British Passport application processing timelines (only)

[HelloitsmeAbby]

Hi all, from what I read and understood in this topic, it seems you just need to use the reference number on the form to call them and book an interview even before receiving the invitation. However if you use the online form, is there a reference number you can use? Or do you just have to wait for the invitation in this case?

It's true but imyou need to have the letter with you when you go for the appointment so if you're gonna chance it and do it that way, at least give it a few days giving poster the chance to deliver it

[Tire1Questions]

Hi everyone little update
Passport for: Adult
Application Type: New (naturalised)
Method of application: Check & Send
Date of application: 09/11/2015
Date of interview letter: not received yet
Date of interview booked:12/11/2015
Date of interview:18/11/2015
Date of SMS received: 19/11/2015 (
Date of return of documents: 16/11/2015
Date of passport receipt:Arrived today 22/11/2015. I was surprised that they delivered it on SUNDAY..!!!

[azanpk786]

Hi
Please share what questions they ask in British passport interview .i book private cermany.how long cermany will take. Thanks

[akbarim]

Your private ceremony would approximately take 20 mins.

Questions for Interview.. Approx interview time 25-30 mins

@How did you make your way to the passport office today@ How long it took??

@What type of property you live in?? E.g semi detached

@ who lives in the property with you?

@Spell your full name
@your date of birth??

@ how long have you been in the UK??

@your spouse name. Your kids names??

@ do you own or rent the property you reside in??

@ address of the place of work

@ how you make your way to your childrens school. If you have any school going childrens.

@ Your previous addresses

@ how long you lived at each address.. dates??

@ Name of banks you hold accounts in??

@ education?? Work??? Family related questions.


These are few example but all the questions depends on the the person asking them so recall your life in the uk before entering the interview room ...

Good Luck

Hi
Please share what questions they ask in British passport interview .i book private cermany.how long cermany will take. Thanks

[uma103]

Hi All ,

I am in process of applying my first British passport after naturalization and want advise if i apply online or by post ?
Also how do i need to provide references and countersign details in online application ? i tried filling the form till the payment details and it don't ask me anywhere for the countersign details.

Also i am assuming even if i fill online application , I still need to post my passport, naturalization certificate and photograph's ect to HMP so what is the difference between online and postal application as we also send all these documents by postal application and only additional item is the passport application form .

your advise and suggestion will be appreciated.

Kind Regards,

[chowkal]

@Uma103
If you fill online, it is quicker than postoffice and less paper work. You need to send only the countersign page, photogrpahs, Naturalisation certificate and current passport. you can track the status online

The referre deails cannot be filled online, and you are on track. Complete the process and make the payment, then you will get a PDF file ( Passport Application Declaration containing all details.
Don't forget to add the three pounds to receive back your current passport and Naturailsation certificate

On that PDF you will find the Conter signature fom, that need to be printed out and hand filled by countersignature person
(referree)

Good luck.

P.S : I got a SMS this morning ( passport despatched) for a appliction made on nov 16th and received on nov 17th. So I should get my passports tomorrow

[owen19832006]

Morning all,

Just thought I'd share my experience in getting the passport. Overall 1 week (Monday 16th November sent form - Passport arrived Monday 23rd November)

Application Timeline
Passport for: Adult First time
Application Type: New
Method of application: Online (keep a copy as a PDF because if you do something wrong you can send them the application again, it's far quicker and make sure your pics have the grey-ish background not the cream one)
Date of application: 16th November 2015 (13:35)
Date application received by HMPO : 17th November 2015 08:32am
Location of HMPO Office involved: Peterborough
Date of return of documents: Saturday 21st November 2015 (15hrs)
Date of receipt of interview letter: Didnt get interview letter, phoned the advice line, lady confirmed could go for interview and I could book over the phone.
Date of Passport Interview Appointment: 19th November 2015 08:45 (Glasgow HMPO) was told there and then by the lady that the passport would be printed the next day (Friday) and would arrive within 2-5 working days but that they were beating their own timescales.
Date of Passport Receipt: 23rd November 2015 11hrs

Interview was very relaxed and friendly, felt like talking to a friend about general stuff. Got asked:
1.Spell your name
2.Where are you from originally
3.Name of parents
4.Who is your countersignatory
5.Where do they live, do they live near you?
6. Whats their profession
7. How long have you known them
8.Have you got any holidays booked? if so when are you leaving.
9.Do you live on a main road? wht's your address? How long have you been there?
10. What's your DoB
11. You have a mortgage? who with?
12. Do you live alone?
13. When did you first arrive in the UK and what was the purpose?
14. What was your first ever address in the UK.

That was it. The interview was done in 10 mins and then we started talking about my holiday. It was by far the most relaxing interview and the passport office staff were very friendly, and they had music on (on a side note Adele's Hello was on and I was singing and interview lady said she liked that song too and we talked about the upcoming album and whether there would be a tour)
The call centre people from Passport Advice line were extremely friendly.
My journey is finally over. Thank you all for sharing your experiences, this has been an amazing fountain of information. Best of luck to all!! Hope you get your passports very soon!

[mona12]

Hi,

I sent our applications (mine and my husband's) on 19th Nov 2015 via the Check and Send service and I was told that since it is sent as "Special Delivery", the documents will be delivered the next day, i.e 20th Nov 2015.

Now when I enquired at HMPO, they have no idea about our appications at all!! Wonder where they are and how do I locate them? Really concerned as original passports are with the applications Regretting using the Post Office's so called "Check and Send" service already!!

Please advice.

Thanks

[HelloitsmeAbby]

HMPO received it on Friday. Chances are it's not even been touched until today. Call them tomorrow if you're not sure.

We won't be using check and send as we feel it's not necessary.

Everything will be fine, try not to stress!

[uma103]

@chowkal

Thanks for all your advise. one last thing, do we need to add grandparent details ? I cannot find anything related to that in the guidance documents but been reading previous posts in this forum and some people were saying that grand parent details are not required for naturalized citizens.

Regards,

[mona12]

HMPO received it on Friday. Chances are it's not even been touched until today. Call them tomorrow if you're not sure.

We won't be using check and send as we feel it's not necessary.

Everything will be fine, try not to stress!

The only thing which Post Office asked me to correct in the form was the "Place of Issue of Naturalisation Certificate". Since nothing was mentioned in the guide booklet which comes with the form, I put "Registrar, <Council Name>" in the form and Post Office said it is wrong and you must put "Home Office London" (as it was written on the certificate), not sure if that is actually considered as a place! And if it really makes a difference but the lady at post office counter said what I wrote was wrong and they can't send my form like this as they get penalised for sending incorerct forms. She said that I can send it on my own if I wish to but in that case HMPO may even ask me to re-do the form if I send it as it is. That is the only thing where I felt using "Check and Send" maybe was a good idea but not sure how right I am!

[HelloitsmeAbby]

Yeah PO is probably right. Although I've never seen what he certificates look like and since BC applications are processed in Liverpool o would've put Hone office Liverpool but if home office London is on the certificate then you should put that as the councils don't issue the certificates. they just receive them from HO.

Personally if you fill in form right, pictures are passport sized and both applicant and referee signature is in the box, why would you need to pay £9.75 for check and send

[chowkal]

@Uma 103
Grandparent details are not required. I checked with passport office as well.
And I have been successful on both ocassions (check and send ) and online.
Please ensure your signature stays within the box and not even touching the boundaries.

Good luck

[HelloitsmeAbby]

@Uma 103
Grandparent details are not required. I checked with passport office as well.
And I have been successful on both ocassions (check and send ) and online.
Please ensure your signature stays within the box and not even touching the boundaries.

Good luck

Chowkal, did you not mention grandparents at all???

[uma103]

@chowkal

Thank you very much for all the information .

Regards,

[khani]

Hi

Got the interview booked for tomorrow , but i dont have any letter yet ?? do they ask for interview letter ?/

thanks

[akbarim]

You need to have the letter of confirmation for interview which is either by email or post. If you havent asked for it then call them first thing in the morning give them your reference and ask them to send you appointment confirmation via email. Get its print out and take it along to the interview.

Good Luck Khani for your interview tomorrow

Hi

Got the interview booked for tomorrow , but i dont have any letter yet ?? do they ask for interview letter ?/

thanks

[khani]

You need to have the letter of confirmation for interview which is either by email or post. If you havent asked for it then call them first thing in the morning give them your reference and ask them to send you appointment confirmation via email. Get its print out and take it along to the interview.

Good Luck Khani for your interview tomorrow

Hi

Got the interview booked for tomorrow , but i dont have any letter yet ?? do they ask for interview letter ?/

thanks

got the email from passportoffice but not the letter.

[akbarim]

Thats it then.. you dont need anything but email confirmation.. take the printout with you tomorrow..

Good Luck

You need to have the letter of confirmation for interview which is either by email or post. If you havent asked for it then call them first thing in the morning give them your reference and ask them to send you appointment confirmation via email. Get its print out and take it along to the interview.

Good Luck Khani for your interview tomorrow

Hi

Got the interview booked for tomorrow , but i dont have any letter yet ?? do they ask for interview letter ?/

thanks

got the email from passportoffice but not the letter.

[Brtainat]

Hi All,

Have anyone received new design passport ?

Many Thanks,

[Brtainat]

Passport for: Adult
Application Type: New (naturalised)
Method of application: Check & Send
Date of application: 14/11/2015
Application Received:17/11/2015 ( get update over the phone)
Date of interview letter: not received yet, i have to called them
Date of interview booked:20/11/2015
Date of interview:27/11/2015 London
Date of return of documents: 23/11/2015
Sms received :
Date of passport receipt:

[Malik44]

Passport for my spouse: Adult
Application Type: New (naturalised)
Method of application: Check & Send
Date of application: 06/11/2015
Date of documents received passport office : 09/11/2015
Date of interview letter: 14/11/2014
Date of interview booked:12/11/2015
Date of interview:19/11/2015
Date of SMS received: 20/11/2015
Date of return of documents: 12/11/2015
Date of passport receipt 23/11/2015

[thecookiemonster]

Hi everyone,

I recently got naturalized in the UK. I am about to make my first UK passport application. I have a question. Can I make an online application as it sounds hassle free in comparison to the post office check&Send service?

I will be glad if you could reply my post.

KR

[Fairylady]

Passport for: Adult
Application Type: New
Method of application: Check & Send
Date of application: 23/11/2015
Date application received by IPS: waiting
Location of IPS Office involved: waiting
Date of return of documents: waiting
Date of receipt of interview letter: waiting
Date of Passport Appointment: waiting
Date of Passport Receipt: waiting

[PuneetNagpal]

Passport for: 2 Adults
Application Type: New (naturalised)
Method of application: Check & Send
Date of application: 11/11/2015
Application Received:16/11/2015
Date of interview letter: 17/11/2015
Date of interview booked: 17/11/2015
Date of interview: 21/11/2015 in Peterborough
Date of return of documents: 19/11/2015
SMS received : 23/11/2015
Date of passport receipt: 24/11/2015

Finally, this long journey from a Tier 1 to naturalisation and now the passports has come to an end. Thanks all who have advised and inspired on this wonderful forum..