ILR Application and Travel during period of consideration

Hi,

My partner is a Bulgarian who will shortly need to apply for ILR since the FLR is going to run out. I am a British born man and I know nothing about immigration!

Whilst her application is being considered, according to her UK based Bulgarian friends, she will be unable to travel since she will have to submit her passport as part of the application. We often spend long weekends in Europe. Is there any way around this or are we stuck in the UK whilst the HO does it's stuff?

Thanks!