Return of Passport After BC Application!!

[sywahu]

Hi,

Does anyone know when the HO returns the passport for a BC application?

I received the ack. letter after about 8-9 days and might need my passport in the next 5 weeks.

Their web-site says no travel plans should be made for 5-6 weeks from application. I was wondering how much time it takes for them in average to return the passport?

Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[John]

Sywahu, hopefully it will not take too long. However if you really need it soon you can ask for it back. That will not affect the BC application .... unlike for a visa application where getting the passport back can have severe implications.

Of course had you used the Nationality Checking Service, currently only in six pilot areas, you would not have lost possession of your passport at all. That checking service would have taken a copy and handed your passport straight back to you.

Alternatively, if applying by post, instead of supplying your actual passport you could have supplied a certified copy of it.

By the way ... "Their web-site says no travel plans should be made for 5-6 weeks from application." .... can you kindly supply the URL for that particular webpage please.

[Joseph]

Actually the time period is 12 weeks. See below for the quote and the web page.

If you wish to apply for British citizenship and you plan to travel
abroad within 12 weeks of making an application, you should not send in original passports or travel documents with your application. You may send in copies of documents certified by a solicitor. Each page of a passport must be copied.

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en ... ality.html

Joseph

[sywahu]

Sorry I think I missed that bit from their site. Maybe I got confused with the ILR application duration or something.

Yes I tried using the N.C.S but the council nearest to me were quite busy and I didn't have any plans to travel either. I guess I should have used them and I cetainly made a mistake with not using solicitor certified copies instead of the passport!!!!

Hmm. The benefit of hindsight.

Perhaps I will write to them to get the passport back if possible.