Post
by MarketBuy » Wed Jun 08, 2016 6:56 pm
Thought it would be worth sharing my experience applying for my first UK Passport (British by descent) from abroad.
Applied online on May 28. Completed online portion and printed out the customized PDF that includes the declaration form.
Filled in the particulars and had my countersignatory sign his portion / sign one of the pictures.
Countersignatory holds a valid UK passport, living here in Canada. So I asked him as he falls under the 'Manager of a VAT Registered Company' category.
Couriered the full package back to HMPO on June 01 via DHL two day delivery service. Signed for in Durham on June 03.
The very next day, later in the evening, the online status changed to "Declaration form received, being processed".
Four days later, on June 07, status has changed to Dispatched.
Not believing that it could possibly have run the full course in nine days, I called the Passport Advice Line who confirmed that yes, 100% it has been dispatched.
Countersignatory was not contacted nor was an interview requested.
Will update when the passport arrives but given the various horror stories and complaints, just wanted to give some reason for hope for those of you wondering about the online application service. Follow the directions and hope for the best I suppose.
