astera

Thanks. Do I need to ask them for their passport copy too?

astera

How have the processing times been of late? Any faster or slower then the "about 4 weeks" they mention on their site?

astera

When I read that Australia Post can do UK passport photos I decided to give them a try. Yeah, they took the picture and printed out the passport photos... but didn't cut them! Bloody useless...

So now I need to find a proper photography place and pay/ask them to use their punch machine...

Beoz

I did my sons by taking a photo with my phone and printing it at Officeworks and cutting it with a pair of scissors to the exact dims. Accepted no problem.

astera

Thanks. I went to a photographers and he was kind enough to use his photo cutter to punch out the photos.

About the countersignatory on the application (the person signing the photos), I don't have anyone locally who knows us for 2+ years as we've only been here 11 months. If a teacher that knew our daughter for several months (she's her head teacher) signs will that be ok?

Pollyana

Yep, or go to a JP - most shopping centres have one who does a few hours a week. They can sign to say that they are verifying the identity from the ID provided, even if they don't know you.

astera

I used to get a JP that I've known for years sign the photos, but can I just get any JP nowadays? They won't mind that the person hasn't known me for a single day? I'm surprised that a teacher isn't the best choice for a child, especially since that person is probably the most qualified of all to know who the kid is.

Pollyana

JAJ always used to advise that a JP can sign because they are just stating that the person who has the ID and is standing in front of them, is the person described by the ID, if you see what I mean. The JP isn't stating that they know you, just that the ID is valid etc. Its the way that many people have to do it when they don't know anyone for long enough.

Having said that, if the teacher is willing to state that they have known the child for long enough, go with that

BritInParis

How old is the applicant? If it's a child under 11 years old then their photos must be countersigned but the person countersigning doesn't need to have known them for at least two years. They should however have known the parent for at least two years.

More information at https://www.gov.uk/countersigning-passport-applications

astera

Applicant is 5 and we don't know a single person here longer than we've been here (11 mths).

I asked about this way back, and I still see that this hasn't changed (about the countersignatory): "...you must include with your application a colour photocopy of the page with their photograph on it."

Don't think I'll have much luck convincing people to hand over a copy of their passport...

Pollyana

Have you consulted a JP at all?

BritInParis

You may need to post the photos and form to someone who qualifies to be countersigned by them. They don't need to provide a copy of their passport if they hold a British or Irish passport.

astera

Not yet. I figured I need to know exactly what is needed from the UK side before I go to someone here to get stuff signed/certified.

I have a GP I know in Sydney so maybe they will be willing to chuck in their passport copy and post it for me...

moneypenny20

I've used different JPs for different passports. None of them know us. No issue whatsoever.

astera

I'd use a local one, in fact you can find them in some of the malls offering their services, but I'm not sure how they'd react if I ask them, "can I also have a copy of YOUR passport?"