Nationality Checking Service
Ealing Register Office provides a Nationality Checking Service (NCS) in partnership with the Home Office. This service is available to people living outside the Ealing borough as well as those living in the borough. We have checked applications from Birmingham to Bournemouth, Hammersmith to Harrogate.
What we do
We can make sure that your form is correctly filled in, your application is validly submitted and that the unwaivable requirements for citizenship are met. This helps reduce unnecessary delays when applying for British citizenship. Completed applications checked for accuracy (with the correct documents and fees) are usually resolved quicker than incomplete applications.
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
Using the NCS is optional. You can also apply directly to the Home Office or use a solicitor or other agent.
The NCS does not offer:
- a priority service
- advice on nationality, documents required and how to fill in the form
- advice on other matters such as visas, immigration or asylum
- we cannot act as agents for the applicant
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.
How much does it cost?
The fees for Monday to Friday appointments are:
-
£50 for each adult application
- £30 for each child
The following fees apply for Saturday appointments:
-
£60 for each adult application
- £40 for each child
Appointments are available Monday to Friday, between 9am and 3pm, and Saturdays, between 10am and 3pm.
NCS fees may be paid by postal order, cheque (made payable to Ealing Council), cash, credit or debit card. 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 cheque or by credit or debit card.
How to apply
If you need a copy of the application form for naturalisation, you can phone the Home Office on 0845 010 5200 or download the application form from their website www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk. You can use the search feature on the Home Office website. Search for 'naturalisation' (for adult applicants) or MN1 (for childrens application). Please make sure you download both the application form and the guide.
For more information or to book an appointment contact the citizenship officer:
Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, Ealing W5 2BY
Tel: (020) 8825 7809
Email: citizenship@ealing.gov.uk
Please note: the citizenship officer is only available by phone between 9am and 12pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. If you call outside of these hours please leave a message with your contact telephone number and we will contact you directly.
Cancellations
A deposit is payable at the time of booking for a Nationality Checking Service appointment. If you attend the appointment, the deposit will be used towards payment for the service. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, your fee may be retained and an additional fee may be applied. For more details please see our ceremony cancellation and amendments policy.
What happens next?
Once we have sent your application, all enquiries about your application should be made directly to the Home Office. We will give you with a special delivery reference number. Use this to confirm the delivery of your application. You can do this by searching your reference number on www.royalmail.com
Comments or complaints
If you wish to make any comments or complaints about the service, please contact the superintendent registrar at Ealing Register Office on (020) 8825 7272.
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