UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
May 9th 2011, 10:24 am
#241
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
At least going through 16 pages doesn't cost you anything extra! At any rate, I think you can contact Dean via private message after you have posted a minimum number of messages on this forum (I don't remember off-hand what that minimum is but it's somewhere on this forum). His username is British Consul, in case you haven't gathered that by now. He isn't a magician but he is very helpful. I know that the option of getting an emergency travel document is deeply unattractive but it looks like that might be your only option (and you wouldn't have to cancel your flight).
For future reference -- a month isn't enough time, I don't care what the passport website says. They had my documents for a month before they charged my card, and then, after that, it took 7 more weeks (and three calls to Careline) before I got my passport (though mine is new and not a renewal, it woudn't be such a huge difference). As I understand it, it isn't possible to expedite your application until they charge your card, but at this point I doubt very much that your entire passport examination can be completed, start to finish, and mailed to you, before your travel date. The emergency travel document is probably your best bet.
For future reference -- a month isn't enough time, I don't care what the passport website says. They had my documents for a month before they charged my card, and then, after that, it took 7 more weeks (and three calls to Careline) before I got my passport (though mine is new and not a renewal, it woudn't be such a huge difference). As I understand it, it isn't possible to expedite your application until they charge your card, but at this point I doubt very much that your entire passport examination can be completed, start to finish, and mailed to you, before your travel date. The emergency travel document is probably your best bet.
calling today about my emergency one to see if I can even get it! AGH!
May 9th 2011, 4:45 pm
#242
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Location: Houston
Posts: 4
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
So, my timeline is as follows:
3/10 mailed application
3/117 recieved postcard dated 3/15 claiming they have received it.
I sent a money order with the application and I don't have anyway of seeing if they have cashed it.
I don't need my passport until October so I'm wondering whether I should just wait it out or whether to call the Careline just to see what's up with my application.
Has anyone a turnaround time on passports that weren't expidited by a call to the careline?
3/10 mailed application
3/117 recieved postcard dated 3/15 claiming they have received it.
I sent a money order with the application and I don't have anyway of seeing if they have cashed it.
I don't need my passport until October so I'm wondering whether I should just wait it out or whether to call the Careline just to see what's up with my application.
Has anyone a turnaround time on passports that weren't expidited by a call to the careline?
May 9th 2011, 6:42 pm
#243
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Hi...I sent my application for passport to be renewed via certified mail and received tracking saying that there was nobody at the embassy that could sign for it. Does anybody know if the embassy requests redelivery, or do I need to do something to get it delivered? Thanks for your help in this matter.
May 9th 2011, 7:09 pm
#244
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 221
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Yay, "CONSULAR S'VCE WASHINGTONLONDON GB " appeared on my CC online statement today!
They received it on March 31, they got paid May 9. six weeks gone, only another six weeks (barring issues) to go!
They received it on March 31, they got paid May 9. six weeks gone, only another six weeks (barring issues) to go!
May 9th 2011, 7:13 pm
#245
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 221
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Hi...I sent my application for passport to be renewed via certified mail and received tracking saying that there was nobody at the embassy that could sign for it. Does anybody know if the embassy requests redelivery, or do I need to do something to get it delivered? Thanks for your help in this matter.
USPS's tracking is woefully retarded, and your application packet is most likely sitting in the stack of applications waiting to be processed.
Go back to the USPS tracking site and enter my tracking number to see what I mean
70102780000054063760
Note that it was ~1730 EDT when it actually changed to report delivered.
Last edited by pTeronaut; May 9th 2011 at 7:29 pm.
May 9th 2011, 7:15 pm
#246
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Edensong, if I were you I would wait. Little backlogs like this have happened before, they get ironed out and processing goes back to normal. Keep an eye on it but don't call them unless you want to throw away some money. Calling to see 'what's up' (sorry) just slows everything down more.
stoneleigh77, they will pick the mail up in bulk. Don't worry about that message.
stoneleigh77, they will pick the mail up in bulk. Don't worry about that message.
May 9th 2011, 7:20 pm
#247
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Location: Houston
Posts: 4
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Edensong, if I were you I would wait. Little backlogs like this have happened before, they get ironed out and processing goes back to normal. Keep an eye on it but don't call them unless you want to throw away some money. Calling to see 'what's up' (sorry) just slows everything down more.
stoneleigh77, they will pick the mail up in bulk. Don't worry about that message.
stoneleigh77, they will pick the mail up in bulk. Don't worry about that message.
May 9th 2011, 7:25 pm
#248
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Thanks yeah I did actually go through the whole 16 pages and got no answer! hah well yeah now i know a month isnt long enough im just glad i wont have to do this garbage for another 10 years once i get my real passport........... calling today about my emergency one to see if I can even get it! AGH!
calling today about my emergency one to see if I can even get it! AGH! good luck to all of you and my fingers are still crossed for myself too! NEVER again will I be so careless! lol
May 9th 2011, 8:46 pm
#249
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Thanks everyone for your response regarding certified mail signature....just didn't want it sitting at the USPS for 15 days and then get returned...once again, thanks and take care.
May 9th 2011, 9:28 pm
#250
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 15
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
[ Then I call the British consulate wondering about an emergency passport...they say to call back 4 business days before I leave...THAT seems way to soon so I am calling Monday.
They told my son the same thing 8 days before ... wait a couple of more days. It is inconvenient, but when it is close to the line ... they move in! You will have to pay for an emergency passport & it is valid for only a month ... my son's passport was not released in time & we had to amend his return date to fit in with the expiration date.
Don't despair. There were 2 other people there in the same situation the same day, doing the same thing ...
They will give you the necessary documentation to travel.
They told my son the same thing 8 days before ... wait a couple of more days. It is inconvenient, but when it is close to the line ... they move in! You will have to pay for an emergency passport & it is valid for only a month ... my son's passport was not released in time & we had to amend his return date to fit in with the expiration date.
Don't despair. There were 2 other people there in the same situation the same day, doing the same thing ...
They will give you the necessary documentation to travel.
May 9th 2011, 9:37 pm
#251
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 15
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
In particular, your son should be careful not to spend too long outside the USA which can a. put his green card at risk, and b. re-set the 5 year clock for naturalisaton to zero. And if he has not registered for Selective Service, he should do so immediately. http://www.sss.gov[/QUOTE]
Yes, he meets residency requirements.
Thank you so much for your advice! It is really appreciated ...
I just checked 'selective service' website; he did do that while still in school ...
You know your stuff - Thanks.
He is going to apply for citizenship, that is a given. Me; right now - I see no point, unless my situation changes. This passport saga has been somewhat of a wake-up call ... He knows nothing else, but America as his home. although he is proud to be British.
THANKS AGAIN for your advice.
Btw .. I have no idea how to post ...
Yes, he meets residency requirements.
Thank you so much for your advice! It is really appreciated ...
I just checked 'selective service' website; he did do that while still in school ...
You know your stuff - Thanks.
He is going to apply for citizenship, that is a given. Me; right now - I see no point, unless my situation changes. This passport saga has been somewhat of a wake-up call ... He knows nothing else, but America as his home. although he is proud to be British.
THANKS AGAIN for your advice.
Btw .. I have no idea how to post ...
Last edited by ExPatinIndiana; May 9th 2011 at 9:44 pm.
May 9th 2011, 9:41 pm
#252
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,014
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Yes, he meets residency requirements.
Thank you so much for your advice! It is really appreciated ...
I will make sure he registers for 'selective service' - I had no idea!
You know your stuff - Thanks.
He is going to apply for citizenship, that is a given. Me; right now - I see no point, unless my situation changes. This passport saga has been somewhat of a wake-up call ... He knows nothing else, but America as his home. although he is proud to be British.
THANKS AGAIN for your advice.
Btw .. I have no idea how to post ...
Anything else you want to know...just holla.
May 9th 2011, 10:31 pm
#253
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Pros and Cons to Getting US Citizenship
Even the most devoted America-haters seem to be able to suck it up long enough to get that passport.
May 10th 2011, 2:53 pm
#254
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Thanks yeah I did actually go through the whole 16 pages and got no answer! hah well yeah now i know a month isnt long enough im just glad i wont have to do this garbage for another 10 years once i get my real passport........... calling today about my emergency one to see if I can even get it! AGH!
calling today about my emergency one to see if I can even get it! AGH!MY TIME LINE
Sent passport
They received 4/6
:::Nothing for over a month:::
Call consulate on 5/9
Get call back 5/10
Card get charged 5/10
::should be getting passport tomorrow!:: (5/11)
Ill let you know if it doesnt come! lol
May 10th 2011, 2:55 pm
#255
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: UK Passport Renewal taking a really long time
Yay They charged my card and they are sending it tomorrow WHY DID THEY MAKE ME WAIT SO LONG AND Make me have mini heart attacks for a MONTH!! When its that simple to get it sent to me like with ONE email?! What ever Im just soo happy they are sending it to me! Oh i dont know if I had said this before but they said I would have qualified for an emergency passport... They didnt ask me why it was an emergency to travel either...weird...
MY TIME LINE
Sent passport
They received 4/6
:::Nothing for over a month:::
Call consulate on 5/9
Get call back 5/10
Card get charged 5/10
::should be getting passport tomorrow!:: (5/11)
Ill let you know if it doesnt come! lol
MY TIME LINE
Sent passport
They received 4/6
:::Nothing for over a month:::
Call consulate on 5/9
Get call back 5/10
Card get charged 5/10
::should be getting passport tomorrow!:: (5/11)
Ill let you know if it doesnt come! lol
I think they are holding things up to make money from everybody having to call the premium rate phone line.
