What is the Nationality Checking Service?

The Nationality Checking Service (NCS) is a partnership between the Home Office Nationality Group and a number of local councils in England and Wales. 
The participating councils will offer an optional service to those applicants who wish to take advantage of it. For a modest fee, the designated councils will check that applications for British nationality are completed correctly and have been submitted with all the necessary supporting documents such as passports, certificates and proof of English proficiency.
The completed applications will then be forwarded to the Home Office by special delivery post. Applications of this type can be dealt with, on average, more quickly than those that are not properly completed. Those using the service will be able to keep their passports and other important documents rather than send them to the Home Office.
Applicants must satisfy 3 main criteria. They must:

- have an appropriate residential qualification dependent on the section of the Immigration Act under    which they are applying. 
- have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom
- must have proficiency in English Language.

If you require further information you can telephone the Nationality Checking Service at:

Kendal on  01539 773567 or Kendal.registeroffice@cumbriacc.gov.uk 
or
Carlisle on  01228 227432 or carlisle.registeroffice@cumbriacc.gov.uk