FLR(M) second application + passport name change

[AMMac0616]

Hi All,

First time posting here but hoping someone can advise. My BRP expires in March but I’ve (unofficially) changed my name since my first application and want to make it official. I want to change it on my passport in advance of applying for a new visa, but I haven’t been able to because of an international work trip that’s scheduled for next week. Once I’m back from that then I can apply for a new passport.

I’m concerned however about the tight turnaround as I need my passport number (which will change with new passport) to apply for the Premuim Service appointment. I may only end up with about 1-2 weeks grace between getting my passport back and visa expiration — concerned I won’t get an appointment. Does anyone know how quickly appointments fill up? I’m based in London and think my closest place is in Croydon. I can imagine they would be quite busy and I would need to book well in advance.

So my questions are:

1. Can I make a Premium Service appointment with my current passport name and number and then update it with new passport name and number when it arrives and before the appointment? I am assuming not!

2. I have a passport appointment at the US Embassy the first week in March — could they issue me an emergency passport and could I use this for my BRP appointment? I don’t think that they can just give me a new passport on the day. Also turnaround is still tight for Premium Service appointment.

3. Or should I just mail the passport in like normal straight after work trip and stipulate that I am travelling and need the passport back quicker? Again, turnaround time tight.

4. Should I just talk to it and apply for the BRP in my maiden name and then take the ~£250 hit with name change afterwards? This somehow seems like the least stressful option though.

Obviously my priority is to get my new BRP before it expires, but if I can change my name at the same time this would be ideal.

Anyone with experience of this or have any advice? Thank you in advance!