FRIDAY FAQs

This week our immigration specialists will focus on assisting with your enquiries by advising on matters pertaining to Home Office refunds, errors on BRP cards, and travelling whilst your citizenship application is pending.

I have paid for the Priority or Super Priority service, yet it is taking a long time to get a decision on my visa. Can I request a refund?

Some applicants opt for paying the Priority or Super Priority service to ensure that their application is processed quickly. While these services are costly, applicants are sometimes unable to get the desired outcome in time. Frustrating as it may be, depending on your circumstances, it may not be possible to ask for a refund.

• Unfortunately, you may not be eligible for a refund if the Home Office have told you that the decision on your application will be delayed because your case was assessed as complex or not straightforward.
• Equally, you may not be eligible for a refund if the Home Office have made a decision within the stated timeframe, but then the arrival of your BRP card incurs further delays.  

If neither applies, you may be eligible for a refund; however, it will depend on the circumstances of your case, and we recommend that you seek legal advice to ascertain your options.

I have realised that there is an error on my BRP card. What do I do?

When you receive a new BRP card, you must always check that it is free of any spelling or other errors. If you find a mistake on your BRP card, you should report it to the Home Office via this link. Please note that you must report any mistakes within 10 days of receiving the BRP card. 

Can I leave the UK and re-enter while my naturalisation application is pending?

Unlike many other UK immigration applications, it is permitted to travel in and out of the UK while your British citizenship application is pending. Once you submit your naturalisation application, you may travel abroad using your original passport and original Indefinite Leave to Remain BRP card. However, you must keep in mind that you will need to attend a biometrics appointment within the permitted timeframe once the application has been submitted.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have not found an answer to your question, or if you would like to talk to us about your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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