One of the most common questions asked after submitting a British citizenship application is whether it is possible to travel abroad while the application is being processed and whether it is possible to apply for a passport from abroad once the citizenship application has been approved.

Travel outside the UK while processing the citizenship application

While your application for British citizenship is under review, you are permitted to travel outside of the United Kingdom. An application for citizenship is different from an immigration application submitted under the Immigration Rules, which includes restrictions for travel.

You are permitted to keep your original passport and submit a complete copy of it when you apply for British citizenship. Then, you can use your authentic, valid passport to travel abroad. In order to return to the United Kingdom, you will still require your ILR or evidence of some other valid immigration status.

It is important that you either get some advice from your legal representatives if you have them or verify that you have not received any correspondence at the addresses you have provided, as there may be requests for additional information.

My application for British citizenship has been approved. What's next?

If you have successfully obtained British citizenship and are 18 years of age or older, you will be required to attend a citizenship ceremony. The COVID-19 pandemic extended the ceremony scheduling period from three to six months. Before reserving a ceremony, you must first receive an invitation from the Home Office.

At the end of the ceremony, you will receive your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack. A virtual ceremony is permitted by certain local authorities. If that is the case, you will receive a copy of the certificate following the virtual ceremony. 

Upon receipt of your certificate and attendance at the British citizenship ceremony, you will be duly recognised as a British citizen. 

If an applicant is under 18 years old and remains under 18 when their citizenship application is granted, they are exempt from attending the citizenship ceremony. The certificate of registration is issued. Therefore, it is possible for a child to become British while travelling outside of the UK because there are no restrictions on travel while an application is pending. As proof that they have a right of abode in the UK if the child becomes British, they will require a passport or certificate of entitlement in order to be allowed to return.

How do I apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode?

In order to prove your right to abode in the United Kingdom, you may submit an application for a certificate of entitlement to the right to abode. The certificate is endorsed in your passport.

If you already have a British passport or a valid certificate of entitlement in another foreign passport, you are ineligible to obtain a certificate.

Applications may be submitted online from either inside the UK or outside the United Kingdom. Currently, the cost of a certificate of entitlement is £388 for individuals residing outside of the United Kingdom and £372 for those residing inside the country.

It is important to acknowledge that you will be required to submit an application for a new certificate upon the expiry of your passport.

If I become British, should I keep my BRP?

Once you become a British citizen, you need to return any biometric residence permit you may have. It is expected of you to return to the Home Office after cutting up the BRP. After receiving your certificate of British citizenship, you have five working days to return your biometric residency permit (BRP) to the Home Office.

You must cut the BRP into four pieces and place it in a windowless envelope. If the BRP contains personal information or a biometric chip, you must cut it. You must include a note stating that you are returning the permit because you have become a citizen. The note must also include your name, date of birth, and BRP number (located on the front of the card). The return address is indicated on the approval letter.

How can I apply for a British Passport?

Application forms can be made online or on paper. To get the paper application, you will need to go to a Post Office that has the Passport Check and Send service. There are fast services and a Fast Track service that lasts one week. You might be able to get a passport right away if you need medical care or if a friend or family member is very sick or has died. If that happens, you will need to call the Passport Adviceline.

Can I apply for a first British Passport outside the UK?

You can apply for a British passport from outside the UK. You can apply online or use the OS application form. To apply for citizenship and apply for your first passport, you will need your naturalisation or registration certificate, the passport you used to enter the UK, and all passports you hold or are in, as well as full-colour copies of any other passports that have not been cancelled previously.

The current processing time starts from the date the HM Passport Office receives the initial documents requested in your application.

The processing time for an application is not publicly available. Depending on the country you are applying from, the processing time is estimated to be between 4 and 24 weeks. The process may be delayed if you are asked for additional information or documents or if you are invited to an interview. You must send any missing or additional documents within 6 weeks. If you do not send your documents within 6 weeks, your application will be withdrawn, and you will not be entitled to a refund.

For expert advice regarding a British citizenship application or applying for a British passport application, contact us at 0203 865 6219 or leave a message.