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Passport application

Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 8:57 pm
by KC8010
Hi there

I have naturalised recently as a BC and applied for my first British passport on Wednesday last week.

Does anyone have any idea how long before IPS return your original documents (ie passport and certificate) and importantly the interview letter?

Slightly concerned as the IPS told me my details have not been registered yet on their systems!!!

Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:32 am
by nax_72
Normally 7 to 10 days for both letter and originals.

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:34 pm
by KC8010
Just an update - I received my dox back from IPS today via secure delivery - Interview booked for Tuesday

Interview questions!

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:56 pm
by KC8010
Hi there

Question - in the passport interviews what happens if you are seperated from your husband but lawfully I am still married. If they ask me the question of whom stays with me what do I say/

also regarding the credit checks - what happens if you have defaults with various credit cards? does this harm the interview

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:29 pm
by nax_72
They may ask are there any other adult living in the same property you reside. This question is after they collected information from the council and electoral registration. In the council tax bill the payer might have disclosed who are all living there. They asked me whether I have registered with electoral list.

Bad credit history and default will not affect your application. All you need to know is about your name involvement with bank accounts, credit cards, old & new mortgages, store cards and other home owners & personal loans. Balance or amount is not required. They will not ask how much balance you got in your so & so credit card. I hope you get my point.

Re: Interview questions!

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 2:49 am
by ukpl
KC8010 wrote:also regarding the credit checks - what happens if you have defaults with various credit cards?
they are asking about financial products you have
defaulted accounts are terminated ones (you got default notice and termination notice) so you don't have them anylonger (they remain on your credit file for 6 years in the same way as any account you've closed in the past but are not "alive") hence you won't be asked about them
they do not do credit check - they do identity check (you can see it on your credit file), so any balances are not visible to them
remember, you are already BC, you just need to prove you are the person who applied for PP. If you fail it (because you forgot your address post code, you don't know your mothers date of birth, etc.), you will remain BC without PP, so do not worry just memorise ALL the details you put on your application form (including your countersignee details - his/her name, how do you know him/her, roughly age, etc.)

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:09 pm
by KC8010
Thanks everyone - I think I will be OK! I will let you know :)

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:02 pm
by KC8010
Hi all

Been for the passport interview today! It went OKish I think - got a little stuck on credit agreements registered at my address but I think or hope it will be ok....I answered everything on the application form that she asked of me right (i think)

Does anyone know if the IPS email you once the passport is in printing????

Re: Interview questions!

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:08 pm
by KC8010
years in the same way as any account you've closed in the past but are not "alive") hence you won't be asked about them
they do ask about credit you have registered to your address!!! Regardless if they defaults or not

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:29 pm
by london2009uk
Its good idea to subscribe one month free experian and all your credit arrangement will reflect on your account information. You can always cancel your subscription before the free period.

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:30 pm
by KC8010
yes this is true thanks for this - but I was just saying that the IPS ask you about the credit agreements even if you are defaulted or NOT

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:52 pm
by london2009uk
If the credit agreement is not settled (default) and if it shows still active in experian or other credit agency account then i think its more likely they will ask about it.

I had my passport interview on 2/4/2011 and i can confirm that interview staff were very helpful and easy going. Please just relax and chill out dont be stressed all they are interested is to confirm your identity and issuing the passport to right people.

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:54 pm
by KC8010
I was chilled and relaxed till the point where I think I messed up on all the questions with credit agreements....now im worried I have failed!!!

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:01 pm
by london2009uk
Sorry i didnt read the earlier messages correctly. I got my passport after two days of interview although they told me it takes 10 days.

When was your interview conducted? I got the passport directly without any email correspondence.

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:02 pm
by KC8010
No problem :) - I had the interview today

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:04 pm
by london2009uk
Be assured you will receive your passport before Friday!!!! Good luck

P.s Please confirm once you received your passport

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:05 pm
by KC8010
I am really hoping so....dreading a letter through the post stating...I need to reapply or reinterview :(

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 5:52 pm
by KC8010
I have received my passport....my journey is complete whoooaaaa