Nationality Checking Service (NCS) has been set up to help ensure that your citizenship application is accurately completed and submitted with all the relevant supporting documents. Our advisers are trained and registered to check and forward your application. They will photocopy and certify your passport and other valuable documents so they remain in your safekeeping and send your application and correct fee to the Home Office by secure delivery post.
Using the NCS is entirely optional and just gives you greater freedom of choice. You can apply directly to the Home Office yourself or use a solicitor or other agent.
How do I use the Nationality Checking Service?
The NCS currently operates on an appointment only basis and you cannot be seen without an appointment. To make your appointment, you should contact us on
01908 372101 (select option 4). Please be advised that this phone line is open on a Tuesday between 9:30am 4:30pm. You should leave a message if our operator is busy and you will receive a call back within 48 hours. This ensures everyone is contacted in order of their message. Please do not leave a second message.
Do I have to pay for the checking service?
Yes, please see our
table of fees.
Fees should be paid by credit/debit card when you book your appointment. Please have your card to hand when you call. The fee is non-refundable. If an appointment needs to be rearranged or cancelled please email us at registrars@milton-keynes.gov.uk giving at least 5 working days notice.
What should I bring to my appointment?
When you book an appointment we will give you more information on what you must bring with you.
Your application cannot be considered without certain evidence. If you do not bring the necessary documents we cannot process your application and another appointment will need to be made and paid for.
Providing forged or fraudulent documents to the Home Office may result in prosecution leading to fines, imprisonment and deportation.
It is important that you read all of the guidance carefully, particularly if you do not have a passport. Please
click here for a detailed list of documents required.
You must make your application in person. If you are married or in a civil partnership and want to make a joint application, then both of you must visit in person. If you have children under 18 years old, they do not have to be present
Will the Council give me advice about immigration?
Milton Keynes Council will not be able to provide advice on immigration matters. If you require advice you can contact the UK Border Agency Helpdesk on 0845 010 5200. Lines are open from 9:00 until 17:00 Monday to Friday.
The Home Office website also offers immigration and nationality advice at:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/applying/
Will my application be dealt with more quickly?
NCS is not a priority service for processing your application with the Home Office. However complete and accurate forms are processed, on average, more quickly than those that are incomplete or which need further enquires.
How do I know Milton Keynes Council is competent to offer the checking service?
Our advisers are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), an independent body established by Parliament, which regulates organisations offering services of this kind.
In providing the Nationality Checking Service, staff have been fully trained by Home Office Nationality experts and provided with a set of desk instructions which set out the precise extent of their duties.
If a client requires advice or services which are outside our remit, the adviser will refer that person to the Home Office and record the fact.
NCS terms and conditions
The fee for your appointment is payable at the time of booking, and is non refundable.
Your appointment fee is paid to Milton Keynes Council for using the Nationality Checking Service.
The fee paid to the Home Office for your application is separate, and does not include the appointment fee for this service.
Fees cannot be refunded if you fail to keep your appointment, or if your application does not meet the requirements to be forwarded to the UKBA.
If you are late for your appointment, it will not be possible to see you and you will have to book a new appointment and pay the appointment fee.
All applicants over 18 must attend an appointment, and must complete the application form before the appointment and attend with all supporting documents, ready for photocopying by the NCS advisor.
If you wish to move your appointment, you must give at least 5 full working days notice by either telephone or email. An appointment can only be moved once.
If you are required to make a second appointment for your application, you may need to pay a fee for a second appointment. This is for a 15 minute appointment.
If further documents are required, and have not been produced within 3 months from the date of your appointment, any documents photocopied by the NCS advisor will be destroyed (you may however wish to collect your application form).
Knowledge of Life in UK
From 1st November 2005 all applications for citizenship will need to be accompanied by a Knowledge of Life in UK Certificate or an ESOL with Citizenship Certificate.
Applicants need to pass the Knowledge of Life in UK test to obtain a certificate. You can now revise for the Life in the UK Citizenship test online at libraries in Milton Keynes.
Click here for further information
Useful websites:
Home Office Border Agency:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/
Her Majestys Passport Office:
www.mkweb.co.ukhttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/identity-and-passport-service
Passport Information
www.mkweb.co.ukhttps://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport
UK Life Test:
lifeintheuktest.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/
Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
oisc.homeoffice.gov.uk/
