Nationality Checking Service

Ealing Register Office provides a Nationality Checking Service (NCS) in partnership with the Home Office.

The aim of the service is to help reduce unnecessary delays in the process of applying for British citizenship. Completed applications (with the correct documents and fees) that are checked for accuracy are usually resolved quicker than incomplete applications. However, this is not a fast-track service.

Our advisers are trained and registered to check and send your application. They will:

photocopy and certify your passport and other valuable documents so these remain in your possession and then
send your application and correct fee to the Home Office by special delivery post

Appointments
Appointments are available Mon-Fri between 9am-3pm, and Saturdays 10am-3pm.

Fee
The fee for Mon-Fri appointments is (inclusive of VAT):

£40 for each adult application
£55 for a married couple or a couple who have had a civil partnership
£20 for each child

The following fees apply for Saturday appointments:

£60 for each adult application
£80 for a married couple or a couple who have had a civil partnership
£20 for each child

NCS fees may be paid by postal order, cheque (made payable to Ealing Council), cash, credit or debit card. Please note: These fees are in addition to the normal fee paid to the Home Office for processing an application for nationality. Home Office fees may be paid by postal order, cheque or by credit card.

How to apply/further information
For more information or to book an appointment contact the citizenship officer:

Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, Ealing W5 2BY
Tel: (020) 8825 9596 or 7809
Email: registrars@ealing.gov.uk

Using the NCS is optional. You can apply directly to the Home Office or use a solicitor or other agent.

The NCS does not offer:

a priority service
advice on nationality other than in relation to the completion of the application form
advice on other matters such as visas, immigration or asylum
we cannot act as agents for the applicant

Once we have sent off your application all enquiries about your application progress or the decision should be made directly to the Home Office.

Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)
Our advisers are registered with the OISC, an independent body established by parliament, which regulates organisations offering services of this kind.

Comments or complaints
If you wish to make any comments or complain about the service we provide, please contact the superintendent registrar at Ealing Register Office on (020) 8825 7272/9440.

You can also write directly to :
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
Complaints Section, 5th Floor Counting House, 53 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QN

Office closure
The office will be closed on 17 December 2008 from 1pm for staff training. It will re-open at 9am on 18 December 2008.