Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Hi @rabia1992,
@Foster Twelvetrees
I understand where you’re coming from, but just to clarify, I had been waiting for over 11 weeks from when docs were received and over 13 weeks from submission date which was the 19th of April. I had to do this as a last resort, because no amount of calls, emails, MP involvement or complaints were enough if I didn’t have travel plans. It is so frustrating to see others who have applied after me who got theirs within 3 weeks to a month, while I did everything by the book but to no avail. And I do actually have travel plans but I was not willing to risk 800 pounds to book tickets when I wasn’t sure when I would receive my passport.
Again, I would only recommend this as a last resort (which paid off thankfully) because I don’t accept that in a first world country like this, one should wait almost 3 months to get a passport. And it’s not really just about travel, it’s an important form of identification which if you don’t have can stop you from doing simple things suchs as opening a bank account, getting a new job, etc.
Had there been enough contact and communication from the office, I wouldn’t have needed to do that. But after lots of miscommunication, and lack of communication even, I just wanted to help out whoever is going through what I did.
Hi @Grumpy,
I actually booked the cheapest ticket I could find, just a one way 22 pound ticket to use as proof. If it’s a renewal and been over 6 weeks since they received your documents, you are entitled for an upgrade I believe, which might come at a cost but I’m not sure. So if you’re open to it, just buy a really cheap ticket to fly out within the next week or so and email them again, hopefully it’ll will do something as they are prioritising applications based on travel date.
Good luck.
Hi @Deanc,
I applied for my passport on 19/5 and was going thru the same exact situation as yours. I must have called over 30 times over the past few weeks, and based on my experience nothing is done through them because when I finally thought that they noted down my travel date, the advisor from yesterday’s call said it’s not showing on my application even though many before him have claimed to have noted it down.
I think the only thing that helped my case was sending emails to all the upgrade teams (someone posted the emails before on here), and in the subject line, write Urgent, in breach of SLA, your child’s full name and ref no., over 10 weeks processing time and travel date. Don’t forget to attach the tickets as evidence. In my case, the upgrade teams couldn’t help with my application as it’s a first time adult passport but the one in Belfast advised that they will contact the expedited services team as it’s been over 10 weeks and that they will treat it as a priority. They sent me this email yesterday and lo and behold my application got approved today.
Just keep emailing the expedited and upgrade teams every 2 days with the same subject line. I believe they will approve it nearer to your travel date, as today marks 6 days before mine. Your other option is to wait 48 hours before your flight and go to your nearest passport office. I also emailed my MP who contacted them and sent complaints to all emails I could find. I personally think the subject line is very important as it’s the first thing they see while going thru so many emails.
Sorry for the long post but hope this helps. Good luck.
