Alternative evidence of residence requested, do we need to send in passport?

[belltrust]

Background:

My girlfriend is Polish and is applying for British Citizenship. She's sent in the application with a copy of her passport via the NCS. She has now received a letter back asking for "Alternative evidence of residence" for a short period of time (in-between her being at university and getting a job).

2 Questions:

1. She has gathered evidence of residence which she will send in but we are confused as to whether she also needs to send her passport in?
2. If so, we're wondering how soon it will get sent back? (if we include a pre-paid SAE, and fill out the return of documents form) as we were hoping to travel at the end of the month (eek)!

The reason we're confused is because the included annex, "alternative evidence of residence for a European Union national or a citizen of Switzerland" says (emphasis mine):

If you are a national of the European Union or Switzerland who has been in the UK in exercise of your right to free movement during your qualifying period of residence, you should send alternative evidence of your residence as well as your passport.

Which makes it sound like she possibly needs to send her passport in? But we're not sure if that's already covered by sending in a copy (via NCS) in the original application.

We would greatly appreciate if anyone knows for sure what they're asking for, or has been in a similar situation and can advise. Thanks!

[belltrust]

Update: Someone at the Home Office confirmed over the phone that they do want the passport to be sent in, so that answers question 1.

If anyone knows how long it will take for it to be returned, that would still be very helpful for making plans!

Thanks!

[smallpie]

Update: Someone at the Home Office confirmed over the phone that they do want the passport to be sent in, so that answers question 1.

If anyone knows how long it will take for it to be returned, that would still be very helpful for making plans!

Thanks!

Not sure if this is late to reply..
When did she first apply?

In my case and few others on the forum.. When homeoffice requested for additional information or document..
Once they receive it, they will send docs back within one week.. Say ( within 7working days).

And likely together with the decision.

I received mine together in one package ( docs and decision)

I hope this helps.

[belltrust]

She first sent in evidence mid-October last year. The request for alternative evidence was dated the 20th of December and arrived on the 27th. She sent the evidence & passport 1st class recorded post on the 4th of January, including a self-addressed envelope with pre-paid 1st class post for return. She sent in the form to request document return on the 8th of January.

Strangely, yesterday we received a letter saying her application has been accepted (hooray!!) - still no passport though! So for us, it is taking a lot longer than 7 days.

It doesn't really matter anymore, as we've now missed the flights we had booked anyway. But hopefully this timing information is useful to anyone else with the same questions.

[smallpie]

Congratulations..

She can start enjoying new life as a Brit ☺