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I've just applied for my first British Passport after naturalisation.

I note that I need to send in my existing non-British passport as a supporting document.

I've just realised that I need to travel in almost exactly 10 weeks.

I can see that the current application timelines appear to be quite a lot faster than that, but I also see some posts from people who have had no news after 10 weeks.

I suppose the safest thing to do is to just hold off sending my supporting documents until I return from that trip - in about 12 weeks. But will HMPO keep my application open for so long? Is there a deadline to send the documents in?

OR

If I were to send my documents now, and I don't hear back within say 8 weeks, can I request for my existing foreign (valid!) passport to be temporarily returned to me so that I can travel?

10 weeks is the timeframe posted by HMPO. However in most cases people are getting approvals within 20-25 days and the documents back a few days later.

If you want be on safer side you can just not send in the documents and they wont process your application. I am not sure if they automatically close it after a certain period but if that happens you can just create a new application after you return

Also, make sure your previous passport has the right to visit the UK without a visa. Because your ILR BRP has to be returned after naturalisation, so you might not be able to return back to the country on a passport which doesnt have entry rights without a visa

Thanks, I've contacted HMPO and they have said:

1. You have 90 days to send in your documents, plus a further 30 days grace, before they close your application.

2. You can request a return of your supporting documents early, with a written letter to them.

Thanks for your point about the previous passport without BRP - my understanding is that your naturalisation certificate is good enough proof. And the fact that if they check they will be able to verify that you are a citizen, and cannot be denied entry.

premedgrain wrote: ↑

Thu May 25, 2023 2:22 pm

Thanks for your point about the previous passport without BRP - my understanding is that your naturalisation certificate is good enough proof. And the fact that if they check they will be able to verify that you are a citizen, and cannot be denied entry.

Yes, but in order to be let through the UK border, you first need to get to the border, and airlines will not accept your naturalization certificate as a document to put you on a plane. See this for a bit more in depth explanation - post2116349.html#p2116349