Do it online

Nationality Checking Service

What is the Nationality Checking Service (NCS)?

This is a partnership between the Home Office UK Border Agency and local councils in England and Wales. This partnership allows those people applying for British citizenship to make their applications, in person, at a register office.

Richmond Registration Service offers this optional service to help simplify the citizenship application process.

You do not have to be a resident of the borough to attend an appointment here.

By appointment only, and on payment of your Nationality checking service fee, we will:

  • Ensure that the application form is completed correctly.
  • Check, copy and certify supporting documents (e.g. passport, certificates).
  • Make sure that the correct payment for the Home Office is enclosed.
  • Send the application safely and quickly to the Home Office by guaranteed next day delivery.

This checking service is optional – you can apply directly to the Home Office or use a solicitor or other agent. But if you do, make sure they are properly qualified to give you advice, and are registered with the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner (OISC). (Solicitors and others registered with the Law Society do not have to be registered with the OISC).

The appointment process

The appointment length will vary, depending on how many people are applying. Each adult applicant must:

  • Attend in person. If the applicant is married or in a civil partnership and want to make a joint application, both applicants must attend. Children under 18 need not attend.
  • Bring the completed application form(s).
  • Bring all the necessary documents for their application as listed in the guidance notes on the Home Office UK Border Agency website.
  • Bring payment for the Home Office (cheque, debit / credit card details).

Please note that only original documents will be acceptable.

All applications will then be forwarded to the Home Office by Special Delivery post.

The NCS cost

The fee for this service is in addition to the application fee that is paid to the Home Office, and must be paid at the time the appointment is booked. This fee is non refundable.

NCS terms and conditions

  • The fee for your appointment is payable at the time of booking, and is non refundable.
  • Your appointment fee is paid to London Borough of Richmond upon Thames for using the Nationality Checking Service.
  • The fee paid to the Home Office for your application is separate, and does not include the appointment fee for this service.
  • Fees cannot be refunded if you fail to keep your appointment, or if your application does not meet the requirements to be forwarded to the UKBA.
  • If you are late for your appointment, it will not be possible to see you and you will have to book a new appointment and pay the appointment fee.
  • All applicants over 18 must attend an appointment, and must complete the application form before the appointment and attend with all supporting documents, ready for photocopying by the NCS advisor.
  • If you wish to move your appointment, you must give at least 3 full working days notice by either telephone or email. An appointment can only be moved once.
  • If you are required to make a second appointment for your application, you will need to pay a fee for a Second Appointment. This is for a 20 minute appointment.
  • If further documents are required, and have not been produced within 3 months from the date of your appointment, any documents photocopied by the NCS advisor will be destroyed (you may however wish to collect your application form).

Further advice

Richmond Registration service cannot offer advice on nationality matters. Should you require advice you can contact:

  • Nationality call centre on 0845 010 5200 (lines are open from 9am until 9pm Monday to Friday).
  • UK Border Agency.