Maidenhead & Windsor

Applicants for British citizenship can now be assured their forms are filled in correctly before they are sent to the Home Office, thanks to the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's nationality application checking service which launches on Thursday November 1.

The aim of the service – a partnership between the Home Office's immigration and nationality directorate and a number of local authorities in England and Wales – is to reduce delays in processing applications.

A Windsor and Maidenhead borough citizenship officer will:

· check the forms are properly completed
· check, copy and certify documents
· ensure all supporting documentation is attached to the application, and
· despatch forms to the Home Office by special delivery.

All supporting documentation is copied and certified so that the applicant can keep the originals, including passports, rather than sending them to the Home Office.

Clair Williams, superintendent registrar, said: "Through this service we can ease the process for applicants by providing expert advice and assistance. It has proven very popular in other areas where it has already been introduced."

The Windsor and Maidenhead service is by appointment only. Bookings and further information, including fees, are available on 01628 796991 or at registrar@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead