How early can I ask for return of documents? (EEA RC)

[srn750]

Hi all,

I've applied last week for a residence card for my wife (she holds an EEA family permit currently), I understand there's a backlog at the home office due to Brexit and the reported processing time is around the 6 months mark.

Unfortunately later that week I came to know of an important meeting I have to attend overseas in Europe in the first week of September, I can't travel on my ID card either as it has expired. Is it possible to request the return of documents (my passport only) already? I'm afraid they won't even look at the application until the Biometrics letters has arrived (which I heard will take 8 weeks since application). I'm afraid they'll withdraw the application if I request the return of my documents.

If anyone has a similar experience or any advice (e-mails, phone numbers I can try), that would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[wegiwegi]

From now till September, gives you enough time to renew your ID card, call your Embassy and find out if you can renew it, sure can be done, giving it a try.

[GMB]

As early as you want. At the return request website it merely says that if they've only just received your application, the normal 10 working days to return your documents may have to be extended to 20 working days. Return of your passport (whether you or the non-EEA FM or both) will have no effect on your application.

My experience: I've requested return of travel documents for every single EEA application I've submitted (5 so far) and never had a problem. In every case I've waited until the day after they signed for receipt of the application package at Durham, to include for my PR application which they just received last Thursday. In every case I've had the passports back in at or under two weeks. Once in five days. Having said that, some people have waited much longer than I have to get theirs back, for no obvious reason. So, while your results may vary, what have you got to lose?

Caveats: I may have been lucky on the timing (although 4 times is less luck and more trend); the request I sent Friday is the first one since biometrics have come in; and the back-log of post-referendum applications could be a complicating factor this time around.

https://eforms.homeoffice.gov.uk/outrea ... ments.ofml

[srn750]

@GMB,
Thanks, I'll give it a go then. I was just afraid of my application being withdrawn, but in this case I may as well request all the documents back. I applied last week and they signed the next day (I also included a pre-paid special delivery envelope).

@wegiwegi
This was indeed my first thought, turned out the first available appointment is the end of August which leaves no time for the ID card to be processed.

[srn750]

As an update I've received my passports today (which was surprisingly quick).

Requested: 1st of June
Received: 8th of June

[GMB]

As an update I've received my passports today (which was surprisingly quick).

Requested: 1st of June
Received: 8th of June

That's close to my personal best. Glad it worked out for you.

[srn750]

Apparently I've also received the Biometrics letter, I didn't notice that in the stack of mail. Pleased with that at least, considering I've heard it can take two months.

[Uekoner]

Good for you !

I have submitted the documents for the 5 year PR (from a EEA 6 months permit) on 22nd February 2017.

We have requested early return of documents on 8 June 2017. My wife was able to get her passport last Wednesday 5 July thanks to my company and third party.

But I am still waiting for mine (EU citizen)... Its been 1 month today since early return document request and almost 5 months since initial submission...

I hope I can get mine this coming week..