How to Check Your Citizenship Application Status

Ways to Check Your Status

After you submit your British citizenship application, there is no automatic tracking system that lets you see where your application is in the process. Unlike parcel deliveries, you cannot see a progress bar. Instead, you need to actively make enquiries.

Here are your options:

1. Home Office Online Enquiry Form

The most common way to check your status is through the Home Office online enquiry form on GOV.UK. Choose "British citizenship or nationality" as the topic, then provide your details and application reference number.

GOV.UK does not publish a response time for these enquiries. The reply usually tells you whether your application is still being processed or whether a decision has been made.

2. Phone

You can call the UK Visas and Immigration citizenship enquiry line on 0300 790 6268 (select option 2). It is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 4:45pm and Friday 9am to 4:30pm, and closed on bank holidays. Be prepared to provide your full name, date of birth, and application reference number. Phone lines can be busy, so try calling early in the morning.

3. Your MP

Your Member of Parliament can make enquiries with the Home Office on your behalf. This is one of the most effective ways to get an update, particularly if your application has exceeded the standard processing time of approximately 6 months.

To contact your MP, find their details on the UK Parliament website. See our MP help guide for tips on writing an effective letter. Explain that your citizenship application has exceeded the stated processing time and ask them to make enquiries. Most MPs have a caseworker who handles immigration queries.

4. Through Your Solicitor

If you used an immigration solicitor, they can make enquiries on your behalf. Solicitors sometimes have dedicated channels for professional enquiries.

When to Chase Your Application

The Home Office says you will usually get a decision within 6 months. A priority service (£500 on top of the application fee) aims for a decision within 30 working days; the super priority service cannot be used for citizenship applications. Here is a suggested timeline for when to make enquiries:

• 0-4 months: Do not chase. Your application is likely still being processed normally.
• 4-6 months: You can make a polite enquiry through the online form to check progress.
• 6+ months: Make a formal enquiry. If you have not received a decision within 6 months, something may need attention. Contact the Home Office and consider asking your MP to help.
• 9+ months: Escalate. Contact your MP if you have not already. Consider seeking legal advice if you are getting no response.

What the Home Office Response May Say

When you enquire about your application, the Home Office will typically respond with one of the following:

• "Your application is still being processed." This is the most common response. It means no decision has been made yet and your application is in the queue.
• "We have requested additional information." This means the Home Office has sent you a letter or email asking for more documents or information. Check your post and email (including spam folders).
• "A decision has been made." This means a decision has been reached and you should receive notification shortly. If you applied for naturalisation and the decision is positive, you will be invited to a ceremony.
• "Your application has been referred for further checks." This usually means security or background checks are taking additional time. There is little you can do to speed this up.

Important Tips

• Keep your reference number safe: You will need it for all enquiries. Keep a copy of your application reference number in a safe place.
• Update your address: If you move house while your application is pending, inform the Home Office immediately. Missing correspondence can cause significant delays.
• Check your email regularly: The Home Office may contact you by email. Check your spam folder regularly. See our Home Office contact guide for all communication channels.
• Do not submit a second application: If you are worried about delays, do not submit a second application. This will not speed things up and may cause confusion.
• Your settlement remains valid: Your settlement (indefinite leave to remain) is not affected while your citizenship application is being processed. You can continue to live and work in the UK as normal.

After the Decision

If your citizenship application is approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony. You must attend within 3 months of receiving your invitation. At the ceremony, you make an oath or affirmation and receive your certificate.

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining why. There is no right of appeal against a citizenship refusal, but you can ask the Home Office to reconsider the decision using form NR. The reconsideration fee is £513, refunded if the decision is reversed, and the Home Office expects the request within 6 months of the decision. Judicial review may be possible in some cases. See our visa refused guide for more on challenging decisions.

For the full application process, see our how to apply for British citizenship guide and our citizenship cost breakdown.

Questions and answers