Ultimate Guide to Passport Return - EEA2 application

[erlols]

Hi everyone,

I am not able to create such guide, but maybe we can do it collectively.

Many people waiting for their RC and needing their passports back struggle to understand what is the best way to proceed with forms, timing, delays, etc. This and other forums provide valuable, yet fragmentary and sometimes contradictory information on the issue. It would be nice to put together one long, exhaustive FAQ post where all most common questions are answered. I will list some questions and hope some of you will help answering them + adding more questions.


1) What is the best/standard way to request my documents back? (online form, email, mail)

2) In filling the online form, should I (and my partner) apply as 'Main Applicant' or as 'EEA National Sponsor'?

3) Under what circumstances I (non-EU applicant) will be denied my passport return or I will have to withdraw my application in order to get my passport back?

4) Is it true that the Visa on my passport must still be valid when I request my passport return or my request will be denied?

5) What is the best timing for applying for passport return?

6) If I don't have my RC yet and my Visa is expired, what should I do in order to travel back and forth to the UK?

7) What to do if my passport is not returned within 10 working days?

How to communicate with the Home Office?

Thank you to everyone who will collaborate and thanx for everyone on this forum doing such wonderful job!

Nic

[ohara]

1) What is the best/standard way to request my documents back? (online form, email, mail)

Online.

2) In filling the online form, should I (and my partner) apply as 'Main Applicant' or as 'EEA National Sponsor'?

I chose main application but I applied in my own right with no dependants. I'm sure HO will figure it out regardless of what you select.

3) Under what circumstances I (non-EU applicant) will be denied my passport return or I will have to withdraw my application in order to get my passport back?

If your application is refused and HO believes you have no right to be in the country (which is unlikely unless it's actually true)

4) Is it true that the Visa on my passport must still be valid when I request my passport return or my request will be denied?

What visa are you talking about here?

5) What is the best timing for applying for passport return?

You should not request the return of your documents until at least 10 working days has elapsed since HO received your application. The earlier you reply, the longer it will take. I requested my passport back 4 weeks after my application was received and it arrived in 4 working days.

6) If I don't have my RC yet and my Visa is expired, what should I do in order to travel back and forth to the UK?

Again, what visa?? If you are talking about an EEA family permit, that is NOT a visa. You'll probably have trouble reentering the UK without an RC but presumably you can just apply for another FP to get back in if necessary. It would be easier to wait for your RC unless it's an emergency.

7) What to do if my passport is not returned within 10 working days?

You can bug the HO to hurry up, or perhaps get your MP involved.

How to communicate with the Home Office?

Good luck with that!

[tresgoya]

I actually spoke to HO today and was told to wait 2 months after application to get passport back, or I can jeopardise my application. I actually was told 2 months wait on 2 occasions. But I'm EEA national so maybe for EEA2 it's different.

[ohara]

I actually spoke to HO today

The telephone advisers are clueless and well renowned for giving out incorrect advice for which they cannot be held accountable.