“So when does the 10 weeks start, application received or documents received?”
This appears to be a bone of contention. I hit the 10 week mark on Thursday from applying on-line and paying by debit card on June. 9. My docs were not recorded as recieved on HMPO’s tracker until June. 21. (strictly speaking I’m only just past the 8 week mark) This Friday gone Aug. 19 I thought it was worth a punt and I rang the 0300 line the call handler straight away said you are at 10 weeks and put me through to the HMPO proper (again unpromted the lady said I was at 10 weeks) and 24 hours later my passport was approved – just waiting for it to be printed and sent. I always thought the clock started at when the HMPO recorded the documents onto thier system, but it appears not, or perhaps now they are on top of the backlog they have changed?
I would however caveat the above, by saying I’m overseas applicant with extenating circumstances and that would have come into play. But, in both instances unprompted both people I spoke to, said I was at 10 weeks.
I would give it a go and call them and see what they say, you don’t have anything to lose and a lot to gain.
