whirly wrote:Hi macaroni,
I am going through the process of getting a UK passport right now. I had my citizenship ceremony a few weeks ago and got the application in my welcome pack, as djb noted. I had obtained an application from the post office beforehand though, and had most of it completed before the ceremony. Most post offices should be able to give you one. After the ceremony I added my naturalisation number and got my friend (teacher) to sign it as a reference. I used the Post Office Check-and-Send Service to submit it last week.
Christophe is right: the form could use an overhaul. I found it weird that it asked about my parents and grandparents (none of whom are British) but not my husband (although I got it through marriage to a UK citizen). I think they are trying to make one-form-fit-all, but it's still a bit unclear.
Meanwhile, I got a letter yesterday asking for even more information to establish my identity/past addresses. I suspect my case is rare, but not unique. Although I have lived here for 4 years, my history is effectively invisible: most things are in my husband's name, I have a pay-as-you-go mobile instead of a contract, paid rent in cash for a few months, banked online in the US for a while... (no wonder I sound so dodgy to them!) I can address their concerns. I have plenty of official people who will vouch for me. It just adds another layer of paperwork that has to be assembled. If you have a better established credit history in the UK, you should be lucky and skip this part!
Good luck
Thank you Whirly, your information is greatly appreciated.
I just don't understand why the IPS need all this damned information. Considering we have had to supply masses of documentation for the Permanent Residence application, then the same for the Citizenship application. We paid huge fees to Home Office as well. I don't understand how it is that they have no access to the same information that Home Office keeps.
Then, more information demands. It's just ridiculous- I sympathise with you having to submit yet more information.
I am going to get a form from the Post Office and have a look at it. It's a genuine pain asking people to sign as referees. Most of the professionals I know are foreign/overseas.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
People don't want to be bothered with nonsense like this.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
Thanks again Whirly.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)