Liverpool

Leahmca - I hope so, from what I have read it's not really long in examination, and would be better if they do track down the documents. Hopefully I will hear this week. Fingers crossed you hear something soon. Amy93 - how long has it been in processing?

It's clear there are two routes through the application process 1. Documents received goes straight to approved as in my case 2. Documents received goes to processing So I wonder what the criteria is for which route your application takes? So I did a quick google. Reading some of the guides to the process for staff (they are available online) it shows that there is a digital and a manual route - anything that drops the application out of the digital (assuming mainly automatic verification etc) route will lead to examiners getting involved - I assume this is the processing route. Asking for a call back, according to their guide (google How to record decisions, case notes and passport notes) drops the application from the 'digital' route - so maybe chasing your application up and requesting a call back actually slows it down even further? Of course this is just an interpretation of these guides and obviously actual process may be different internally, but they give you an idea. There are lots of these guides for staff online - they all start with the url assets (dot) publishing (dot) service

Jespop30 - It’s been processing since 1st March. I applied and sent documents on the 13th of Feb, they only updated it to “docs received” on the 28th. I’ve heard it’s typically a few weeks in processing but I have zero faith or trust in their system or feedback (no offence to them)

Amy93 - I have been the same, the first 4 passports I did, I can't fault them, all were back within 22 days, but this on will have been processing for 4 weeks on Thursday, but now it's in examination I feel like it will be here before we fly on the 4th, but won't let myself get excited till I have it in my hand, just in case.

Djbdane- that’s interesting, that’s for sharing this info. Interestingly they told me they moved my application to paper from digital, even the chap on the phone was confused as to why they did that, because it’s just a name change. Hmmm - not sure …

Jespop- I hear you! It’s hard to get excited until it’s in your hand! I called them to ask if it’s with an examiner which gives me some indication (it’s not yet). Hope we both hear some really good news asap! 4 weeks processing is not ok :( It’s tough seeing people who’ve applied after getting theirs earlier (obviously very happy for them) - but it makes it so much harder 😢

Finally got a text from PO saying, they received the documents.! Hope you will hear soon!

Amy93 - I am the same, glad people are being approved and not having the wait we are but it is frustrating when they apply after us. No idea how long they are in examination for, hope it's not too long though. When do you need your passport for?

Jespop30 - Totally! :( I actually needed it for this Saturday but it doesn’t look like it’ll arrive. In the process of moving my holiday to end of April now (to be safe). How about you?

First Adult Passport after naturalisation Applied when processing time was 4 weeks, it’s now been 6 weeks and no progress! Application history Application being processed 8:41am on 28 February 2022 Documents received 11:23am on 12 February 2022 Application received 1:12pm on 1 February 2022 Identity details received 1:12pm on 1 February 2022 Email sent to person confirming your identity 12:51pm on 1 February 2022 Ask someone to confirm your identity 12:40pm on 1 February 2022 Application submitted 12:40pm on 1 February 2022

Amy93 - not till 4th April thankfully, so guess I have time especially now it's in examination. Be glad I won't have to apply for any new passports for 5 years after this, so stressful.

@ tar_pharm

Finally got a text from PO saying, they received the documents.! Hope you will hear soon!

Excellent, hopefully it won't take as long to go through the rest. Is yours a first one or a renewal? It seems I might be the only one left without 'documents received' in the usual timeframe...

Perhaps some of the posters could use this (Guidance for/if compensation due):

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/926258/Compensation_guidance_edt.pdf#page=7&zoom=100,93,504

JMS - you aren't the only one! Child renewal application on 20 Feb and Royal Mail tracked delivery on 25 Feb. Still nothing. I rang on Thursday and they said they have bulk loads of bags and there doesn't seem to be an order they open them in. I've asked for other ID to be returned so we can at least travel and was told 5-7 working days for that ....but if they still haven't logged them, I don't see how they can send them back.

I rang on Thursday and they said they have bulk loads of bags and there doesn’t seem to be an order they open them in.

I sent my docs by Special Delivery and I have seen a signature for it on the tracking - so probably better than just the RM tracked as they do have to sign for it - but it still took 11 calendar days from when I knew they were delivered to being marked as delivered on the tracking.

DJbdane - sorry I meant special delivery because I have the signature too to show it was signed for on Feb 25th.

Has anyone asked for a return of documents / cancellation? Just weighing out options

I've asked for my supporting documents to be returned. Even that is a hassle! One told me to send a letter, another one said an email is sufficient but they are taking ages to even acknowledge the email.

DJbdane – sorry I meant special delivery because I have the signature too to show it was signed for on Feb 25th.

Mine were only delivered a couple of days before yours and my application was approved yesterday, waiting for the sent update- so has there been such a massive influx of documents in those two days after mine were delivered to make processing them in a timely manner impossible? I doubt it - so maybe it is just luck of the draw? Either way it's bizarre some people are waiting weeks while others aren't.

Frustrated_1 - I received a reply today to my email but there are delays in returning documents too so not sure if it's worth it. Thank you for your email regarding your supporting documents. If you have an ongoing application and wish to request the return of your supporting documents, please put your request in writing, advising which documents you would like to be returned and why the documents are required. Please write to the office dealing with your application. BELFAST: Priority Handling PO Box 1401 Belfast BT1 2PP DURHAM: Priority Handling PO Box 302 Durham DH1 9ZL GLASGOW: Priority Handling PO Box 15388 Glasgow G4 0YP LIVERPOOL: Priority Handling PO Box 35 Liverpool L69 2SN LONDON: Priority Handling PO Box 33272 London SW1V 1DR NEWPORT: Priority Handling PO Box 175 Newport NP20 1XA PETERBOROUGH: Priority Handling PO Box 215 Peterborough PE1 1QQ Please note that the document may be requested at a later date if it is required to complete the application. Regards, Customer Service Email Team

Hi, first time posting but so stressed! Applied to replace a damaged passport, sent the documents back same day, have called the office today to be told they can’t find the application and someone will call us in 2 days. We are due to fly out on 1st April and starting to panic. Been stuck as below since last week, anyone else had this? Documents received 9:34am on 10 March 2022 Application received 5:35pm on 26 February 2022 Application submitted 5:35pm on 26 February 2022

Thank you. I'm worried that I request the documents back and that adds another month or two to my application. It's been a really stressful experience so far

Frustrated_1 i’m with you … getting them back may just add to the delay! I want it over and done with at this point! Sao95 I’ve been stuck at processing for 2 weeks but processing does take longer. Hope yours goes through asap! X

Finally received confirmation that my documents had been received. I called on Friday and they put a note on the system which was sent to Bootle as it had been over the 10 working days. Application submitted - 20th February Application received - 20th February Documents sent by Royal Mail - 24th February Documents received on Royal Mail tracking - 25th February Documents received - 14th February

So I posted a few weeks ago with the following time line, following a ‘lost’ passport application. I know the current turn around is 5 weeks and I am on week 4 today, but I am beginning to become increasingly worried that I won’t have my passport back in time for travel on the 15th of April. They have told me it is with the examiner but it just doesn’t seem to be progressing despite being a straight forward application. Is anyone else in a similar position to me? Also, they have said I could cancel this passport and use the fast track service given that my passport was lost and no documents have been sent it, however, it is not clear if they would need to receive my letter with drawing this current application, before they can start my fast track one. Can anyone shed some light on this please ? Application history StatusDate Application being processed 10:42am on 18 February 2022 Identity details received 8:20pm on 14 February 2022 Email sent to person confirming your identity 3:55pm on 14 February 2022 Ask someone to confirm your identity 3:49pm on 14 February 2022 Application submitted 3:49pm on 14 February 2022