British Passport application processing timelines (only)

[saayinla]

Hi guys,

I appreciate that this place is mainly for foreign nationals (I assume), but this appears to be the most active passport-related forum that I could find on the net so any advice would be much appreciated. I am a UK national that used to have a child passport, but I've applied for a full Adult passport.

I applied at end of March, but due to not being able to have my form signed by the correct person, and due to the wrong documentation being sent, finally I had my correct documentation arrive there on 14th May.

I called them Tuesday and I was told it is a 3-week turnaround (as I'm British), and they suggested an arrival of 4th June, but I called back today and they are now saying it will be 12th June! I appreciate it's entirely my own fault but I travel on 9th June . I'm so desperate for this, and the woman on the phone said she will escalate it and I will receive a call back within 2 working days, but I've read stories online of people hearing this and instead receiving no call.

Is there any recommended advice to try and get this through? Would be so appreciated! I'm guessing/hoping I shouldn't need an interview as I've had a passport before that expired and as I'm a UK National? Thanks so much.

Hi Eamered,

Sorry about the trouble you are having. Don't be surprised if you get much advice on here even though its an active thread, most people on here are just here to share their timeline and not much advice really as I have found out, probably because they don't have any to give or just because they couldn't be bothered, let me see if I can be of any help.

Seeing as you are traveling in roughly 10 days, I would advice you if you could to call the helpline and upgrade your application to a premium one if you can afford to seeing as your travel is booked. I made the same mistake, booked travel for 17th May but Passport never arrived, was 11 weeks yesterday when I got message passport is being printed but alas I missed my trip as a result and lost about £900+. I got my MP involved about 10 days ago when I got frustrated at waiting and calling and being promised someone will call back in 48 hours because I was promised that 6-8 times and it never happened.

Second option for you if you cannot afford the premium service is to Contact your MP ASAP, but ideally I would suggest you go down the premium upgrade route to avail yourself of the same disaster that I experienced.

Here is the number for the Durham office if you want 08456015175, I sometimes had to hold for 1 hour before the call was picked up, so be prepared.

Wishing you luck.

[mzenzen]

My journey is finally over, and i can finally throw all those hundreds of documents i have been keeping for 6 years to use for immigration purposes

Application Timeline
Passport for: Adult naturalized
Application Type: New
Method of application: Check & Send or Postal
Date of application: 23rd April
Date application received by IPS: 25th April
Date of return of documents: 21st May
Date of receipt of interview letter: 15th May
Date of Passport Appointment: 28th May
Date of SMS printing passport: 29th May
Date of Passport Receipt: 30th May

After thanking Allah.. big thank you to thia forum and everyone who has been sharing their timelines. A special thank you to the Admins

Good luck everyone

[EamerRed]

Hi guys,

I appreciate that this place is mainly for foreign nationals (I assume), but this appears to be the most active passport-related forum that I could find on the net so any advice would be much appreciated. I am a UK national that used to have a child passport, but I've applied for a full Adult passport.

I applied at end of March, but due to not being able to have my form signed by the correct person, and due to the wrong documentation being sent, finally I had my correct documentation arrive there on 14th May.

I called them Tuesday and I was told it is a 3-week turnaround (as I'm British), and they suggested an arrival of 4th June, but I called back today and they are now saying it will be 12th June! I appreciate it's entirely my own fault but I travel on 9th June . I'm so desperate for this, and the woman on the phone said she will escalate it and I will receive a call back within 2 working days, but I've read stories online of people hearing this and instead receiving no call.

Is there any recommended advice to try and get this through? Would be so appreciated! I'm guessing/hoping I shouldn't need an interview as I've had a passport before that expired and as I'm a UK National? Thanks so much.

[dvinas]

Final status update:

Passport for: Adult
Application Type: New
Method of application: Online (new process now available)
Date of application: 01/04/2014
Date application received by IPS: 02/04/2014
Received request for more information: 24/04/2014 (dated 20/04/2014)
Responded with requested information: 25/04/2014
Date of return of documents: 15/05/2014 (received notification of unsuccessful delivery 12/05/14)
Date of receipt of interview letter: 03/05/2014 (letter dated 02/05/2014)
Date of Passport Appointment: 16/05/2014 (first available!)
Date of SMS saying passport being printed: 19/05/2014
Date of receipt of letter from DX: 24/05/2014
Date of Passport Receipt: 27/05/2014 (due to bank holiday)

Good luck to everyone else! My journey is finally complete!

[majamcr]

Does anyone have a direct number of the Liverpool passport office? I applied for the first passports (1 adult, 2 children) 4 weeks ago and neither have received an interview appointment letter nor got our documents back. Or should I rather try the 0300 number? Many thanks.

[ah_kassem]

I had submitted my application on 17th May 2014 via Post Office check & send service and til date I haven't received any text. Is this normal? Should I contact the office and check if they have received the documents and are being looked into?

I submitted on the same date as yours, and I received a SMS on 22nd May. Not sure which passport office it was sent to though.

we submitted on 1/5/14, we never got a text messsage and interview letter came on 22/05. Also the standard of service say if you do not recieve the interview letter within 3 weeks of submitting the application then you contact Passport office with post office reference no

[newbie_t]

I had submitted my application on 17th May 2014 via Post Office check & send service and til date I haven't received any text. Is this normal? Should I contact the office and check if they have received the documents and are being looked into?

I submitted on the same date as yours, and I received a SMS on 22nd May. Not sure which passport office it was sent to though.

[vd_ilr]

I had submitted my application on 17th May 2014 via Post Office check & send service and til date I haven't received any text. Is this normal? Should I contact the office and check if they have received the documents and are being looked into?

[Devb]

• Passport for : 2 x adults + 2 x kids
• Application Type : Postal
• Method of application : Self - Next Day delivery
• Date of application : 29.04.14
• Date application received by IPS : 30.04.14 (Royal Post Tracking)
• SMS received : 02.05.14
• Deduction of fee : 02.05.14
• Receipt of interview letter : 21.05.14
• Passport Interview Appointment : 27.05.14
• Passport printing update SMS : 28.05.14
• Return of documents : 29.05.14
• Passport Receipt : 29.05.14

Thanks for all the information in this forum

[rilakkuma]

Application Timeline

Application Type: New, first adult passport
Method of application: Special Delivery (Self)
Date of application: 28/04/2014
Date SMS Received: 01/05/2014
Date of deduction of fees:01/05/2014
Date of return of documents: Pending
Date of receipt of interview letter: 28/05/2014
Date of interview appointment: 28/05/2014
Date of SMS that Passport is being printed: Pending
Date of Passport Receipt: Pending

Attended the interview on 28/05. Questions were fair, only last about 15 minutes. But there were few things I did not answer correctly. A bit worried~ Hopefully, like many others said, it was not just about ''right or wrong'' exams.
PS: Asked sending interview confirmation by email as well as post. Glad I did.

[saayinla]

Hi both,

I applied before both of you on the 11th of March and My application was delivered next day, I had my interview on the 12th of April and here I am still awaiting the passport. I contacted my MP about a week ago and still waiting for further information after my letter was acknowledged.

After contacting my MP last week, I miraculously received a text message this morning that my passport is being printed.

[bhossan100]

Hi
I am sharing my experience with you:

Passport for: Two adults + one minor
Application Type: New
Method of application: Self
Date of application: 02/04/2014
Date application received by IPS: 03/04/2014
Letter from IPS: Received letters on 26/04/2014 asking for new photographs for all three applications as they thought the size of the photographs was smaller than the requirements. Sent new photos on 30/04/2014. Called on 12th May to check the status.Surprisingly they did not receive my new photos. Sent another set of photos on 13/05/2014 with a letter asking for special favour to consider our applications urgently as we were planning to go for holiday on 31/05/14. Called again on 16th May. They confirmed all OK and interview letters were sent in the post. But the lady on the phone gave me ref number to book the interview. Called the booking line immediately and it took appxm 2 hours to get t someone on the phone.
Date of return of documents: 19/05/2015
Date of receipt of interview letter: 17/05/2014
Date of Passport Appointment: 23/05/2014
Date of Passport Receipt: One passport came on 27/5 and other two on 28/5.
Wish you best of luck who are still waiting for the passports.

[ah_kassem]

Application Type: New, first adult passport
Method of application: Check and send (london)
Date of application: 01/05/2014
Date SMS Received: never recieved one
Date of return of documents: 28/05/2014
Date of receipt of interview letter: 22/05/2014
Date of interview appointment: 29/05/2014
Date of SMS that Passport is being printed: pending
Date of Passport Receipt: pending

[NOG]

Method of Application: PO Check & Send
Date of Application: 11/04/2014
Date of Application Received by IPS: 12/04/2014
Date of SMS Received: 16/04/2014
Date of Receipt of Interview Letter: NOT RECEIVED
Date of Return of Documents: 08/05/2014 - Missed DX delivery so 09/05/2014
Date of Interview Booked: 20/05/2014
Date of Passport Receipt: Missed DX delivery on 22/05/2014. Collected at London Victoria PP Office on 28/05/2014

[khanjaan]

Application Timeline
Passport for: Adult
Application Type: New first adult passport
Method of application: Check & Send or Postal Hackney
Date of application: 23/05/14
Date application received by IPS: 28/05/14
SMS Received : 28/05/14
Date of return of documents:
Date of receipt of interview letter:
Date of Passport Appointment:
Date of Passport Receipt:

[KimF]

Application Timeline
Passport for: Adult
Application Type: New (Naturalised)
Method of application: Check and Send Service
Date of application: 07/05/2014
Date application received by IPS: 09/05/2014
Date of SMS Received: 12/05/2014
Date of return of documents:
Date of receipt of interview letter: 28/05/2014
Date of Passport Appointment: 04/06/2014 Victoria
Date of Passport Receipt:

[go-fish]

Does the interview appointment agent send any paper letter or email to confirm the booking? I have not received any letter or email so far.

[trigger]

The last update on my passport application timeline (until I repeat the whole process (extension, ILR et al) in a few years' time for my wife):

• Passport for: Adult
  Application Type: New
  Method of application: Check & Send
  
  Date of application: 22/04/2014
  Date of receipt by IPS: 28/04/2014 (SMS received)
  Date of receipt of interview letter: 16/05/2014 (letter dated 14/05/2014)
  Date of passport appointment: 20/05/2014
  Date of passport receipt: 27/05/2014 (missed DX delivery attempt on 22/05/2014)
  Date of return of documents: 28/05/2014 (missed DX delivery attempt on 23/05/2014)

Thank you to everyone who posted their timelines here as well as in the naturalisation topics; it has been most helpful and I am very grateful.

[saayinla]

Application Timeline
Passport for: Adult First (Naturalization)
Application Type: New
Method of application: Post Office Check and Send
Date of application: 29th April 2014
Date application received by IPS: 2nd May 2014
Text Message Received: NEVER (found out about the application receipt by calling the 0300 call centre)
Date of return of documents: awaiting
Date of receipt of interview letter: awaiting
Date of Passport Appointment: awaiting
Date of Passport Receipt: awaiting

I am a frequent traveler (on business) and I've had to submit my current passport with the application. now i read in the news that passport office has a backlog of 300,000 applications. I am really worried as being stuck here can have damaging repercussions for my project and consequently for the career.

I called the 0300 call centre and requested them if by any means the application can be prioritized but it seems that's not possible for first application.

any useful advice from members of forum please? it will be highly appreciated.

I applied on 24th April 2014 and I just spoke to Durham office. They were saying it has not been looked at yet. Due to high volume of application. My point was why then other people applications who applied after me are getting interview letters. They were giving lame excuses they cant comment on other people applications bla bla bla

What phone number did you use to contact the Durham office?

I phoned the 0300 number that directed me to the central HMPO call centre yesterday and requested that my application be withdrawn so that I can get my Australian passport back, but they refused saying that my application was still on track to be processed within six weeks.

I find this difficult to believe as it was submitted on 22nd April and is still "awaiting examination." People that have posted have been waiting longer, so there is no chance it will be completed by next week. I need my Australian passport as I'm due to fly to the World Cup on 13th June and there is still a slim chance that I could get a Brazilian visa in time, otherwise I stand to lose thousands of GBP in lost flights, match tickets and accommodation pre-booked.

Thanks in advance for your help

Application Timeline
Passport for: Adult First (Naturalization)
Application Type: New
Method of application: Post Office Check and Send
Date of application: 29th April 2014
Date application received by IPS: 2nd May 2014
Text Message Received: NEVER (found out about the application receipt by calling the 0300 call centre)
Date of return of documents: awaiting
Date of receipt of interview letter: awaiting
Date of Passport Appointment: awaiting
Date of Passport Receipt: awaiting

I am a frequent traveler (on business) and I've had to submit my current passport with the application. now i read in the news that passport office has a backlog of 300,000 applications. I am really worried as being stuck here can have damaging repercussions for my project and consequently for the career.

I called the 0300 call centre and requested them if by any means the application can be prioritized but it seems that's not possible for first application.

any useful advice from members of forum please? it will be highly appreciated.

I applied on 24th April 2014 and I just spoke to Durham office. They were saying it has not been looked at yet. Due to high volume of application. My point was why then other people applications who applied after me are getting interview letters. They were giving lame excuses they cant comment on other people applications bla bla bla

Hi both,

I applied before both of you on the 11th of March and My application was delivered next day, I had my interview on the 12th of April and here I am still awaiting the passport. I contacted my MP about a week ago and still waiting for further information after my letter was acknowledged.

[Wrightfamily]

4 Passport applications as follows:

Passport for: Adult
Application Type: New
Method of application: Check & Send
Date of application: 28/05/2014
Date application received by IPS:
Date of return of documents:
Date of receipt of interview letter:
Date of Passport Appointment:
Date of Passport Receipt:

Passport for: Adult
Application Type: Change in name
Method of application: Check & Send
Date of application: 28/05/2014
Date application received by IPS:
Date of return of documents:
Date of receipt of interview letter:
Date of Passport Appointment:
Date of Passport Receipt:

Passport for: Minor
Application Type: New
Method of application: Check & Send
Date of application: 28/05/2014
Date application received by IPS:
Date of return of documents:
Date of receipt of interview letter: n/a
Date of Passport Appointment: n/a
Date of Passport Receipt:

Passport for: Minor
Application Type: New
Method of application: Check & Send
Date of application: 28/05/2014
Date application received by IPS:
Date of return of documents:
Date of receipt of interview letter: n/a
Date of Passport Appointment: n/a
Date of Passport Receipt:

[shaunc]

Application Timeline
Passport for: Adult First (Naturalization)
Application Type: New
Method of application: Post Office Check and Send
Date of application: 29th April 2014
Date application received by IPS: 2nd May 2014
Text Message Received: NEVER (found out about the application receipt by calling the 0300 call centre)
Date of return of documents: awaiting
Date of receipt of interview letter: awaiting
Date of Passport Appointment: awaiting
Date of Passport Receipt: awaiting

I am a frequent traveler (on business) and I've had to submit my current passport with the application. now i read in the news that passport office has a backlog of 300,000 applications. I am really worried as being stuck here can have damaging repercussions for my project and consequently for the career.

I called the 0300 call centre and requested them if by any means the application can be prioritized but it seems that's not possible for first application.

any useful advice from members of forum please? it will be highly appreciated.

I applied on 24th April 2014 and I just spoke to Durham office. They were saying it has not been looked at yet. Due to high volume of application. My point was why then other people applications who applied after me are getting interview letters. They were giving lame excuses they cant comment on other people applications bla bla bla

What phone number did you use to contact the Durham office?

I phoned the 0300 number that directed me to the central HMPO call centre yesterday and requested that my application be withdrawn so that I can get my Australian passport back, but they refused saying that my application was still on track to be processed within six weeks.

I find this difficult to believe as it was submitted on 22nd April and is still "awaiting examination." People that have posted have been waiting longer, so there is no chance it will be completed by next week. I need my Australian passport as I'm due to fly to the World Cup on 13th June and there is still a slim chance that I could get a Brazilian visa in time, otherwise I stand to lose thousands of GBP in lost flights, match tickets and accommodation pre-booked.

Thanks in advance for your help

[jotter]

Passport for: Child
Application Type: 1st passport
Basis: Settled status of parent (EEA Permanent Residency)
Method of application: Postal
Date of application: 27/05/2014
Date application received by Passport Office (post tracking): 28/05/2014 (Durham office)
SMS received:
Payment taken:
Date of return of documents:
Date of Passport Receipt:

[BackTrack]

Application Timeline
Passport for: Adult First (Naturalization)
Application Type: New
Method of application: Post Office Check and Send
Date of application: 29th April 2014
Date application received by IPS: 2nd May 2014
Text Message Received: NEVER (found out about the application receipt by calling the 0300 call centre)
Date of return of documents: awaiting
Date of receipt of interview letter: awaiting
Date of Passport Appointment: awaiting
Date of Passport Receipt: awaiting

I am a frequent traveler (on business) and I've had to submit my current passport with the application. now i read in the news that passport office has a backlog of 300,000 applications. I am really worried as being stuck here can have damaging repercussions for my project and consequently for the career.

I called the 0300 call centre and requested them if by any means the application can be prioritized but it seems that's not possible for first application.

any useful advice from members of forum please? it will be highly appreciated.

I applied on 24th April 2014 and I just spoke to Durham office. They were saying it has not been looked at yet. Due to high volume of application. My point was why then other people applications who applied after me are getting interview letters. They were giving lame excuses they cant comment on other people applications bla bla bla

[ah_kassem]

Application Type: New, first adult passport
Method of application: Check and send (london)
Date of application: 01/05/2014
Date SMS Received: never recieved one
Date of return of documents: Pending
Date of receipt of interview letter: 22/05/2014
Date of interview appointment: 29/05/2014
Date of SMS that Passport is being printed: pending
Date of Passport Receipt: pending

[AlexClark75]

Hi

I am senidng my passport appliation tomorrow, do i need to send my Indian passport aling with the application?

Thanks

Someone answer your question before, Please read very carefully all you need attach with your form.

aplication form, 2 photos, your current passport, certificate of naturalization

Please read : https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-adult-pa ... pplication