Nationality checking

This service is available, by appointment only, to both Knowsley residents and non-residents who wish to make an application for British citizenship.

What is the Nationality Checking Service?

The Nationality Checking Service is offered by Knowsley Council’s Registration Service in partnership with the Home Office.

It was set up to help ensure that your application for British citizenship is completed properly and submitted with the correct 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 and you will not be seen without an appointment.

To make your appointment, you should contact our Register Office on 0151 443 2900.

This service is available to both Knowsley residents and non-residents who wish to make a citizenship application.

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.
  • ‘Life in the UK’ test certificate or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) certificate along with the letter from the college.
  • All the necessary documents as explained in the application form guideline notes.
  • The citizenship application fee payable to the Home Office.

Will Knowsley Council give me advice about nationality?

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

If you need advice you can call the Home Office helpline on 0845 010 5200; lines are open from 9am until 5pm 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 dealt with on average, more quickly than those that are incomplete or which need further enquires.

Do I have to pay for the checking service?

The prices for using Knowsley’s Nationality Checking Service are:

  • £42 for a child
  • £66 for an adult
  • £90 for a couple
  • £102 for a family of two adults and two children
  • £19.80 for each additional child in a family application

All prices include VAT.

In addition, you must also pay an application fee directly to the Home Office.

Feedback

We always welcome feedback and suggestions to improve the quality of our service.

If you wish to contact us with feedback, complete an online form or telephone 0151 443 4031.

This service is regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services.

You can provide feedback and suggestions by writing directly to:

The Office of the Immigration Services
Commissioner
Complaints Section
5th Floor
Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2QN