Asking for the passport back: an afterthought?!

[a.s.b.o]

Hi ppl

I am Irish and I apply for EEA1. This entails no confirmation letters and a wait for up to 6 months. Of course, as they advertise, one is free to ask for a possport if faced with travel arrangements.

I called today and asked for an update (I sent documents 2 weeks ago). A lady told me that no updates are given within the 6 months but if I want my passport back, she can arrange this. I confirmed that ideally, it belongs with me without explicitly stating immediate travel plans. So she confirmed that a request has been sent and I should get this within 5 working days! Fine...but

I have applied in November 2011 and upon request of the passport within 2 weeks of the application (cheap ryanair flight home for Christmas) the whole bundle of documents were sent to me back stating that I did not provide enough documentation. I have discussed this in a separate thread. I am rather concerned that my request will once again have some detrimental effect on my application, in the form of some tacit half-explicit rule within UKBA that is triggered when a request for passport return occurs within xxx amount of days/weeks/months.

Can you please advise on my conspiracy concerns as I have lost 5 months and still didnt figure out what set of instructions UKBA is fed on.

Thank you and please provide your input, I will appreciate that

[a.s.b.o]

anyone pls?

[Jambo]

I'm not aware of any rule the HO has which states the return the application if asked for a passport within xx number of days.

Ideally, they should locate your package, record your passport details and send it back to you but if it still sits in the backlog, they might repeat their doing from last time. Did you actually need your passport (it wasn't clear from your post)? If you have been bitten once, why not leave it with them a bit longer this time?

Just wait and see. Worse case, just send it back to them once you get it. As EEA national, you don't really need a Residence Certificate.

[a.s.b.o]

I'm not aware of any rule the HO has which states the return the application if asked for a passport within xx number of days.

Ideally, they should locate your package, record your passport details and send it back to you but if it still sits in the backlog, they might repeat their doing from last time. Did you actually need your passport (it wasn't clear from your post)? If you have been bitten once, why not leave it with them a bit longer this time?

Just wait and see. Worse case, just send it back to them once you get it. As EEA national, you don't really need a Residence Certificate.

Hi Jambo,

thanks for your response. I am flying to Liverpool and could have used my driving licence. Hence, it was not critical and I fear that what you suggested might happen. However, the lady assured me that asking for your passport back is not the same as withrdrawing the application (tell me smth new?!). I am still trusting that things will be ok, as I have sent more paperwork this time.

Frustrating bit is the inability to track the progress and to liaise with the caseworker. Am I missing smth and it may be possible?!

[Jambo]

No. You are not missing anything. However EEA1 applications are dealt relatively fast (about 4 weeks) so you should know where you stand fairly quickly. Unfortunately, for self employed, it is a bit more tricky to get the right documentations but hopefully this time it will be OK.

[a.s.b.o]

No. You are not missing anything. However EEA1 applications are dealt relatively fast (about 4 weeks) so you should know where you stand fairly quickly. Unfortunately, for self employed, it is a bit more tricky to get the right documentations but hopefully this time it will be OK.

Thank you again Jambo, you are a star. On your comment about SE being a bit more tricky to prove; I am also employed - shall I perhaps streamline this and apply as an employee? My only thought is that if I stop being employed (as I am only on the temporary teaching contract), but my self-employment will continue (smth that has been and will be in demand for a while), will this jeopardise my subsequent EEA4 application (permanent residence) or the ability to bring my relatives over to the UK?

Thanks

[a.s.b.o]

Thank you again Jambo, you are a star. On your comment about SE being a bit more tricky to prove; I am also employed - shall I perhaps streamline this and apply as an employee? My only thought is that if I stop being employed (as I am only on the temporary teaching contract), but my self-employment will continue (smth that has been and will be in demand for a while), will this jeopardise my subsequent EEA4 application (permanent residence) or the ability to bring my relatives over to the UK?

Thanks

any ideas guys? Thank you

[Jambo]

Patience is a virtue. It also helps when waiting for decisions by the HO.

One can exercise treaty rights in several way (even in parallel). As long as this is continuous, you should have no problems.

[a.s.b.o]

Patience is a virtue. It also helps when waiting for decisions by the HO.

One can exercise treaty rights in several way (even in parallel). As long as this is continuous, you should have no problems.

Thanks Jambo, this virtual, however, as the saying goes, is seldom found not only in men, but in women too)))

Thanks, I appreciate this!