[gi81]

I didn’t contact them as it’s still more than two weeks to our flight date.

However, about 2 hours before it went to “application approved”, I clicked on the “Fill in a survey about this service” button that appears when you view the current status of your application (after you enter your PEX number). I gave some feedback on the inconsistency in approval times, and 2 hours later it was approved.

Now, the same thing happened with my daughter’s application – I gave some feedback (via her application) and it was approved less than a day later. At the time I just put that down to coincidence, but then yesterday I saw others mention it happening to them on facebook groups so I thought I’d try it out with my son’s application (nothing to lose), and like I say it was approved 2 hours later. I’m not sure though – plenty of others said it didn’t work for them on the facebook groups, and with the amount of people waiting it’s going to happen by chance for some, but it’s worth a shot anyway I guess. (I didn’t enter my email address at the end of the survey, so that isn’t needed).

[gi81]

And as if by magic:

Application approved 8:27pm on 24 May 2022

So relieved. Good luck everyone.

[gi81]

I also used a photo taken at Max Spielman for my son’s renewal, sent to Newport, but it’s been stuck on the “documents received” stage for a month now.

Application history
Documents received 9:35am on 25 April 2022
Application received 5:49pm on 12 April 2022
Identity details received 5:48pm on 12 April 2022
Email sent to person confirming your identity 3:26pm on 11 April 2022
Ask someone to confirm your identity 3:24pm on 11 April 2022
Application submitted 3:24pm on 11 April 2022

I also submitted my own renewal and my daughter’s renewal on the same date – they both went to Liverpool, I received my new passport on 30th April, and my daughter received hers on 19th May.

There seems to be quite a bit of luck involved, which is frustrating.

[gi81]

Would you be able to share the e-mail address of the Newport office upgrades team please? I have one being processed there, taking a lot longer than the other two applications from Liverpool (which I have already received). Beginning to get a bit worried.
Good luck.

[gi81]

Show the distribution of waiting times, not just the averages.
Even the three quartiles would be good, i.e. times within which 25%, 50% and 75% of applications are completed.

[gi81]

If I were you, I’d probably fast-track for peace of mind.

If you are going ahead with a standard application, make sure there are no issues with the photo.
I applied online 3 weeks ago, for renewals for myself and two young kids.
All photos taken at local Max Spielmann photo lab in Tesco.
When applying online, the system will automatically detect any potential issues with photos.
My photo had no issues. Both my kids had issues detected automatically with their photos (one not looking straight (very very slight angle), and the other too bright). I went ahead and submitted all applications anyway, having read that the online system can sometimes be a bit fussy and the photos usually end up being accepted anyway.

My passport arrived at the weekend, after just 18 days in total.
Meanwhile there has been no movement on the kids applications.

I think if there are no issues with the photos, things are generally quick and automatic.
If there are any issues with the photos, then it will go in a manual queue, where it needs checked by an examiner, and its a different story. Even if they are accepted, it’ll be after a potentially lengthy delay.

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