Return of passport after submitting application

[Eturn]

I am about to send my application to naturalize as a British Citizen. As I understand it, I will send in my USA passport as well as my biometrics card (residence permit). My question is, how long will I be without my USA passport and residence card while they consider my application? I have elderly and sickly parents all over the world as well as children in the USA. I thought I read somewhere that the HO will check my documents and send them all back in about 2 weeks after receipt of my application and I can then travel as needed until I have to hand back my residence permit and apply for a British passport. Am I understanding this correctly.
Thank you.

[CR001]

My question is, how long will I be without my USA passport and residence card while they consider my application?

For however long it takes to decide your application if you are posting it yourself. You usually only get your documents back shortly before or after the approval letter.

I thought I read somewhere that the HO will check my documents and send them all back in about 2 weeks after receipt of my application and I can then travel as needed until I have to hand back my residence permit and apply for a British passport.

You have read wrong information as this does not happen.

Am I understanding this correctly.

No you are not.

If you wish to retain your original documents, then apply through Nationality Checking Service at the Council. There is a smalll fee for this service. You can also use the service to apply for citizenship and your British passport simultaneously (JCAP Scheme).

[Daniann]

Yo might be able to return your documents back using the below link , I think you can do that after the biometric .. but am not 100% sure
https://eforms.homeoffice.gov.uk/outrea ... ments.ofml

[Eturn]

Thank you very much for your speedy and clear response. I shall use the checking service then. So glad I checked.

[CR001]

Thank you very much for your speedy and clear response. I shall use the checking service then. So glad I checked.

Good luck and feel free to ask any further questions which you might have. Nationality checking service is worth the small fee charged.