Experience with express appointment, Croydon

Hi there,

I'm working on my ILR application right now as my 5 year anniversary is 18 May. I have a New Zealand passport that is valid until 2027, however I only have 10 blank pages left. I travel very often for work and leisure, on average 10 times a year. I'm wondering whether I should pause my ILR application and renew my passport first, in case I run out of pages in my passport while on my ILR. I intend to apply for my British passport as soon as I can after getting ILR.

Some things that aren't clear to me:
1) When I receive my ILR, will this be a physical stamp in my passport, or a eVisa like I currently have with my Skilled Worker visa?
2) How difficult is it to update my passport details while on ILR? I see the home office provides an option to apply for a "No Time Limit" BRP if the passport with your ILR is expired, however the processing time takes 6 months with no priority option.
3) If I end up renewing my NZ passport after I get my ILR, will this affect my ability to prove my right to work?

Thank you for your help.

UKVI does not affix or stamp anything in your passport at all and you do not need any blank pages, just a valid passport at the time of application is enough. The ILR status is granted to an individual and it is not attached to your passport either. UKVI will either issue a BRP card or soon it will be just a digital eVisa status. You may renew your passport and travel normally without any issues.

Thank you for your prompt response! That's very helpful to know.

TLDR: Express biometric appointment (£224) was fast and included passport scanning, however probably not worth the extra money if you're going at a non-busy time. Croydon centre exceeded expectations, staff were organised and efficient. Had a same day turn around with super priority service.

• I booked a 9am appointment at the Croydon location because of availability, and not wanting a long wait because of my job. The only other option in the next 1-2 weeks was a £130 appointment. The centre was easy to find, very close to East Croydon station.

• Inside was a quick check-in/security check. I had to provide my passport + printed appointment confirmation with the QR code/UAN number. The woman handed me a large card that said "express appointment" to hand to the staff at the waiting area.[\list]
  • Waiting area was relatively empty, there were only a few people waiting and they were called quickly. I waited a few minutes. The people behind me without express waited only 10ish min more.
  • The person doing my application was VERY friendly and meticulous. Perhaps I was lucky, but gave me clear directions on the photo and fingerprints, and seemed well-trained in spotting details that might result in a re-appointment. He also scanned all pages of my passport, despite me submitting a PDF online already
  • I received an acknowledgement from UKVCAS 5min after I left, and because I paid for the super priority service received my approval 5 hours later.
  In hindsight, if a standard appt for a morning slot was available, that would've been just as efficient and more cost-effective. I'm glad I didn't purchase any add-ons. All my documents were digital, including bank statement and employer letter so there was no scanning involved except for my passport.