Nationality Checking Service
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea offer Nationality
Checking Service (NCS) to help ensure your citizenship application
is properly completed and submitted with all the relevant
supporting documents. This service enables applicants to have their
forms checked by an adviser before submitting to the Home Office
for approval.
The aim of the service is to minimise delays in processing
applications by ensuring that all necessary information and the
correct documentation is sent to the Home Office. Our advisers will
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 special delivery post.
How do I use the Nationality Checking Service?
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea NCS service operates
on an appointment only basis and the service is based at the
Register Office at the Chelsea Old Town Hall.
If you would like to make an appointment then you have the
following options:
- telephone 020 7361 4100 between 9am to 4pm from Monday to
Friday
- send an email to ncs@rbkc.gov.uk
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 but in summary:
- 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.
- you must bring the following documents with you:
- completed citizen application form
- original copy of your successful ‘Life in the UK’ test
certificate. (Naturalisation only)
- all the necessary documents as explained in the application form
guideline notes.
- the citizenship application fee (payable to the Home
Office).
- the checking service fee (this must be paid separately from the
citizenship application fee).
Will the Council give me advice about nationality?
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea will not be able to
provide advice on nationality matters.
If you require advice you can contact the Liverpool Contact
Centre on 0845 010 5200. Lines are open from 09:00 until 17:00
Monday to Friday. The
Home Office website also offers nationality advice.
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 the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea 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.
Do I have to pay for the checking service?
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea charge the following
fees for the checking service.
| Type
of application |
Fee |
| Adult Application (18 years or
over) |
£65.00 |
| Child (Under 18 years) |
£35.00 |
All fees are inclusive of VAT and the fees reflect the cost of
providing the service.
How to contact us
Nationality Checking Service
Kensington and Chelsea Register Office
Chelsea Old Town Hall
Kings Road
London SW3 5EE
Tel: 020 7361 4100
Fax: 020 7361 4054
Email: ncs@rbkc.gov.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00
Comments or complaints
We always welcome feedback and suggestions to improve the
quality of our service and you may do this through the following
options:
- directly to the Superintendent Registrar, Kensington and
Chelsea Register Office, Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, London
SW3 5EE.
- through the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea comments and complaints procedure
- you may also write to: The Office of the Immigration Services
Commissioner, Complaints Section, 5th Floor Counting House, 53
Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QN
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