citizenship waits

I'll be eligible to apply for citizenship in the Summer and was curious if anyone kept a website on average wait times from application to receiving citizenship?  I'm aware of the IND website that lists what they believe to be the wait time.  However, having seen similar postings on INS websites for American visas, citizenship, etc the gov't estimates can be quite a bit off from what people have actually experienced.

IND says there's an 8.4 month waiting time currently.  Obviously, if they run into some particularly time consuming or, vice versa, some quick cases, that number could quickly change.  Does anyone know if these estimates tend to be close to the mark?

Does anyone know if a website exists that tracks people's actual wait times for British citizenship?  It'd be interesting to see who's was done faster or slower than normal and to see how far off the mark IND is.

Matt

We've had a few on here who have had super terrific turn around times, and others who are more in line with the 8 month waiting period.  I'll let those folks speak for themselves though.  I'll be eligible next January and hope to apply as soon as I'm eligible.  Once I do I'm sure I'll be driving people crazy while I wait!

Don't know of any specific websites, but we sent my application in May and haven't had it processed yet so we're going on 5 months now.  Mine is very straightforward and I had hoped to hear by now, but no such luck. 

Then again, I know people here have had their British passports withing a month or two of applying.  Not sure what the difference it, though.

Does anyone know if a website exists that tracks people's actual wait times for British citizenship?

Not to be overly sardonic, but yes:  the website that tracks people's actual wait times for naturalisation is, in fact, the IND site...

I applied for mine last October and had it done within weeks,,I don't think there is any rhyme or reason to it.

Something I was wondering.  To become a British citizen do you give up your US citizenship?  Is there any loopholes or work around for this?

I applied for mine last October and had it done within weeks,,I don't think there is any rhyme or reason to it.

I was wondering if it had something to do with the area a person lives in.  For instance, LisaE got hers really fast too, but she lives in Wiltshire in an area where she's pretty much the token American.  Wishstar lives in London where perhaps there might be more folks who are doing things in a dodgy manner?  Just a thought, really.  I suspect if this is the case that my application will be held up for sure.  I've seen Immigration Officers with the cops at the station when I've come home on more than one occasion...waiting for someone no doubt!   

Something I was wondering. To become a British citizen do you give up your US citizenship? Is there any loopholes or work around for this?

No, you don't have to give up your US citizneship.  In fact, unless you specifically renounce your citizenship to the Embassy, you're still considered a citizen. 

I have been doing a bit of reading I won't be dealing with this in the near future but I have read that although it is not necessary it might be a good idea to inform the US consulate that you are becoming a UK citizen and that you DO NOT wish to give up your US citizenship.  As long as your intent was not to give it up you should be fine but having it on record that this was not your intent may be helpful if there is any question to it in the future.

Took me close to 9 months. Also the token American where I live (along with my partner), though I don't think that has much to do with it. Just luck or lack thereof. Incidentally, if you think your application is taking too long, get in touch with your MP.

My UK citizenship came through the same time my US passport was due for renewal. You're supposed to let them know if you've become dual national. I was asked to supply a letter stating that I wished to retain my US citizenship.

I did mine in 2001 through my solicitor. It took only 4 months until I was issued the Oath of Allegiance, but there was then a final wait of many weeks for the certificate (because the certificate printer had broken down, if you can believe that).

Anyway: When I applied in 2003 for a new US passport, I expected to hear what they told Sam, and I had written up a letter stating my intent to retain US citizenship. When I went to the (Munich) consulate for making the application, I had filled in the application to show that I had taken another citizenship since last applying etc. etc. The consular lady just said, no problem, we don't need to see your British passport, that will be $85, please.

That was it.

So Matt, does that mean we'll have the pleasure of your company for at least another year plus waiting time? 

I hope you had a lovely trip - see you in just over a week! 

Yes, I'll be around a while longer, Anne    I'm going to apply in June so hopefully I'll have it by the beginning of 2006, earlier if I'm lucky.  I'll need to renew my US passport towards the end of 2006 so hopefully it won't take too long!

It's funny how some people can get theirs done so quickly.  It's almost as if they're jumping the queue somehow.  Makes you wonder how disorganized IND is?  I doubt it's like in the US where you apply to regional or even state-level departments, it seems in Britain everyone applies to the same place...

Matt

Nobody's technically jumping the queue (unless they know a Home Office minister ); it's just that IND plucks some applications from the pile randomly, AND have been known to work both ends of the queue.