Processing

hello, just curious as to how long you've been in "Processing" for?? i've been waiting since April 20th and losing all hope of getting my childrens passports back in time.

I’m waiting since 11 March

It’s only been a week for me so far . Was stuck on identity details received for nearly two weeks before moving to processing .

Spot13, that doesn't give me any hope at all lol. have you rang up or emailed at all??

Husband and son's applications have been in processing since 14 April. Still waiting. Really frustrating especially when you read of others who have submitted since then who already have theirs back! There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for who gets processed when. Really feel for people needing them back by a certain date for travel

I recently got a text to ask me to book identity interview but there are no slots available anytime I phone. I can never get through to the general enquiries helpline, when I do they cut me off. I don’t know how to progress this!! Does anyone know a way to contact someone in the passport office who can actually make decisions and do something, not just a call centre person? It is so frustrating now as I am in limbo unable to progress the application as there is no way to make an interview appointment. It looks like more recent applications like yours are quicker.

Spot have you tried the online chat . I got through to them in 10 minutes the other day. They seemed more helpful . Someone said to dial the 0300 222 0000 and press 8 and then 3 but I haven’t tried it .

Thanks, yes I have tried that number… it is the one where you wait for ages and then get cut off. I guess I will just need to keep trying but the time I am spending on this is ridiculous. There is never any web chat available. The online email enquiry forms also get ignored.

I just keep refreshing the page till the blue button pops up. Then I filled in the details as quick as I could and it connected to a agent . Someone said to only put your name and phone number in on the first form. If you spend too long typing in your problem the agent will move on to someone else. They ask you all the details when you get through to them anyway .

Been processing since 21st March......

Hi, I'm in 'processing' since 7April. When I rang last week passport agent said that 10weeks count from processing, but I rang today, (taking the 'Anything else' option,) to confirm which is the correct way to count the weeks. I am in my 9th week, she said. I got through in about 3 minutes, today by dial the 0300 222 0000 and option 8 and then option 3 . Agent arrange a 'call back' for me as I need a passport for work. hopefully someone will ring me next few days.

I wouldn't call it 'decent time', but I received my passport last week, was in processing from March 15th to April 28th (Durham). Application submitted on February 8th.

Thanks for all the replies . At least we won’t need to do this for another 10 years .

Anyone else got any tips for getting in touch? I am currently on hold waiting to speaking to someone since 8am (2 hours 11 mins counting). I don't think I will ever get to anyone - I have tried web chats but never able to get through I have also tried complaint forms just gets ignored. I have contacted my MP but again no reply. First time of my life I am feeling so helpless.

There are two routes Docs received -> approved and Docs received -> processing when the update is processing then your application has dropped out of the digital processing route into the manual route - then I am afraid you're in for a wait. But be careful simply requesting a call back about your application is apparently enough to drop it from the digital path.

Hi Lisa, just to give you some hope, all moved quickly after my last post. Interview yesterday and application approved straightaway. Now just waiting for it to be posted….. still a long time since 11 March though

Processing since 6th April. Genuinely believe they are dealing with all recent incoming applications but have a pile which were in backlog only being dealt with when travel is imminent. Looks like an improvement but in reality lots still waiting.

Oh that’s fantastic Spot congratulations. Yeah Eagles I think they are rushing through new applications then they can reduce their turnaround. Good luck I hope you get yours soon .

Hi all, Has anybody actually had a decent experience after their passport moves to “being processed”? My daughters passport renewal dropped into this state 3 days ago, at first I was happy that it had finally moved from “documents received” but after reading the horror stories on here it would appear I’m now in for a long wait? We fly in August so I’m just hoping I don’t fall into a 12 week black hole like some other unfortunate people :-(

Hi swm182, we are in the same boat. My daughters application changed to processing on the 11th after weeks of ‘documents received’. We are meant to fly on 11th June but that seems very unlikely now!

Hi Laura1984, I’ve read some things that say newer applications are being processed faster, not good for people who have been processing since March but maybe a glimmer of hope for us? I’ll let you know if I get any updates, could you do the same? Good luck!

Hi All I've just emailed my MP and explained it only appears near applications are being processed quickly and for help with mine. Maybe be worth it????

Hi France22, Yeah I’ll definitely email my local MP if i get stuck in processing for ages. I fly in August so will leave it for the people who definitely need the help.. I’ll start getting extra nervous if I get to July and I’m still stuck :-(