First British Passport

Hi all,

I am slightly confused about the documents requirement when applying for the first British Passport. The application guidance says that you have to send the passport you entered the UK with along with the cetificate of naturalisation and twi photos.

However, the application form Section 3 says you must submit all the passports that you have ever been included in, including overseas ones.

I have had 5 passports over my life, that have expired or been used up, 2 since I have been in the UK including the current one. How many passports should I send.

Many thanks - Spartac

You should only send your current uncancelled passport, that's what I was told by IPS.

Thanks OFCHARITY. I'll send my last passport, the one I had when I moved to the UK, and the current one. That should answer all their questions hopefully.

Regards - Spartac

Spartac wrote:Thanks OFCHARITY. I'll send my last passport, the one I had when I moved to the UK, and the current one. That should answer all their questions hopefully.

Regards - Spartac

I advise you should send all 5 passports. If not than send the most recent one + very 1st one passport. Also attach the photocopies of any extention visa taken during your stay.

IPS is not interested in Visa extensions as far as I am aware

Thanks Dr Logic and OFCHARITY,

If I send in my last 2 passports, including the current one, that should cover my entry into the UK and all HSMP extensions since that day.

I'll use the Check and Send and take all my passports just in case they are really pedantic and want to see my travel details from my first passport issued to me when I was 8 years old:)

Regards - Spartac

Could you please clarify whether using the Check and Send service at the post office means they will check the documents we provide (i.e. foreign passport and naturalisation certificate), then return them to us before sending out the completed passport application form?

Is this the key advantage of using the Check and Send service?

global gypsy wrote:Could you please clarify whether using the Check and Send service at the post office means they will check the documents we provide (i.e. foreign passport and naturalisation certificate), then return them to us before sending out the completed passport application form?

Is this the key advantage of using the Check and Send service?

Hi,

No it is not the key advantage. You are using PO's Check and Send service, so that it will eliminate clerical mistakes. PO checks against your original documentation, for correctness and collects correct fees. Another advantage is that they send the whole application INCLUDING your original documentaion. PO gives a tracking number too.

Your original documentation will be returned from IPS via secure mail, if you had ticked the box on passport application.

Hope this clarifies.
Mallik

[quote="global gypsy"]Could you please clarify whether using the Check and Send service at the post office means they will check the documents we provide (i.e. foreign passport and naturalisation certificate), then return them to us before sending out the completed passport application form?

Is this the key advantage of using the Check and Send service?[/quote]

Hi global gypsy

I have used the Check and Send service before for my kids who were born British after my ILR. They don't add much more value other than a simply checking your application and sending it through Special Delivery. I'd just use it as it is a recommended process rather than anything else, and with the cost of special delivery included, it doesnt cost much more than applying by post. They are definately not specialist advisors.

Regards - Spartac

indianadr wrote:

global gypsy wrote:Could you please clarify whether using the Check and Send service at the post office means they will check the documents we provide (i.e. foreign passport and naturalisation certificate), then return them to us before sending out the completed passport application form?

Is this the key advantage of using the Check and Send service?

Hi,

No it is not the key advantage. You are using PO's Check and Send service, so that it will eliminate clerical mistakes. PO checks against your original documentation, for correctness and collects correct fees. Another advantage is that they send the whole application INCLUDING your original documentaion. PO gives a tracking number too.

Your original documentation will be returned from IPS via secure mail, if you had ticked the box on passport application.

Hope this clarifies.
Mallik

Thanks for the clarification.
Hmm, so post office check & send doesn't add much value to the application process. I do feel quite uncomfortable having to send original documents (esp my foreign passport) by mail. But I suppose we don't have a choice. It would be nice if they could provide an NCS type of service where our original documents are verified and returned to us.

I take it this means one can't make any foreign travel plans for the 4-6 weeks it could take for the passport process to be completed?

Thank you, Spartac, for the clarification.
I do feel nervous having to mail out (and to receive by post) original documents, especially my current foreign passport. Especially when these govt organisations seldom take responsibility if documents are lost in transit!

Oh well...