[rexstanley]

Yes, its not a great system and i’m not sure how they are ordering the applications. I’ve heard from a lot of friends that they applied and received theirs back in 3 or 4 weeks.

My earlier post was mainly making the point that since its not the most efficient system, its not robust or clever enough to handle so many repeated calls/emails. I’ve observed from so many (even those i met in the queue) doing things that would only serve to slow it all down.
I totally get why people are doing it as the communication back isnt great. Especially if you didnt apply digitally and have no visibility of what is going on. My point is that its probably counter productive and better to give them a chance to get back to you if they said they will.

As your request has been processing for 10 weeks already, then you are likely to get your upgrade for free. I just missed out as there was a long delay between when i did the check and sign and it actually arriving on their system. No idea why that was tho.

If you’ve still not received your passport and are due to travel within 2 weeks, I’d phone for the upgrade and ask the operator if there is any way to expedite it as you have been waiting so long and are less able to travel to the passport office. I think i overheard someone say this might make a difference. e.g if you add how long you’ve been waiting (over 10 weeks) to the subject.

If it helps, remember there are people who are using the fast track process where they have their first meeting to submit their application and are receiving their passport either same day or that week, so even if you reach the upgrade stage, and even if there is an issue with your initial application, you still have a very good chance of getting your passport well in time for your travel.

They do a 1 day delivery as well apparently if that helps. I didnt want to trust TNT and am fortunate enough that going to the office wasnt too hard. The collection took 5 minutes from when i arrived.

Good luck.

[rexstanley]

Got my passport today and thought i’d share some observations from my experience.

My scenario was:
– Start of April – Applied for renewal via post office check and sign. Told it would take 3-4 weeks.
– I’m due to fly next week
– 2 weeks ago – Called the passport phone number for update. Told i could call for an upgrade if not received and within 2 weeks of flying.
– Monday – Called for upgrade. Had to call multiple times as it was automated service. Finally it asked if i wanted to speak to an operator. Said yes and the lady was very helpful and submitted me for an upgrade.
– Monday (still on call to operator) I received an email which i forwarded with my proof of travel to the upgrade email account as per instructions.
– Wednesday – i got a reply saying they acknowledged my travel date and not to contact any further. Someone would be in touch.
– Thursday, I had already decided to visit the passport office as it was my only day i could spent queuing to ensure there were no issues with my application. I arrived at 9am and was seen by an advisor at 11:30. The advisor was actually going to process my upgrade that day (or day later as it turned out) so i neednt have bothered.
– Friday – Was called to take payment
– Saturday – This morning i was called to be told my passport was ready for collection.

Now, some observations from reading online and time in the queue at the office.

I get everyone is stressed by the situation(i have been too) and it’s very difficult to find out whats going on with your application.
However, i’ve seen people on here :
– advise to call repeatedly even once they have received their update.
– Mail MPs
– Phone the press
– Email ALL the upgrade email addresses.
All these suggestions are doing as far as i can see is take resources away from processing folks applications. I dont think that is helpful.

In fact, someone on this thread was surprised to be contacted multiple times AFTER they received their passport. They previously stated they had emailed night and day for 3 weeks or something like that. Each time they call they prepare by getting the case details. That time could have been spent helping someone else.

DO NOT email ALL upgrade email addresses in particular. The only upgrade team that can help are the ones where you are directed to contact. All you will be doing is having an operator from each of the offices look for an application that isnt with them rather than work on an application they can actually help with.

Upgrade Process Eligibility:
Need to have applied more than 6 weeks ago
Need to be travelling within next 2 weeks
Upgrade applications are being dealt with by the travel date. E.g. they will deal with people traveling in the next couple of days as priority.
It worked for me and others i’ve read on here or on twitter so if you are in that situation do not lose hope. It does work and is there to ensure those who are in urgent need of their passport do not miss out on their travel plans.

Positive Stories:
I’ve seen someone get a replacement passport printed same day after queuing without an appointment meaning they made their flight that same afternoon. Their passport had been lost in transit.
I’ve seen multiple people visit the passport office within 48hrs of flying, being processed as priority to ensure they got their passport in time of flying. This seems to be the last resort but if in that situation it does seem to be possible. Its unclear if your nearest passport office can do this or not if your application is at a different office but its worth a try.

Anyway, this is mostly hearsay but may be helpful for someone. Main thing is to try not to stress. If its getting closer to your travel date then DO visit the passport office and they will do what they can to help. However, please understand that the more you bombard the services, the more it slows things down for everyone.

Good luck all.

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