Post
by Jeff Albright » Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:52 pm
When I was dealing with AIU following the successful appeal on HR last year, I received a similar request, had a query and spoke to the caseworker there and she said that they could do it without a passport.
If you do not have a passport, they can issue what it is called "Immigration Status Document" - a piece of paper with the printed endorsement + vignette with the seal. That is, the vignette can be placed on a piece of paper instead of your passport page, if you do not have one. This will be your official UK status document and when you cross the UK border next time, you show your blank new passport and the ISD and the Immigration Officer will place the stamp in your passport with the leave to remain and any conditions, if applicable.
In other words, whilst the photographs are mandatory, the passport is not, although the standard letter does not state this.
What you did was correct - you will receive the grant letter + Immigration Status Document with the vignette and your photo on it.
