How long does it take to get the first time passport application?

[ellie81]

So I took the risk and posted my documents in a postbox with the prepaid label provided. I posted them on 13 Feb 25 and they arrived today, 17 Feb 25.

My estimated issue date is 18/3/25.

8/2/2025 - Alert: We have received your application
17/02/2025 - Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents.

I sent the below documents for reference. I sent all original copies unless noted otherwise.

Cover letter
Identity Verification form
Original passport from my home country
Certified copy of Irish driving license (front & back)
Letter from Revenue (proof of name)
Utility bill (Proof of address)
Birth certificate with apostille stamp
Original naturalisation certificate

[mrzarquon]

I'm in the 18/2 ETA group:

16/01/2025 - Alert: We have received your application
20/01/2025 - Processing application: We have received your supporting documents
29/01/2025 - Processing application: Your application is being processed

04/02/2025 - Email asking for original Passport & Naturalization certificate

Generated new coverpage and posted the required documents things afternoon. Definitely submit your original Naturalization doc.

Now with a 28/02/2025 ETA
07/02/2025 - Processing application: We have received your supporting documents
18/02/2025 - Processing application: Your application is being processed

Just switched over around lunch time today (I checked it in the morning and then again at lunch).

Hopefully they have all they need and this posts again soon. I got my original documents that I guess they decided they didn't need, including original birth certificate and other docs like that. So now they just have my original US passport and Naturalization Doc.

[AHC01]

So it's my turn to start this adventure!

19/01/2025: We have received your application. You must submit your supporting documents to proceed with the application.
21/01/2025: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents.

Estimated issue date: 19/02/2025

30/01/2025: Your application is being processed

13/02/2025: We have received your application. You must submit your supporting documents to proceed with the application.
18/02/2025: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents.

Estimated issue date: 11/03/2025

Very frustrating. All because they didn't like the birth certificate I sent them (which was the same one used for the naturalisation process one)

[youngadult18]

Is it normal to be stuck at this stage for 2+ weeks please:

"Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents."

Since two weeks it still didn't move to "Processing application: Your application is being processed"

Also, the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them...

The estimate is 05/03 and that didn't change, but no progress was made since 2+ weeks now.
WebChat didn't tell me any info.

What do you think please?

[Hachimaru]

Is it normal to be stuck at this stage for 2+ weeks please:

"Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents."

Since two weeks it still didn't move to "Processing application: Your application is being processed"

Also, the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them...

The estimate is 05/03 and that didn't change, but no progress was made since 2+ weeks now.
WebChat didn't tell me any info.

What do you think please?

A bit disappointing to read. as I'm on a similar time frame. I'm expecting mine to change over to processing From verifying next week. I'll let you know. my estimate date is the 13th of the third.

[youngadult18]

A bit disappointing to read. as I'm on a similar time frame. I'm expecting mine to change over to processing From verifying next week. I'll let you know. my estimate date is the 13th of the third.

Thank you.
How long has yours been stuck at "received your supporting documents", may i ask?

Also, does it work like this for you too please:

"the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them..."

[Hachimaru]

A bit disappointing to read. as I'm on a similar time frame. I'm expecting mine to change over to processing From verifying next week. I'll let you know. my estimate date is the 13th of the third.

Thank you.
How long has yours been stuck at "received your supporting documents", may i ask?

Also, does it work like this for you too please:

"the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them..."

Currently 9 days waiting on verification after they received the docs things on average seem to change every 7-10 days .

Verification -processing - witness/ printing total around 21+/- days for those 3. With printing following on quickly after witness contacted .

I would add that I read the first 15 pages of this thread and most of the problems/issues are people with naturalisation certificates. I'm going for the passport application through the FBR Cert. And generally it seems to have a smoother ride.( Now I've jinxed it! .)
And yes mine updates with todays date and wording verbatim as yours

[mrzarquon]

I realize that there is a love of siloed bureaucracy in every government, but I really wish they would make it possible to submit your passport application during your naturalization ceremony.

Everyone in the line had to show up with ID and have essentially performed all of the same paperwork required for the passport already. Let them pay online ahead of time (as an option as part of confirming your appointment), when you sign your pledge form before going into the ceremony, you're given a card with a passport application number / barcode / qr code, and then after your ceremony there's a second snaking queue you can go through and get your passport photo taken (bonus: everyone gets a well dressed passport photo).

Can then stick the passport in the normal queue with a "waiting for naturalization number" status, and once they issue the naturalization number / certificate, a copy gets CC:ed to the passport team and it then does the final steps.

[youngadult18]

Is it normal to be stuck at this stage for 2+ weeks please:

"Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents."

Since two weeks it still didn't move to "Processing application: Your application is being processed"

Also, the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them...

The estimate is 05/03 and that didn't change, but no progress was made since 2+ weeks now.
WebChat didn't tell me any info.

What do you think please?

Update:
After 2 weeks and 6 days (so nearly 3 weeks) my application switched to "Your application is being processed".
So for anybody else stuck at the "We are now verifying these documents." for 2+ weeks in the future, it can be normal..

[AHC01]

So it's my turn to start this adventure!

19/01/2025: We have received your application. You must submit your supporting documents to proceed with the application.
21/01/2025: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents.

Estimated issue date: 19/02/2025

30/01/2025: Your application is being processed

13/02/2025: We have received your application. You must submit your supporting documents to proceed with the application.
18/02/2025: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents.

Estimated issue date: 11/03/2025

26/02/2025: Your application is being processed

[jeetb]

10/02/2025 - We have received your application.
11/02/2025 onwards until 01/03/2025 - We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents.

Still waiting for the next step.

ETA is showing 11/03/2025

Anyone with similar timelines?

[mrzarquon]

I'm in the 18/2 ETA group:

16/01/2025 - Alert: We have received your application
20/01/2025 - Processing application: We have received your supporting documents
29/01/2025 - Processing application: Your application is being processed

04/02/2025 - Email asking for original Passport & Naturalization certificate

Generated new coverpage and posted the required documents things afternoon. Definitely submit your original Naturalization doc.

Now with a 28/02/2025 ETA
07/02/2025 - Processing application: We have received your supporting documents
18/02/2025 - Processing application: Your application is being processed

03/03/2025 - Printing: Your Passport Book is being printed. Any\all documents submitted will be returned separately

Finally!

[jeetb]

10/02/2025 - We have received your application.
11/02/2025 onwards until 01/03/2025 - We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents.

Still waiting for the next step.

ETA is showing 11/03/2025

Anyone with similar timelines?

03/03/2025 - Your application is being processed

[youngadult18]

Is it normal to be stuck at this stage for 2+ weeks please:

"Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents."

Since two weeks it still didn't move to "Processing application: Your application is being processed"

Also, the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them...

The estimate is 05/03 and that didn't change, but no progress was made since 2+ weeks now.
WebChat didn't tell me any info.

What do you think please?

Update:
After 2 weeks and 6 days (so nearly 3 weeks) my application switched to "Your application is being processed".
So for anybody else stuck at the "We are now verifying these documents." for 2+ weeks in the future, it can be normal..

Yaaaay: "Your Passport Book is being printed. Any\all documents submitted will be returned separately"
1 week.5 days elapsed since "Your application is being processed"

[jeetb]

Is it normal to be stuck at this stage for 2+ weeks please:

"Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents."

Since two weeks it still didn't move to "Processing application: Your application is being processed"

Also, the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them...

The estimate is 05/03 and that didn't change, but no progress was made since 2+ weeks now.
WebChat didn't tell me any info.

What do you think please?

Update:
After 2 weeks and 6 days (so nearly 3 weeks) my application switched to "Your application is being processed".
So for anybody else stuck at the "We are now verifying these documents." for 2+ weeks in the future, it can be normal..

Yaaaay: "Your Passport Book is being printed. Any\all documents submitted will be returned separately"
1 week.5 days elapsed since "Your application is being processed"

Do you remember which date did your application go to the step - "Your application is being processed".
Trying to get an idea how long it stays there.

[youngadult18]

Is it normal to be stuck at this stage for 2+ weeks please:

"Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents."

Since two weeks it still didn't move to "Processing application: Your application is being processed"

Also, the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them...

The estimate is 05/03 and that didn't change, but no progress was made since 2+ weeks now.
WebChat didn't tell me any info.

What do you think please?

Update:
After 2 weeks and 6 days (so nearly 3 weeks) my application switched to "Your application is being processed".
So for anybody else stuck at the "We are now verifying these documents." for 2+ weeks in the future, it can be normal..

Yaaaay: "Your Passport Book is being printed. Any\all documents submitted will be returned separately"
1 week.5 days elapsed since "Your application is being processed"

Do you remember which date did your application go to the step - "Your application is being processed".
Trying to get an idea how long it stays there.

2 weeks and 6 days - see in my earlier messages

[youngadult18]

Is it normal to be stuck at this stage for 2+ weeks please:

"Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents."

Since two weeks it still didn't move to "Processing application: Your application is being processed"

Also, the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them...

The estimate is 05/03 and that didn't change, but no progress was made since 2+ weeks now.
WebChat didn't tell me any info.

What do you think please?

Update:
After 2 weeks and 6 days (so nearly 3 weeks) my application switched to "Your application is being processed".
So for anybody else stuck at the "We are now verifying these documents." for 2+ weeks in the future, it can be normal..

Yaaaay: "Your Passport Book is being printed. Any\all documents submitted will be returned separately"
1 week.5 days elapsed since "Your application is being processed"

..and 1 day after "Your Passport Book is being printed" it already shows:

- Your Passport Card is being printed
- Your Passport Book was posted on 05/03/2025

So after the initial extremely slow start it all sped up rapidly and it ended up being on time - kept the original estimate.

I just don't see a way to track shipments which I'd really love to do...

[jeetb]

Is it normal to be stuck at this stage for 2+ weeks please:

"Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents."

Since two weeks it still didn't move to "Processing application: Your application is being processed"

Also, the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them...

The estimate is 05/03 and that didn't change, but no progress was made since 2+ weeks now.
WebChat didn't tell me any info.

What do you think please?

Update:
After 2 weeks and 6 days (so nearly 3 weeks) my application switched to "Your application is being processed".
So for anybody else stuck at the "We are now verifying these documents." for 2+ weeks in the future, it can be normal..

Yaaaay: "Your Passport Book is being printed. Any\all documents submitted will be returned separately"
1 week.5 days elapsed since "Your application is being processed"

..and 1 day after "Your Passport Book is being printed" it already shows:

- Your Passport Card is being printed
- Your Passport Book was posted on 05/03/2025

So after the initial extremely slow start it all sped up rapidly and it ended up being on time - kept the original estimate.

I just don't see a way to track shipments which I'd really love to do...

Sorry, I meant how long did it stay in the step "Processing application -Your application is being processed".
The 2 week 6 days is the step prior to that.

[youngadult18]

Is it normal to be stuck at this stage for 2+ weeks please:

"Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents."

Since two weeks it still didn't move to "Processing application: Your application is being processed"

Also, the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them...

The estimate is 05/03 and that didn't change, but no progress was made since 2+ weeks now.
WebChat didn't tell me any info.

What do you think please?

Update:
After 2 weeks and 6 days (so nearly 3 weeks) my application switched to "Your application is being processed".
So for anybody else stuck at the "We are now verifying these documents." for 2+ weeks in the future, it can be normal..

Yaaaay: "Your Passport Book is being printed. Any\all documents submitted will be returned separately"
1 week.5 days elapsed since "Your application is being processed"

..and 1 day after "Your Passport Book is being printed" it already shows:

- Your Passport Card is being printed
- Your Passport Book was posted on 05/03/2025

So after the initial extremely slow start it all sped up rapidly and it ended up being on time - kept the original estimate.

I just don't see a way to track shipments which I'd really love to do...

Sorry, I meant how long did it stay in the step "Processing application -Your application is being processed".
The 2 week 6 days is the step prior to that.

That's also in my earlier posts
"1 week.5 days elapsed since "Your application is being processed""

[lady_bird_009]

Not sure if my processing is stuck, or if the passport office is doing everything it can to stick to their 20 days average turnaround time.

20/12/2024 - Alert: We have received your application
06/02/2025 - Supporting documents were delivered via DHL, but no acknowledgement of receipt for a full week
13/02/2025 - Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents.

Today will be three weeks that my application is sitting at this stage.

The estimated issue date for your Passport Book is: 13/03/2025

Documents sent:
Cover page
Identity Verification Form
Certified copy of front and back of driving licence, certified by witness who signed Identity Verification Form (pharmacist)
Statement from Australian Tax office (proof of address)
Bank statement (proof of name)
Foreign Births Registration certificate (original)
Australian Passport (original)

[youngadult18]

Is it normal to be stuck at this stage for 2+ weeks please:

"Processing application: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents."

Since two weeks it still didn't move to "Processing application: Your application is being processed"

Also, the date of "We have received your supporting documents" always shows the date when I check it (today's date) instead of the 5th when they actually received my documents. Tomorrow it'll show tomorrow's date like they just received them...

The estimate is 05/03 and that didn't change, but no progress was made since 2+ weeks now.
WebChat didn't tell me any info.

What do you think please?

Update:
After 2 weeks and 6 days (so nearly 3 weeks) my application switched to "Your application is being processed".
So for anybody else stuck at the "We are now verifying these documents." for 2+ weeks in the future, it can be normal..

Yaaaay: "Your Passport Book is being printed. Any\all documents submitted will be returned separately"
1 week.5 days elapsed since "Your application is being processed"

..and 1 day after "Your Passport Book is being printed" it already shows:

- Your Passport Card is being printed
- Your Passport Book was posted on 05/03/2025

So after the initial extremely slow start it all sped up rapidly and it ended up being on time - kept the original estimate.

I just don't see a way to track shipments which I'd really love to do...

Passport book & card both received via post. It only took 2 days from printing to actually having both in hand

...now waiting for the original passport / birth cert / naturalisation cert / etc... to arrive back to me.

[youngadult18]

FYI, I got this info from WebChat:

Passports and documents are sent separately. There is a delay at present of around three weeks between your passport and receiving your documents

I contacted them as I'm eager to get my Naturalisation Cert back as it can't be replaced.

[velton]

How accurate is the tracking information?
About our application, all it states is 'Application received 28/01/25' - 'Issue Date 5/03/25'.
There is no other information (the tracking bar has remained static)
Should we be worried?

[mrzarquon]

I'm in the 18/2 ETA group:

16/01/2025 - Alert: We have received your application
20/01/2025 - Processing application: We have received your supporting documents
29/01/2025 - Processing application: Your application is being processed

04/02/2025 - Email asking for original Passport & Naturalization certificate

Generated new coverpage and posted the required documents things afternoon. Definitely submit your original Naturalization doc.

Now with a 28/02/2025 ETA
07/02/2025 - Processing application: We have received your supporting documents
18/02/2025 - Processing application: Your application is being processed

03/03/2025 - Printing: Your Passport Book is being printed. Any\all documents submitted will be returned separately

Finally!

04/03/2025 - Printing: Your Passport Book is being printed.
04/03/2025 - Printing: Your Passport Book was Posted: (An Post Tracking Number)
05/03/2025 - Printing: Your Passport Card is being printed.

06/03/2025 - Royal Mail delivered my Passport!

06/03/2025 - Printing: Your Passport Card was Posted: (An Post Tracking Number)

07/03/2025 - Royal Mail delivered passport Card

Timelines:
Between the initial "we have received your documents" to the alert they needed more information was 12 days.

Between receiving new supporting documentation that need verification and being processed, 11 days.

From Being Processed to Printing was 13 days.

Now I'm just waiting for my other Passport and naturalization document to be returned.

[Hachimaru]

How accurate is the tracking information?
About our application, all it states is 'Application received 28/01/25' - 'Issue Date 5/03/25'.
There is no other information (the tracking bar has remained static)
Should we be worried?

It updates when there is a significant event. The tracking bar will very slowly move across regardless of if there is a significant event, but it is very slowly and date dependent. If you have a look on the Current turnarounds tab. it will give you the event stages. that you will go through. on the first time passport application.
Mine started off at stage two. Yours seems to be at stage one. I'm not sure of the difference. Why some people are at one and some people are at 2 As it gives the impression people at stage 1 may not necessarily have to send in more documents. If it's just a simple renewal.