Naturalisation processing times and travel while an application is pending

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Distinguish naturalisation from a visa application

A citizenship application does not itself grant immigration permission. Until citizenship is acquired, you must retain and prove valid permission to stay in and return to the UK. Do not transfer travel rules from another application type: naturalisation has its own instructions.

The current Form AN guidance ↗ permits travel while a decision is pending, using a valid passport and evidence of valid immigration status. You need not report every travel plan, but must remain contactable and complete the application's mandatory stages.

Check the service timeframe and budget

The standard decision target is six months; complex cases can take longer. The AN guidance updated in July 2026 ↗ also describes a priority service with a usual target of 30 working days, subject to additional checks. Check eligibility, availability and the extra fee through the official link before paying.

Priority does not promise approval or a guaranteed passport date: a ceremony and separate passport application follow the decision. Compare the entire timetable when planning travel rather than the decision target alone. Keep confirmation of the selected service and submission date.

Organise communication and mandatory stages

Follow the biometric instructions after submission. AN says enrolment is usually required within 45 days; your case supplies the actual requirement and deadline. Being overseas does not remove it. Plan travel so you can meet a document request or required appointment.

Monitor email and spam, and retain application and appointment references. Report material changes, such as a new address, marriage or arrest, using the pending-application procedure ↗. The guidance asks applicants not to request routine updates within the standard timeframe; for a delay, use the official contact channel with the submission date and reference.

Plan for the transition after approval

Successful adult applicants normally need a ceremony within the specified period. Your legal position differs before and after it. After acquiring citizenship, do not assume you can return using a BRP, an ordinary resident eVisa or a citizenship certificate alone: AN guidance ↗ describes a British passport or certificate of entitlement and particular exceptions for people retaining Withdrawal Agreement rights.

Avoid international travel immediately after the ceremony without a verified return document. If you have two nationalities, check the current dual-national entry guidance ↗. An ETA does not replace a British passport for somebody ineligible for an ETA.