Nationality Checking Service
People wishing to apply for British citizenship will
shortly be able to access a service to have their applications
checked at the Vale of Glamorgan Register Office, based in the
Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 4RU.
What is the Nationality Checking Service?
The Nationality Checking Service (NCS) 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 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.
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 operates on an appointment-only basis. You will not be
seen without an appointment. To make your appointment, you should
contact 01446 700111 or e-mail C1V@valeofglamorgan.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 citizenship 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 Vale of Glamorgan Council 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 9:00 until 17:00 Monday to
Friday.
The Home Office website also offers
nationality advice at:
http://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 then those
that are incomplete or which need further enquires.
How do I know the Vale of Glamorgan 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 their
remit, the adviser will refer that person to the Home Office and
record the fact.
Do I have to pay for the checking service?
Yes. The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s pricing
structure is set out below.
Nationality Checking Service
Fees (inclusive of VAT)
|
Adult
|
£70.00
|
|
|
Married Couple
|
£100.00
|
|
|
Family
|
£130.00
|
Married couple including up to two
children under 18 years of age
|
|
Each Additional Child
|
£20.00
|
|
|
Child
|
£40.00
|
Child under 18 years of age applying
separately from parents
|
Prices from 1 October 2010
Full details of these charges can be obtained
from the Vale of Glamorgan’s Citizenship Team.
Feedback
We always welcome feedback and suggestions to
improve the quality of our service.
We are committed to treating you fairly and with care, but
sometimes, despite our best efforts, things go wrong. We want to
know about it. We also want to know when things go really well.
If you have a complaint, we want to know about it straight away.
Our services to you will not be adversely affected by making a
complaint. Many problems can be resolved together quickly. We
will try to solve the problem within ten working days. We will
tell you what we have done to put the problem right.
How to make a complaint or pay a compliment
To make a complaint, pay a compliment or provide feedback:
Contact us by:
- Telephone on (01446) 700111
- E-mail at C1V@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
- In person at one of our offices
- Writing to us at: Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry CF63
4RU
We welcome complaints in both English and
Welsh. Complaint leaflets for both adults and young people
are available in both English and Welsh.
Alternatively, you may if you wish write
directly to:
The Office of the Immigration Services
Commissioner
Complaints Section
5th Floor, Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London SE1 2QN