British passport for British citizen child born in India

[rarun53]

Vivek

Check/Read the link below (Answers to Questions 9 & 12).

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ ... plications

This should answer your questions.

Regards

Arun

[srivisaN]

Hi,

I went to Hyderabad VFS office today and tried to apply for UK passport for my new born baby... we have submitted below docs, to my surprise they asked me to produce

1. 3 documents as address proof in UK (even after we submitted 3 docs as address proof in India) - Both mother and father's uk address proof
2. Countersignatory passport 1st page copy
3. As many photos of the kid with family and relatives as possible (say 30 to 50)

Upon asking they said that it is a new rule to submit 3 documents as address proof in UK, a rule which I am not able to find anywhere on HMPO site. Please let me know if anyone faced same issue.

Normal set of docs I kept with me:
Child’s Full Birth Certificate
Child’s Medical, Hospital & Vaccination records from Birth till current date
Child’s 2 Recent Photographs (1 countersigned by UK Citizen)
Mother’s Full Birth Certificate
Mother’s Indian Passports
Mother’s BRP Card
Mother’s UK Provisional Driving License
Mother’s Antenatal NHS Records in UK
Mother’s Medical, Hospital records pre-delivery and post delivery in India
Mother’s Indian address/residency evidence (Voter’s Card and National ID Card)
Family Photographs of child with parents & relatives from Birth till current date
Mother’s Maternity Leave confirmation letter from current employer
Mother’s MATB1 Certificate
Father and Mother’s Marriage Certificate
Father’s Full British Passport
Father’s British Naturalisation Certificate
Father’s UK Full Driving License
Father’s Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
Father’s Cancelled Indian Passports

I need to re-book my appointment to goback with new set of docs

Thanks,
Sri.

[Macro_Run]

Hi,

I went to Hyderabad VFS office today and tried to apply for UK passport for my new born baby... we have submitted below docs, to my surprise they asked me to produce

1. 3 documents as address proof in UK (even after we submitted 3 docs as address proof in India) - Both mother and father's uk address proof
2. Countersignatory passport 1st page copy
3. As many photos of the kid with family and relatives as possible (say 30 to 50)

1. Did they ask 3 documents for father and 3 documents for mother as well?
2. Even if we get a Countersignatory from British citizen, need to submit passport copy?
3. Did they ask 30 photos to 50 photos?

[rarun53]

Hi,

I went to Hyderabad VFS office today and tried to apply for UK passport for my new born baby... we have submitted below docs, to my surprise they asked me to produce

1. 3 documents as address proof in UK (even after we submitted 3 docs as address proof in India) - Both mother and father's uk address proof
2. Countersignatory passport 1st page copy
3. As many photos of the kid with family and relatives as possible (say 30 to 50)
Sri.

This is what the OS Application Guideline says (Page 11) about counter signature

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... s-guidance

The countersignatory needs to:
• tell us which country’s passport your
countersignatory holds, and his or her email address.
• when they hold a US, Commonwealth or other
EU (not British or Irish) passport, they must
provide a colour photocopy of the page with their
photograph on it. This must be included with the
countersigned application.
......

And The 3 Address Proof rule hasn't changed in the latest version of the Supporting documents as well

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... ts-group-3

You have more things to do with the little one than taking pictures with every relatives and making an album. There is no evidence to support 30/50 photos claim either.

I don't think the VFS staff are speaking sensibly here.

Arun

[rarun53]

Update

Latest update

Status of parents: Both British ( through naturalization)
Passport application submitted at local VFS (VFS-UK office Chennai): 18-Nov-2016
Application Received at Liverpool Office Via DHL Courier - 21-Nov-2016
Application Fee deducted - 22-Nov-2016 by CC
Passport interview: 24-Jan-2017 @Luton HMPO
Passport collected from local VFS : Waiting

Guys,
I received an email last week asking to book an appointment for interview for my Son's Passport. I was expecting the interview to happen in India with mother (as she was the main applicant), but I'm not sure the reason for interviewing me. I have booked the Appointment with HMPO in Luton as there were no slots available for 10 days in London.

Today i'v finished the interview. it was for about 25-30 mins including whole history of my family,my stay in uk and so on. It was more than 50 questions and she noted down my answers in the report. I was asked about preferred location for DNA test if required. She then asked me how i am communicating with my wife and other child and she looked at my Whatsapp and Hangout call history (Including Duration) on My Mobile. She also wanted to see some pictures& videos of child on the mobile and verified the bank statements to see how i am sending money to them in India.

She will send her report back to the Durham office and i should wait for another month until i hear back anything (whether the passport is issued or further checks/tests).

Hope all goes well.

[srivisaN]

Hi,

I went to Hyderabad VFS office today and tried to apply for UK passport for my new born baby... we have submitted below docs, to my surprise they asked me to produce

1. 3 documents as address proof in UK (even after we submitted 3 docs as address proof in India) - Both mother and father's uk address proof
2. Countersignatory passport 1st page copy
3. As many photos of the kid with family and relatives as possible (say 30 to 50)
Sri.

This is what the OS Application Guideline says (Page 11) about counter signature

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... s-guidance

The countersignatory needs to:
• tell us which country’s passport your
countersignatory holds, and his or her email address.
• when they hold a US, Commonwealth or other
EU (not British or Irish) passport, they must
provide a colour photocopy of the page with their
photograph on it. This must be included with the
countersigned application.
......

And The 3 Address Proof rule hasn't changed in the latest version of the Supporting documents as well

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... ts-group-3

You have more things to do with the little one than taking pictures with every relatives and making an album. There is no evidence to support 30/50 photos claim either.

I don't think the VFS staff are speaking sensibly here.

Arun

I too agree with you, I am going for appointment again in couple of days.

I am not taking more photos, I am not taking coutner signatory passport copy too.

However, as per the link for 3 address proofs.. I suppose you were referring to section A in that document, which asks about 3 address proofs from India (for mother and child) if mother is applying.

No where it was mentioned that one need to submit 3 address proofs from UK.

Thanks,
Sri.

[rarun53]

Yes, There is no mention of 3 Address proof in UK anywhere in the Supporting documents list. It is only required for India Address. I would recommend you to take printout of the Guidelines and Supporting Docs check list and show them if they insist on those things.
As they don't have any involvement in making the decision on the application, you can ask them to submit the documents that you are providing and tell them that you will respond to HMPO if they request any additional documents.

All the Best.

[srivisaN]

Thanks, Arun.

we have submitted the application last week, this time they were not asking too many documents.

the only issue is they haven't given any tracking number (VFS Hyd said they will send an e-mail with courier tracking number, which was not the case till date) for courier and reference number for application

I can see that application fee has been deducted today, so I hope the application has been reached UK HMPO safely.

I am not sure about the application reference number.

Thanks,
Sri.

[rarun53]

Hi Sri,

It looks like VFS Hyd staff are negligent. We did receive the DHL tracking number from VFS Chennai. You will not get the application reference number until you send an enquiry to the HMPO office by filling online form asking the status. I would say, wait for a month or two before you make an enquiry.

Arun

[iceCold]

My wife and me are naturalized British citizens having moved back to Bangalore permanently since Jan 2016. We have just had a baby boy last week and I am in the process of applying for his British passport from VFS Bangalore. I have gone through this thread in detail, but still have a few unanswered questions. Could someone with better understanding of this process please help me with the below queries:

1) I am using this document as a list of required supporting documents:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _10.16.pdf
a) But it doesnt mention anything about counter-signature , is this really required?
b) 2 identical photographs - Do I have to get the babys passport sized photos clicked in a studio (maybe a really silly question, sorry.)

2) Cannot find any information regarding booking an appointment. To book an appointment I need to email , bangalore.hmpo@vfshelpline.com. Is that right?

3) Can I go alone to the VFS office on behalf of my son?

Thanks a lot in advance.

[vinny]

1(a). See also Section 10: Countersignature.
1(b). See also Photo guidance.

2.

You’ll need to book an appointment by email. Include your first name and last name and 3 alternative dates and times. You will receive an email confirming your appointment.

[srivisaN]

My wife and me are naturalized British citizens having moved back to Bangalore permanently since Jan 2016. We have just had a baby boy last week and I am in the process of applying for his British passport from VFS Bangalore. I have gone through this thread in detail, but still have a few unanswered questions. Could someone with better understanding of this process please help me with the below queries:

1) I am using this document as a list of required supporting documents:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _10.16.pdf
a) But it doesnt mention anything about counter-signature , is this really required?
Yes, need a counter signature. If it is UK Citizen it would be easy and fast for processing. It may not be necessary but VFS Hyderabad people asked me to put a copy of first page of counter signatory passport

b) 2 identical photographs - Do I have to get the babys passport sized photos clicked in a studio (maybe a really silly question, sorry.)
As long as you meet the photo standards it is fine, I took photos at home.

2) Cannot find any information regarding booking an appointment. To book an appointment I need to email , bangalore.hmpo@vfshelpline.com. Is that right?
Yes, once you send an email stating it is for First Time UK Passport for your Kid along with his date of Birth.. they will respond with confirmation date. You need to give 3 optional dates and times.

3) Can I go alone to the VFS office on behalf of my son?
Yes, you can go alone. No need to take your kid or wife. Make sure you have all the signatures or any particulars from your wife in this case.
Thanks a lot in advance.

I recently applied for my kid's passport from VFS Hyderabad, please check my above responses

[srivisaN]

Update

Latest update

Status of parents: Both British ( through naturalization)
Passport application submitted at local VFS (VFS-UK office Chennai): 18-Nov-2016
Application Received at Liverpool Office Via DHL Courier - 21-Nov-2016
Application Fee deducted - 22-Nov-2016 by CC
Passport interview: 24-Jan-2017 @Luton HMPO
Passport collected from local VFS : Waiting

Guys,
I received an email last week asking to book an appointment for interview for my Son's Passport. I was expecting the interview to happen in India with mother (as she was the main applicant), but I'm not sure the reason for interviewing me. I have booked the Appointment with HMPO in Luton as there were no slots available for 10 days in London.

Today i'v finished the interview. it was for about 25-30 mins including whole history of my family,my stay in uk and so on. It was more than 50 questions and she noted down my answers in the report. I was asked about preferred location for DNA test if required. She then asked me how i am communicating with my wife and other child and she looked at my Whatsapp and Hangout call history (Including Duration) on My Mobile. She also wanted to see some pictures& videos of child on the mobile and verified the bank statements to see how i am sending money to them in India.

She will send her report back to the Durham office and i should wait for another month until i hear back anything (whether the passport is issued or further checks/tests).

Hope all goes well.

Hi Arun,

I (kid's father) recently got an update from HMPO to attend interview in India, I thought that they would ask his mother to come for interview. The slots they have given are in the end of March. I am trying to get earlier appointment by calling them.

But the number they have given is not working, have you used any number to book appointment or email id ?

Also would you be able to share any list of questions in the interview.

Thanks,
Srivisa.

[rarun53]

If you have signed the application and submitted at VFS they would have assumed that you are staying in India. In my case my wife signed and submitted the application and i have provided a separate form with contact details of the Parents if they are currently living in different country. I came back to UK for work and i have provided my UK contact details , so they asked me to book an interview here in UK. I received an email from Durham Passport office to book the interview appointment. I followed the procedure in the email.
They pick up randomly one or both the parents to attend the interview, so you shouldn't be surprised by the call. The questions are purely about my immigration history and my family (Wife, Children, Me). So nothing to worry about the questions.

if you have been given an UK number to book the appointment, try to ring as soon as the office opens. It is hard to get through during normal day time as it is not call center. They have only one/two lines.

Thanks

Arun

[waseemiqbal]

If you have signed the application and submitted at VFS they would have assumed that you are staying in India. In my case my wife signed and submitted the application and i have provided a separate form with contact details of the Parents if they are currently living in different country. I came back to UK for work and i have provided my UK contact details , so they asked me to book an interview here in UK. I received an email from Durham Passport office to book the interview appointment. I followed the procedure in the email.
They pick up randomly one or both the parents to attend the interview, so you shouldn't be surprised by the call. The questions are purely about my immigration history and my family (Wife, Children, Me). So nothing to worry about the questions.

if you have been given an UK number to book the appointment, try to ring as soon as the office opens. It is hard to get through during normal day time as it is not call center. They have only one/two lines.

Thanks

Arun

Hi arun i also applied 4 my daughter passport on 25 oct n had interview on 11 jan its almost same time as urs if u received any update plz post i will b w8ing

[rarun53]

Hi Waseem
I am calling every week , and i called even today. The call center people don't have detailed access to our records, so every time the reply is "Examination in Progress". She said she will put a note that i have called.
But i don't think it will make any difference. I am going to wait until 16 weeks ( i am in 14th week) then will be escalating to HMPO complaints team and possibly to CEO of HMPO.

Let's hope for the best.

[waseemiqbal]

Hi Waseem
I am calling every week , and i called even today. The call center people don't have detailed access to our records, so every time the reply is "Examination in Progress". She said she will put a note that i have called.
But i don't think it will make any difference. I am going to wait until 16 weeks ( i am in 14th week) then will be escalating to HMPO complaints team and possibly to CEO of HMPO.

Let's hope for the best.

Hi arun any update?
Today i received mail to do dna test
Plz do post if u have any update

[rarun53]

Hi Waseem

I don't have any updates. Few Questions regarding your application

1) Where did you apply the passport from
2) Where die you attend the interview
3) From which email Id did you receive the DNA test and where you are supposed to take?

Thanks in advance.

Arun

[Macro_Run]

Hi rarun53,

Thank you very much. Happy New Year!

Hello rarun53,

Thank you very much indeed for your nice reply.

#1) I am a primary application (Father) to my child and I am applying this application with Parent's contact details form at VFS, Chennai and then back to UK for work. They may call me in the UK or may call my wife in Chennai for an interview. -- I am not sure about this

While collecting my child British passport I won't be in Chennai. Can my wife collect the passport at VFS if she shows her Indian passport or any other IDs? - you should provide a letter of authorization to VFS if someone else collects the passport

I have applied a British passport for my child in India (VFS, Chennai).

Status of parents: Father - British (through naturalization) & Mother - Indian
Passport application submitted at local VFS (VFS-UK office Chennai): 06-Feb-2017
Application Received at Liverpool Office Via DHL Courier - 09-Feb-2017
Application Fee deducted - 10-Feb-2017
Passport interview: Waiting
Passport collected from local VFS : Waiting


I have received a letter on 24-Feb-2017 in an email as below.

We have completed the checks in the UK. Your application has been referred to our colleagues
overseas to complete the overseas checks. These checks may include the authentication of
foreign identity documents and an interview. You will be contacted separately on the next steps.

[rarun53]

Thanks for the update Macro. It looks like they have recently improved their communication. I did not receive any such emails. I have also seen similar communication email on some other forum recently.

I am yet to hear any update after my interview (Nearly 6 weeks). Crazy stuff.

[jijo883]

Hi all,

Am in the process of filing an application and wanted to know from you guys who have applied recently the list of documents youve submitted please?

We are BC naturalised. So far the documents ive noted are

Passports both parents.
Naturalisation certificate.
Antenatal records uk and the one we receive in india.
Hospital records.
Birth certificate
Passport photos X 2 along with application, of course
Family photos

Wife will be the main applicant and she has no address proof in india so not sure but this is what Ive gathered should work.

Employers letter with her india address in it.
Hospital records
Antenatal records.

Please share your thoughts on anything that could be added and/or that I've missed.?

Thanks

[jijo883]

Hi all,

Am in the process of filing an application and wanted to know from you guys who have applied recently the list of documents youve submitted please?

We are BC naturalised. So far the documents ive noted are

Passports both parents.
Naturalisation certificate.
Antenatal records uk and the one we receive in india.
Hospital records.
Birth certificate
Passport photos X 2 along with application, of course
Family photos

Wife will be the main applicant and she has no address proof in india so not sure but this is what Ive gathered should work.

Employers letter with her india address in it.
Hospital records
Antenatal records.

Please share your thoughts on anything that could be added and/or that I've missed.?

Also I (dad) is looking to apply and mum will be the main applicant in the form.. that's possible right and would this arrangement need any further documentation?


Thanks

[ToneGen]

8. Family Photographs of Child with parents/siblings from birth to current day(Printed on A4 Photo Sheet)

Hi Arun/Experts,

Do you know if the family photos must be on A4 size paper only? could it be on 4x6 size? I am sure they can see everyone's faces in this size?
Please point me to any guidance notes on this.

Secondly, At the back of one of the child's photo we have to get the counter-signatory to declare, sign and put the name. Can you confirm me if it is of Child's name or Parent's name that needs to be written here?

Thanks a lot in advance!

[Macro_Run]

8. Family Photographs of Child with parents/siblings from birth to current day(Printed on A4 Photo Sheet)

Hi Arun/Experts,

Do you know if the family photos must be on A4 size paper only? could it be on 4x6 size? I am sure they can see everyone's faces in this size?
Please point me to any guidance notes on this.

Secondly, At the back of one of the child's photo we have to get the counter-signatory to declare, sign and put the name. Can you confirm me if it is of Child's name or Parent's name that needs to be written here?

Thanks a lot in advance!

1. From the past experience, mostly A4 size photographs are recommended.
2. It should be your child name on the back side of the photo because your countersignature needs to identify/confirm your child photo.

[rarun53]

Hi Arun/Experts,

Do you know if the family photos must be on A4 size paper only? could it be on 4x6 size? I am sure they can see everyone's faces in this size?

1) It is A4 size. It is easier to make a collage of all your photos with some photo editing software(like Picasso/Google photos etc)
2) It is the child's Name on the Photo