1st UK passport timeline

Hi, just thought I'd post an update, in case anyone is planning to apply for their first UK passport any time soon.

I received my passport yesterday. Everything was sent off on the 15th September. On the 19th I received a text letting me know they got my application. On the 23rd I got a letter about scheduling my passport interview. 24th my US passport and naturalisation certificate were returned to me in the post - I did pay the £3 extra to have them returned by courier. My interview was on the 4th October. The 6th I got a text letting me know my passport was being printed out. Yesterday my passport was waiting for me when I got home. So in total, the entire process took about 3 weeks. It was all much easier than I thought and the interview was no big deal. The lady made it feel like we were just chatting. It didn't feel like an inquisition at all.

Looks like the summer backlog is completely through!  Congrats to you 

Congratulations, Diana_!!! You must be so relieved!

I just had my ceremony last night and will send in my passport application ASAP. Did you use the post office check and send service? If so, do they complete the countersignatory section, or do I have to have someone else do it before I bring it to the post office?

Congratulations, Diana_!!! You must be so relieved!

I just had my ceremony last night and will send in my passport application ASAP. Did you use the post office check and send service? If so, do they complete the countersignatory section, or do I have to have someone else do it before I bring it to the post office?

You have to do it. The post office doesn't know who you are. 

Thanks! I assume it's OK to use one of the referees from the naturalisation application?

Thanks, I'm sooo happy to be done with that. I actually became a citizen last year but kept dithering with the passport application.

Yes, you can use one of your referees from the citizenship application. That is exactly what I did. They just have to be a person in the list of professions and have to have known you for at least 2 years. Oh, and I think they have to be a UK passport holder.

I do highly recommend the Post Office Check & Send service. They check it for errors and they make sure your photos are fine, and then they send it for you via Special Delivery.

Thanks, Diana! Will definitely use check and send. I'm going to the post office on Saturday and will report back when I get it!

Just an update:

Submitted passport application on 11 October 2014
Letter inviting me to interview printed on 22 October
Received letter on 24 October
Interview will be on 28 October (first available date for my nearest London location)

Very fast! I received the letter less than two weeks after I submitted the application.

As someone reported previously on here (sorry, can't remember who the helpful person was!), you can call during the evening to schedule the appointment. I was bummed when I got the letter after work on a Friday, thinking I'd have to wait until Monday to call, but remembered that post and tried calling the number at about 7:30 pm and a very nice Scottish man scheduled the appointment for me.

My interview was on the 4th October... It was all much easier than I thought and the interview was no big deal. The lady made it feel like we were just chatting. It didn't feel like an inquisition at all.

Received my Invite to Interview letter today. Appointment scheduled for Sat 15 Nov, London (my nearest office). They had available slots next week, but I needed a Saturday.

Was told that the interview would take about 30 minutes, and that I would receive my passport 7-10 days later.

 

I got my passport on Thursday!

Submitted passport application on 11 October 2014
Letter inviting me to interview printed on 22 October
Received letter on 24 October
Interview on 28 October
Text to say passport is being printed on 29 October
RECEIVED on 30 October

I AM DONE!!

I am so grateful to the members of this forum, and particularly ksand24, for all the help they've given me in the last seven years on various visa questions. This is an amazing forum. Good luck to everyone, wherever you are in your journey!

wow! WOW! MorganSF! Congratulations! That was *quick*! I can't wait for that 'I AM DONE' feeling myself...just a couple of weeks.

All the best

Denise

Thanks, Denise! It is a great feeling! Not long to wait now!!

By way of update, I had my interview on Sat 15 Nov at the London Passport Office - and received my passport today Tue 18 Nov! 

It has been a long, expensive journey for my husband and I - fiance visas, spousal visas, permanent residencies, naturalisation - but we each now hold dual citizenship/passports (US/UK).

THANK YOU to everyone here who has offered guidance, advice, support and encouragement. This is an amazing forum.

 

The passport process was surprisingly quick for me!

18 Nov - Naturalised
18 Nov - Registered on voter roll online
19 Nov - Royal Mail checked passport app and sent it off
24 Nov - Received letter from council confirming I'm registered to vote
27 Nov - Received 1st passport interview invitation letter.
1 Dec - Originals returned (US passport and naturalisation certificate)
2 Dec - Passport interview in Victoria.  Very easy and pleasant.  
4 Dec - Received UK passport.  Hooray!  

So happy to be completed with the immigration and naturalisation process.  There is nothing left for me to do....ever.    Very exciting and this starts a new chapter in life for me  by being officially British with full rights and responsibilities.