Requesting passport return

[seijionion]

Dear friends,

I'm just wondering if anyone has experience in requesting passport back after applying for EEA2.

I am planning to send application next week, but will need to visit my wife's home country for Xmas and new year.

Does HO likely to give me back on time or it's better that I wait till I come back after new year?

Please help!!

Thanks,

[Plum70]

A very FAQ - search the forum for numerous posts on the subject.

[fysicus]

Well, we received our passports back today after requesting them by email last Sunday, so within a week!

For seijionion the timescale is a bit tricky. After sending in the application it takes a few weeks before you get the Certificate of Application (with case ID, etc.). You could consider to add a cover letter in which you request the passports to be returned to you immediately.
However, if your EEA FP is still valid until your return in January, I would stay on the safe side and postpone the EEA2 application until then.

[Plum70]

You could consider to add a cover letter in which you request the passports to be returned to you immediately.

Bearing in mind the UKBA's knack for ignoring/skimming over cover letters, I would advise that the OP sends an email to the dedicated address or calls the dedicated contact number.