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Applying for first passport from abroad
Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2022 10:56 am
by SilverBeaver
Hi, I'm in my home country for a few months and would like to apply for my first passport from here before returning to the UK. Could someone please tell me if it's the same online route for applying from abroad as being in the UK?
Also I'm currently in-between official addresses, therefore it'd be difficult to prove my address online as I think they may ask for a letter from local authorities etc. Is there any way to get the passport picked up at the embassy? Many thanks!
Re: Applying for first passport from abroad
Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2022 11:06 am
by contorted_svy
It is generally advisable to apply for your first British passport from the UK, it demonstrates you intend to live in the UK long term. See this link for more info
https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports
Re: Applying for first passport from abroad
Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2022 12:10 pm
by SilverBeaver
Thank you, however if it's an option to apply from overseas, I would like to take that route. The guidance on the UK Gov isn't clear - will I need to send my current passport and other documents via courier from abroad, or will a colour photocopy of all my current passport pages be enough?
Re: Applying for first passport from abroad
Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2022 12:15 pm
by contorted_svy
If you go through the application form I linked, it will tell you what to send.
Re: Applying for first passport from abroad
Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2022 4:15 pm
by secret.simon
I'd be very cautious of and would advise against applying for a first adult British passport if you acquired British citizenship by naturalisation.
You can certainly apply for a first adult British passport from abroad if you are a British citizen by birth (descent or otherwise) or by registration (under Forms T, UKM or UKF, for instance). None of these forms of acquiring British citizenship have a future intentions (of making the UK your residence for the foreseeable future) requirement, which naturalisation does.
There have been at least two cases reported on these forums of first adult British passport applications for naturalised citizens being escalated by HMPO to the Home Office to see if the applicant may have breached the future intentions requirement for naturalisation.
So, if you were to apply from abroad, expect delays and possible further questioning when it comes to your application.
And, as a general rule, just because you can, does not mean you should.