Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 21
Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
I read on UK.Gov that you have to send in your US Passport when you apply. I require this for travel and in any case would rather not risk losing this. Is there a way around this?
#2
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
No, there's no requirement. Remember you may not possess or even be entitled to another passport. For the official answer, I shall quote the small print:
"Uncancelled non-British passports: We strongly prefer to receive the passport. However in exceptional circumstances where you may need to retain the passport, we will accept a full colour photocopy of the entire passport (including visa pages). We reserve the right to request the passport at a later stage as we examine your application. Please provide an explanation as to why you need to retain your passport."
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload..._Gp1_11.13.PDF
"Uncancelled non-British passports: We strongly prefer to receive the passport. However in exceptional circumstances where you may need to retain the passport, we will accept a full colour photocopy of the entire passport (including visa pages). We reserve the right to request the passport at a later stage as we examine your application. Please provide an explanation as to why you need to retain your passport."
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload..._Gp1_11.13.PDF
#3
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 21
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
No, there's no requirement. Remember you may not possess or even be entitled to another passport. For the official answer, I shall quote the small print:
"Uncancelled non-British passports: We strongly prefer to receive the passport. However in exceptional circumstances where you may need to retain the passport, we will accept a full colour photocopy of the entire passport (including visa pages). We reserve the right to request the passport at a later stage as we examine your application. Please provide an explanation as to why you need to retain your passport."
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload..._Gp1_11.13.PDF
"Uncancelled non-British passports: We strongly prefer to receive the passport. However in exceptional circumstances where you may need to retain the passport, we will accept a full colour photocopy of the entire passport (including visa pages). We reserve the right to request the passport at a later stage as we examine your application. Please provide an explanation as to why you need to retain your passport."
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload..._Gp1_11.13.PDF
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 264
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
No, there's no requirement. Remember you may not possess or even be entitled to another passport. For the official answer, I shall quote the small print:
"Uncancelled non-British passports: We strongly prefer to receive the passport. However in exceptional circumstances where you may need to retain the passport, we will accept a full colour photocopy of the entire passport (including visa pages). We reserve the right to request the passport at a later stage as we examine your application. Please provide an explanation as to why you need to retain your passport."
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload..._Gp1_11.13.PDF
"Uncancelled non-British passports: We strongly prefer to receive the passport. However in exceptional circumstances where you may need to retain the passport, we will accept a full colour photocopy of the entire passport (including visa pages). We reserve the right to request the passport at a later stage as we examine your application. Please provide an explanation as to why you need to retain your passport."
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload..._Gp1_11.13.PDF
#5
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 23
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
The helpline can be quite useless BUT on the positive side, I found out today all calls are recorded and logged (in case you are given conflicting information and need to reference back to helpline).
On a separate but similar note, does anyone know if they accept scanned docs (like a copy of non British passport as above) by email? Or are they still living in the Stone Age?
On a separate but similar note, does anyone know if they accept scanned docs (like a copy of non British passport as above) by email? Or are they still living in the Stone Age?
#6
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 14
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
Not to be redundant, but does sending in a color copy of my US passport while applying for British citizenship through descent work as well? Or do they insist on the having the actual passport?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
#7
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
A photocopy and a note explaining you require it for travel is perfectly acceptable.
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 264
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
Which itself gets quite expensive. A colour copy in the US is about 50 cents - you'll need to make 27 such copies to copy the entire passport (which is what they state they need). 26 for the 52 inside pages and one for the cover.
#9
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
I know it states they want a copy of the entire passport but I suspect you'll very easily just get away with a copy of the bio-data page.
#10
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 14
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
Thank you both! I do need it for travel and would hate for it to get lost or delayed.
Amoco
Amoco
#12
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 14
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
I truly appreciate those who have gone before me and had to go through the hassles. And I appreciate that they take the time to share with others.
Amoco
Amoco
#13
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
Indeed. It's a ridiculous request. I keep my secondary citizenship passport in a separate storage place in case anything happens to my primary passport and I need to travel outside of the country urgently. There is absolutely no way on earth I am sending in my second citizenship passport with my application for British passport renewal. Requesting a copy of all pages in a passport booklet is just a complete waste of time. It should be bio page + any visa's.
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2014
Location: Israel
Posts: 4
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
Indeed. It's a ridiculous request. I keep my secondary citizenship passport in a separate storage place in case anything happens to my primary passport and I need to travel outside of the country urgently. There is absolutely no way on earth I am sending in my second citizenship passport with my application for British passport renewal. Requesting a copy of all pages in a passport booklet is just a complete waste of time. It should be bio page + any visa's.
When I asked the phone help line person, he said the only exemption from this demand could be for someone who could show that they were employed in a business that requires travel. He also said that its possible for the UK or its Consulate to offer Emergency Travel Papers. I said that this would not be valid for EXIT from my place of residence.. in addition, I imagine this could be an expensive item!. Meanwhile I have paid the Application Fee by Debit Card...
If I do send colour photos of my second passport and there is a demand for the original, it could mean further delay beyond the Four Weeks.
What should I do?
Geoffrey
#15
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Do I really need to send in my US passport when applying?
When I asked the phone help line person, he said the only exemption from this demand could be for someone who could show that they were employed in a business that requires travel. He also said that its possible for the UK or its Consulate to offer Emergency Travel Papers.
Indeed!
The UK government won't even know you're a dual citizen, so you can either be honest and declare something the British government has no legal authority for you to declare, or you can simply scan a copy of the bio page of your other passport.