Nationality checking service now more family-friendly

A service which offers help to people applying for British citizenship is proving increasing popular, and has now been improved to make it even more attractive to families.

The nationality checking service is offered by Shropshire County Council in partnership with the Home Office. Under the service, register office staff in Shrewsbury check that applications for British citizenship are completed correctly, and that key documents have been submitted.

Launched in October 2006, more than 480 applications have so far been processed.

Under a new family application category introduced this month, a husband and wife and up to four children can now apply at the same time and pay only one fee. Previously a maximum of two children could be included in a family application.

Karen Burton, business service manager with Shropshire County Council’s registration service, said: “We’re delighted that in such a short space of time this service has proved so popular with people living both inside and outside of Shropshire.

“I hope that the improvements we have made to our fee structure will make the service more family-friendly and even more accessible for families.”

Appointments to use the nationality checking service can be made by contacting Shropshire Registration Service.

Further information

Under the service, register office staff in Shrewsbury are authorised to check that applications for British nationality are completed correctly, that all necessary documentation has been submitted, and that the appropriate fee has been paid.

Passports and other key documentation are certified locally, and copies sent to the Home Office by Special Delivery. Staff carrying out the pre-application checks have all received special training from Home Office immigration experts.

23 April 2008