Is Going On Holiday During A Citizenship Application Allowed ?

[Hawkinschris]

Morning,

My wife is eligible for UK Citizenship this coming November 2012, and we intend to apply as soon as we can.

I am wondering if we would be able to book and go on holiday in December whilst the application is going through, or would we be passportless ??

Thanks in advance!

Edited June 9, 2012 by Hawkinschris

[7by7]

It would help you to get an answer if you said which country she wants to become a citizen of!

[7by7]

Now that you have edited your OP to show that it is the UK you are asking about, I can answer.

Yes, she does need to submit her passport with the application as evidence of:

• Her identity
  
• Lawful residence in the UK during the residential qualifying period
  
• She is free of immigration time restrictions
  

Although other documents can be used for the first and third, they will only accept other documents for the second if she has a very good reason for being unable to provide her passport. I doubt wanting to go on holiday would be considered such.

Note that if she is applying as the spouse of a British citizen then they want either your passport or your full birth certificate.

See Documents required for naturalisation applications.

However, if she applies via the Nationality Checking Service, if available where you live, then they will copy all the supporting documents and return the originals to you before forwarding on to the UKBA.

[Hawkinschris]

However, if she applies via the Nationality Checking Service, if available where you live, then they will copy all the supporting documents and return the originals to you before forwarding on to the UKBA.

Thus enabling us to go on holiday ???

[7by7]

As far as I'm aware there is no reason why a citizenship applicant cannot leave the UK on holiday whilst their citizenship application is being considered; providing they have their passport, of course.

[sirineou]

I cant believe that a person would be held hostage, unable to travel while their application was being processed in any first world country.

What if that persons work, required that he/ she traveled? or had to travel for health, or family obligations? etc.

I am sure a simple call to the appropriate agency will resolve your question.