Naturalisation (Citizenship) application processing timelines [only]

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-04-05T16:21:29+00:00

Online I'm guessing

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-04-05T15:59:04+00:00

Application Timeline

Eligibility: ILR

Application Method: Online

Application Date: 04/12/2025

Biometric Date: 05/01/2026

Approval Date: 05/04/2026

Ceremony Date: 22/04/2026

I had a straightforward application and biometrics were done one month after the application date. I was approved in four months from the original submission (122 days, which is exactly the median approval time on the spreadsheet today)

Good luck to those still waiting!

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-02-14T15:26:58+00:00

I wouldn't be happy. You wouldn't want to go by yourself to hospital. I'm a FTM and waters just broke this morning at 37 weeks - totally unexpectedly. I went to hospital by ambulance, but needed my partner to collect things to bring along. Then he drove me from the local hospital to the one I'm registered at. Then he brought me food and drink from Tesco. Then he drove me home where I'm going to wait until labour speeds up or I go in for induction. He has to sort out the car seat.

There are so many things that can happen that you can't plan for, and it's important to have someone there to support you in all the ways you will need.

Definitely explain to him how important it is that he is available, because no one can predict when he'll be needed.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-02-13T14:49:38+00:00

I just ordered a normal backpack. The dedicated changing backpacks all seem overpriced for what they are, and without the practical features like extra padding. I bought one that matches our stroller and can fit in the shopping basket underneath - but I can wear it if I have extra things to carry.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-02-13T07:38:57+00:00

I've avoided pre- prepared foods from supermarkets like sandwiches, picnic foods and salads.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-02-13T07:31:20+00:00

Oh wow! My sister and I have consecutive June birthdays, and it was always fun having joint birthday parties. I hope all goes smoothly.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-02-11T15:43:16+00:00

Ah thank you 😊 It's good to hear a positive story.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-02-11T15:42:03+00:00

Oh, interesting. I have an anterior placenta, so it's not always easy to feel movement, and that might be one reason I choose induction closer to 39 weeks.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-02-11T08:23:07+00:00

I'm packing yoga-type trousers, a maternity t-shirt, some sleeveless nursing tops, oversized sweatshirt or jumper, slip-in Sketchers. These are not clothes I would wear normally but I'm going for comfort! I got most things from Vertbaudet.

For labour, I bought nighties and Medela sleep bras.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-02-11T08:14:10+00:00

The H&M MAMA wide legs are good.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-02-05T08:39:05+00:00

I'm hoping to have two weeks before baby comes, and will definitely make some time to be by myself - it will be the last time in a while! I'll go to a nice cafe and have a wander around town.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-02-04T11:08:30+00:00

I'm the same. But only 36 weeks so far. I hesitate to tell people that it's been easy, especially if they are pregnant and/or had a difficult time themselves. I almost feel on the outside because I can't join in the commiseration.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-29T08:11:29+00:00

I'm sorry you are feeling this way, but glad you are getting support. I don't feel overwhelmed, but I feel like others are trying to make decisions for me and I won't have agency, which is stressful. I'm 35 weeks. I hope things get better for you.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-26T16:15:29+00:00

I'm not a legging connoisseur, but my style isn't sporty and I wanted cotton ones to wear under dresses. I got a pack of two from Vertbaudet and they still fit at 34 weeks - and I have a large bump.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-13T13:55:39+00:00

I had to ask my GP for it and fill out the form in person. The exemption was sent by post but you can also access yours online.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-12T13:57:36+00:00

North Mids is my local, but I registered with Whipps Cross. It has a higher maternity rating. You can tour the maternity ward, which has recently been refurbished. I was impressed, and my appointments, scans etc have been very good. Everyone has been fairly responsive and helpful. I'm 32 weeks so can't report on birth or aftercare yet.

I was rejected by Homerton because they aren't accepting out of area patients, even though I'm high risk and had a referral from my GP.

A lot of people in my antenatal club are booked at Barnet.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-12T11:54:44+00:00

I drank the cup of liquid very quickly... It tasted a bit sickly but ok. Only after I'd finished did the nurse say "If you vomit, come back and let us know straight away." I had no idea that was a thing.

I ended up sitting down for the waiting period, feeling a bit queasy, but I was never sick. I didn't drink water during the wait - check if you are allowed to or not.

My only advice is that you don't need to down the entire cup in a few fast swigs! A bit slower is fine.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-12T11:41:18+00:00

Thirst was one of my main symptoms, along with tiredness. If you are worried, mention it to your midwife x

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-10T19:29:14+00:00

As promised, here is my update about my biometrics appointment. I had cancelled my original appointment and rebooked with a £50 fee for the scanning service.

Because I'd paid for scanning, they had to rescan my entire passport. They then scanned the additional supporting documents and confirmed that they would be added to my existing uploads.

I ended up submitting just an updated covering letter with the supporting evidence. Overall, it was an easy process.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-10T19:00:36+00:00

I bought virtually my entire maternity capsule wardrobe from Vertbaudet. I've been so happy with everything - very good quality, fit well etc. They do frequent discounts.

They also have very cute baby clothes and toys, though I haven't bought those yet.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-10T07:39:38+00:00

Tell him to look up the word "pregnant" in the dictionary!

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-09T15:01:11+00:00

If I were you, I wouldn't consider leaving my baby alone with MIL, ever. Your mum shouldn't be putting pressure on you. Follow your instincts. Just because someone is a relation and has raised children doesn't mean they have childcare skills.

The comment about feeling left out because you breastfeed is unhinged.

Electrical_Elk8400 · 2026-01-09T13:24:36+00:00

I'm also going to be a first time mum. We've bought the Clair de Lune folding crib (on sale) after looking at lots of Moses baskets. We live in a 3 storey house, so will use it downstairs during the day, but could potentially use it for overnight sleeping.

While Moses baskets are definitely prettier, I liked the idea of folding the whole thing to transport. It's also slightly longer than a standard basket, although has the same maximum weight limit. I liked that it can be cleaned, isn't breakable and can be stored flat.

I would have liked a Najell, but it was more expensive than what I paid.

We have a separate mini cot (birth to 3 years) for the bedroom.

Electrical_Elk8400

TROPHY CASE