passport request EEA2 Application

[jam2011]

hello guys,
can i request my EEA wife`s passport before getting my COA? do i have to send it back again?
thank you

[Jambo]

You can ask for the passport at any given time. You can even ask for it in a cover letter attached to the application when submitting the application.

In practice, COA are issued quite quickly - about two weeks after applying. It then takes about two weeks until the post leaves UKBA and delivered (2nd class).
My guess on the process is that once an application is received by UKBA, it is being checked that all obvious supporting documents are there (otherwise, they return the application), entered into the system and then a COA is issued. If you ask for the passport back, then as long as the EEA passport has been examined already and details entered into the system, it is unlikely they will ask for it again. However, this depends on your individual case as the case worker might want to examine the passport later on.

[jam2011]

thank you very much for your answer Jambo

[Jambo]

My post is now confirmed by section 2 in the latest guidelines

1.3 Where an applicant has requested the return of documents and satisfies the criteria for priority, the application should be considered fully and a decision reached before returning the documents.
1.4 Where it is not possible to reach a decision immediately (e.g. due to further evidence being requested or the necessity of a marriage interview or there is insufficient casework capacity) the documents should be returned after recording on the Return of Documents minute sheet on CID to allow future consideration without recalling the documents. The applicant/agent should be advised using stock letter ECD.4394.
1.5 Unless there are reasons for handling original documents following their return, they should not be requested a second time. Requests for the resubmission of documents must be cleared at senior caseworker level.