The nationality checking service

This service was set up to help ensure that your citizenship application is properly 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 documents and send your application and fee to the Home Office by special 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.

The service is provided by Plymouth City Council in partnership with the Home Office Border and Immigration Agency to help applicants for British Citizenship. Advisers are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) as Level 1 advisers - nationality and citizenship under UK law.

Advisers are not able to offer advice on any other matters such as visas, immigration or asylum.

NCS is not a fast track service but ensures that the application form is correctly completed and is accompanied by certified documents. The service operates on an appointment only basis and you will not be seen without an appointment. Each appointment should take approximately 45 minutes.

You must make your application in person. If you are married or in a civil partnership and are making a joint application, both of you must visit. Children under 18 do not need to be present.

Documents you must bring along with you to the appointment are:

• Completed citizenship application form
• Original copy of your successful ‘Life in the Uk’ test certificate (naturalisation only)
• All relevant documents which are explained in the application form guideline notes (guideline notes are given when an appointment is made)
• The citizenship application fee - cheque or debit/credit card (cheques are to be made payable to the Home Office)

We will not be able to provide advice on nationality matters.

Fees

Fees for this service are payable in advance and are non refundable. The fee will be taken at the time of booking your appointment by debit/credit card or by cash.

A minimum of seven days advance notice must be given for any cancellations, otherwise your fee will still be payable. You can reschedule your appointment up to two days in advance. If this notice is not given you will be required to make a new appointment and pay an additional fee. If additional appointments are required due to your paperwork not meeting the necessary requirements, further fees will be applied.

A full list of the fees for the Nationality Checking Service can be found on the Plymouth Register Office fees page.

---

Contacts

The UK Border Agency

Nationality Helpdesk - 0845 010 5200 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Immigration and Nationality Enquiries Bureau Helpdesk - 0870 606 7766 or email nationalityenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.

---

The Home Office

Nationality advice can be found on the The Home Office website.

---

Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)

5th Floor, Counting House, 53 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QN
Telephone: 0845 000 0046
Website: Office of the immigration Services Commissioner