British Passport application processing timelines (only)

[adeelmpk]

Passport for: Adult
Application Type: First time (naturalised citizen)
Method of application: PO Check and Send
Date of application: 16/06/2014
SMS received: 23/06/2014
Date of receipt of interview letter: 17/07/2014 [Since I was already chasing it, someone from passport office gave me a call on 16/07 and provided the reference number and advised I can book the interview straight away]
Date of return of documents: 17/07/2014
Date of Passport Appointment: 17/07/2014 - Reading office had next day appointments avalaible
Date of Passport Printing SMS received: PENDING
Date of Passport Receipt: PENDING

[Betitoo]

Date of Application: 03/06/2014
Date of Application Received by IPS: 06/06/2014 (Liverpool Office)
Date of SMS Received: 09/06/2014
Date of Fees deduction: Check and Send at post office
Date of Receipt of Interview Letter: 16/07/2014 (15/07/2014 - Had a phone call from Liverpool office for intw ref number )
Date of Return of Documents: pending...
Date of Interview booked: 17/07/2014
Date of Passport Receipt: pending....


I've just finished my interview at Victoria, 20 min interview with basic questions.
I was told that I will receive my passport in next 7-10 days.

[guesschinee]

Update

Passport for: Adult (Durham Office)
Application Type: First time (naturalised citizen)
Method of application: PO Check and Send
Date of application: 06/06/2014
SMS received: 09/06/2014
Date of receipt of interview letter: non, but receive a call from my case worker from Durham on 17/07/2014 and got my interview reference number
Date of return of documents:
Date of Passport Appointment: 18/07/2014
Date of Passport Printing SMS received:
Date of Passport Receipt:

[akash08]

That is bit boring set of questions. I had a very enjoyable interview session in Bristol where i was asked

How my parents feel about me changing citizenship
If i am a hands on manager or not
I had to convince them that child benefit systems indeed changed and i can not get it and explained how stupid the system is because it does not take into account cumulative salary of parents
They asked me why i got interview ref number calling Durham office and tried hard proving why my case can not be called a delay and i told them all the stats i knew from this forum. When asked how i know all these, i gave them this forum address and they made a note of it.

[BC_Applicant]

While I wait for my passport to arrive I thought I will share my interview experience:

Interview was for 2:45 PM on sat I reached London Victoria PP office at about 2:15 PM

Went through a massive security check very similar to the airport security checkin
Collected a token number from reception and was asked to go to 1st floor
On 1st floor the staff took my details and explained that the interview will take 20 mins don't leave the building untill you have had the interview and that you cannot use any notes at the interview and you will have to rely on your memory to answer questions about you which was funny! Also they mention that after your interview you should expect to get your passport back within 2 weeks / 10 working days

They had a lot of booths and a lot of interviews were being conducted at the same time
They kept calling names one by one
Finally my token number was called at 2:50 PM
I met a nice interviewer she introduced herself and she said the interview will be recorded etc
Questions:
Name
Spell the name for me
DOB
Where were you born
Name of your Mom and Dad
Name of your partner and where was she born?
What does your partner do?
When did you move to the uk
Did you move alone
When did you get married and where?
When did you naturalise and where?
Whom do you bank with?
What accounts do you have with your bank?

It all was over in 7 mins and at the end she mentioned that I should get my passport back in 3-4 working days.

Hope this helps ppl who have upcoming appointments or are waiting to get their interview letters etc.

[pondhopper123]

Application Type: Adult- Naturalisation first British passport
Method of application: check and send
Date of application: 21/5/14
Date application received by IPS: 28/5/14 Belfast?
Date of SMS: 28/5/14
Date of return of documents: 3/7/14- as I needed to travel I had to get my MP involved in order to get my docs rushed back to me early
Date of receipt of interview letter: 28/6/14
Date of Passport Appointment: None available in London, had to go to Luton but date was postponed due to travel 14/7/14
Date of Passport Receipt: 16/7/14

I am very stressed and confused- the Online query I did (filed 11/6, reply recd 13/6) said my Application was received at BELFAST. I live in London. I have called numerous times to try to get my Docs back and have had no call backs from Belfast at all (even though they are supposed to call within 48h). I called again today and apparently my App is now in PETERBOROUGH?

Did this happen to anyone else? Does it mean my application will be delayed longer than usual?

Thanks in advance!

Updates in red above

The passport helpline/advice line is useless. I needed to get my docs rushed back to me as I needed to travel and called numerous times to confirm they would be able to send it back. Those working at the helpline have a very limited access to any information at all - they can only tell you where your application was sent and if processing is 'in progress.' If you need more specific information all they can do is put in a request for the actual HM Passport Office call you back in 48 hours (never happened for me). Furthermore, the information the helpline has is not always accurate and on more than one occasion I was misinformed. For example as mentioned above my application was at Belfast, it was never in Peterborough so I do not know where this information came from. Online query is useless, even slower return rate than calling. I had to get my MP involved and they were very helpful and more successful in getting through to the actual passport office. I am convinced that had I not gone through this route I would have not been successful in getting my docs returned. If you are in a rush to get your docs returned/UK passport I would highly suggest contacting your MP's office as they seem to have more clout with the passport office.

The Passport interview was informal but still felt a bit like an interrogation/test. I could not remember some old addresses (from 5+ yr ago) but apparently I still passed as my new passport arrived today only 2 days later.

Thanks to everyone on this forum- this source has been of great value. Good luck to all.

[BC_Applicant]

i didnt get aswell.

Lets hope we get it tomorrow and if yes then I am going for the Indian Passport Surrender on Friday!

[reddy009]

Hi mate

did you get your passport today?

No Luck today. How about you?

i didnt get aswell.

[BC_Applicant]

It's so unfortunate and unbelievable lazy, incompetent asses I would say. My application was made online initially. Since I sent my declared form and documents through special delivery to GLasgow office, I could see they'd received them very next day. I did not hear anything for 4 weeks and online status kept showing "Declaration form received application in progress" and I was waiting for a letter to book an interview date but to my surprise in 5th week a letter came along with new application form and saying I need to fill it up again and send it back to Pitersborough office again ith new signatory form and all which I did. I had to fill up grand parents related dates which they did not have in online application system, I don't know what was the problem with my application at first place. Now I received a text message saying my application has been received and will take upto further 6 weeks where as my online status says "please contact us". I called up passport service all they can do is write an email and call me in next 1working days.i waited and waited no one called. Since my online status says to contact these losers I tried my luck to call them in 0845 number given by a person who wrote me a letter. I remained on hold more than half an hour. I dialled at 4.20 pm and automatically asked me to hold .....waited till 5.05 nobody answered. Dialled again and it goes office is closed. What are these losers, incompetent and unprofessional lazy asses trying to do? Are they gonna take further 6 weeks after they wasted 5 weeks already? I am so frustrated, my days are numbered for holiday.

Shocking treatment. I would urge you to write to your MP and let ms know detailed facts and ask him to intervene!

[Capofficer]

Passport for:Adult
Application Type: Naturalisation first British passport
Method of application: Online and sent hard copy of refilled form
Date of application:09/06/2014
Date of return of documents: waiting
Date of receipt of interview letter: waiting
Date of Passport Appointment: waiting
Date of Passport Receipt: waiting

It's so unfortunate and unbelievable lazy, incompetent asses I would say. My application was made online initially. Since I sent my declared form and documents through special delivery to GLasgow office, I could see they'd received them very next day. I did not hear anything for 4 weeks and online status kept showing "Declaration form received application in progress" and I was waiting for a letter to book an interview date but to my surprise in 5th week a letter came along with new application form and saying I need to fill it up again and send it back to Pitersborough office again ith new signatory form and all which I did. I had to fill up grand parents related dates which they did not have in online application system, I don't know what was the problem with my application at first place. Now I received a text message saying my application has been received and will take upto further 6 weeks where as my online status says "please contact us". I called up passport service all they can do is write an email and call me in next 1working days.i waited and waited no one called. Since my online status says to contact these losers I tried my luck to call them in 0845 number given by a person who wrote me a letter. I remained on hold more than half an hour. I dialled at 4.20 pm and automatically asked me to hold .....waited till 5.05 nobody answered. Dialled again and it goes office is closed. What are these losers, incompetent and unprofessional lazy asses trying to do? Are they gonna take further 6 weeks after they wasted 5 weeks already? I am so frustrated, my days are numbered for holiday.

[BC_Applicant]

Can someone please confirm if DX do deliver passports over weekend [especially Saturday] ? Presuming the passports are dispatched by DX.

Regards

return of documents was attempted on sat for me.

[Mrbean]

Passport for:Adult
Application Type: Naturalisation first British passport
Method of application: Post Office: Check and Send
Date of application:14/05/2014
Date application received by IPS: 19/05/2014 Durham
Date of SMS: 20/05/2014
Date of return of documents: 03/07/2014
Date of receipt of interview letter: 02/07/2014
Date of Passport Appointment: 12/07/2014
Date of Passport Receipt: 15/07/2014

Finally
Game over lol

[BC_Applicant]

Hi mate

did you get your passport today?

No Luck today. How about you?

[reddy009]

Hi All,

From individual experience:

1. What time of the day would you normally received the Printing Passport SMS?
2. Can it be more than a day later?

Thank you

1. I got it at 9:18 am this morning
2. It can be a day later as i got the sms today but the passport wasn't delivered today so I am hoping it's tomorrow.

Hi mate

did you get your passport today?

[adeelmpk]

Can someone please confirm if DX do deliver passports over weekend [especially Saturday] ? Presuming the passports are dispatched by DX.

Regards

[etoklem]

Update

Application Type: New
Method of application: Check and Send
Date of application: 03/06/2014
Date SMS Received: Not Yet
Date application received: Did an online enquiry and got a response today saying it was received at Peterborough office on 05/06
Date of return of documents:16/07/2014
Date of receipt of interview letter: Never (but got an email confirmation after chasing on 16/07/2014)
Date of interview appointment: 19/07/2014 at Reading Passport office
Date of SMS that Passport is being printed:
Date of Passport Receipt:

Called up the helpline again on 03002220000 this morning and told them this is my 6 weeks complete and have heard nothing. The guy was helpful and said I can call the interview line and book an appointment. I called up the interview line and they booked an appointment and sent me an email confirmation immediately. Looks like if I hadn't called them today - I would still be waiting
............

Update: Got back my supporting documents today - 16/07/2014 at my work address via DX Secure as I had requested both docs and passport at work address.

[ilrjune]

Passport for: Adult
Application Type: First Adult (naturalised citizen)
Method of application: PO Check & Send (Bristol)
Date of application: 02/06/2014
Date application received by IPS: 04/06/2014 (Durham);
SMS received: Never
Date of receipt of interview letter: 15/07/2014 ( i called on 14 to chack status and booked interview for next day as staus moved from 'Awaiting examination)
Date of return of documents: 15/07/2014
Date of Passport Appointment: 15/07/2014
Date of Passport Printing SMS received: 16/07/2014
Date of Passport Receipt: Awaiting

I have been calling passpaort office (03 number) almost everyday from last 3 weeks as i have travel booked at end of month. I also tried contacting local MP by email and they called passport office but response i had from them was there's nothing they can do as this is first time application and has to go through security checks.

Few Tips if you in hurry:
- Keep calling passport office and try to get through to progress team or request a call back from progress team.
- You will come across some rude person on other side of phone but KEEP TRYINg again and again and you will get through to some helpfull people as well. No one will guerentee you that they will fast track your application but i think if its getting towards end of six weeks they might help it getting picked up and if its straight forward shouldnt take long time from there on.
- As soon as the status changes from 'Awaiting examination' to next status (dont remember what exactly, call interview booking helpline and they might be able to book you in ASAP based on your other details and give you your reference number.

Hope it helps.

[19eggs]

Passport for: Adult First Time
Application Type: New
Method of application: Camden Post Office C&S
Date of application: 5th June 2014
Date application received by HMPO: TBC
Date of return of documents: TBC
Date of receipt of interview letter: TBC
Date of Passport Appointment: TBC
Date SMS Received: TBC
Date of Passport Receipt: TBC

Update:
HMPO received on the 10th June. I wonder why it took that long to reach them. I thought the Post Office would send it as "Next Day Delivery", so they should have received on the 6th of June which is a Friday.

Anyway, called the 0300 number and was answered almost immediately. The agent told me that since it has been more than 3 weeks, he will contact the "progression team". Was put on hold for another 15 mins and then he told that he cannot get hold of them so he will email them and they will contact me within the next 24 hours.

[runie80]

Looks like most people are getting it sorted in 6 weeks time.

Theresa May has kept her job in the re shuffle i don't know if its a good news or bad news

it appears that home office is hiring extra staff to deal with applications but it will be some time before it makes impact due to "training".

Best wishes to all those who have and are receiving their passports.

[triademobile]

Passport for: Adult
Application Type: First Adult (naturalised citizen)
Method of application: PO Check & Send (Manchester)
Date of application: 12/05/2014
Date application received by IPS: 13/05/2014 (Durham);
SMS received: 16/05/2014
Date of receipt of interview letter: 03/07/2014
Date of return of documents: 04/07/2014
Date of Passport Appointment: 14/07/2014
Date of Passport Printing SMS received: NEVER RECEIVED - got me worried!
Date of Passport Receipt: 16/07/2014


Thanks BC_Applicant for everything.

Thanks everyone for the support and information along this long journey. Good luck to those that are still waiting.

[lea123]

Hi everyone.. so it is 6 weeks tomorrow that my passport will have been with them and yet to hear anything. Contacted my MP for the second time and they said that there is still nothing they can do as the passport office are concentrating on people that are going away in the next 7 days

Tell your MP that you need to travel by the beginning of next week as when contacting MP one should have a reason otherwise some MP offices are not very helpful. Make up a reason?

Unfortunately they already know i am travelling at the beginning of september, I may try them in 3 weeks time. But HOPEFULLY this mess would be sorted by then

[RE_G]

Further update
Passport for: Adults (Wife and Self)
Application Type: First Adult (naturalised citizen)
Method of application: PO Check & Send (Glasgow)
Date of application: 30/05/2014
Date application received by IPS: 04/06/2014 (wife - Belfast); 06/06/2014 (self - Peterborough)
SMS received: 06/06/2014
Date of receipt of interview letter: 10/07 (wife); 15/07 (self)
Date of return of documents: 15/07 (both applicants)
Date of Passport Appointment: 14/07 (wife); 16/07 (self)
Date of Passport Printing SMS received: 15/07 (wife)
Date of Passport Receipt: 16/07 (wife)

Passport delivered earlier in the morning (before 8 a.m.) No signature taken, just dropped it through the letter box!

[BC_Applicant]

Hi everyone.. so it is 6 weeks tomorrow that my passport will have been with them and yet to hear anything. Contacted my MP for the second time and they said that there is still nothing they can do as the passport office are concentrating on people that are going away in the next 7 days

Tell your MP that you need to travel by the beginning of next week as when contacting MP one should have a reason otherwise some MP offices are not very helpful. Make up a reason?

[lea123]

Hi everyone.. so it is 6 weeks tomorrow that my passport will have been with them and yet to hear anything. Contacted my MP for the second time and they said that there is still nothing they can do as the passport office are concentrating on people that are going away in the next 7 days

[maximux79]

Attended interview at Chelmsford Passport office. I was out of the building in 20 mins. Similar set of questions as posted by others. Overall a friendly atmosphere and was told if final checks are good, I should get the passport in 3-to-7 working days.

Thanks for help from all the members of the forum.

Latest update

Application Type: New, first adult passport
Method of application: check and send post office
Date of application: 31/05/2014
Date SMS Received: Never received
Date of deduction of fees:
Date of return of documents: 11-July
Date of receipt of interview letter: 11-July
Date of interview appointment: 16-July
Date of SMS that Passport is being printed: Pending
Date of Passport Receipt: Pending


Application Type: New, first child passport
Method of application: check and send post office
Date of application: 31/05/2014
Date SMS Received: Never received
Date of deduction of fees:
Date of return of documents: 20-June
Date of receipt of interview letter: N/A
Date of interview appointment: N/A
Date of SMS that Passport is being printed: 19-June
Date of Passport Receipt: 20-June