Child's Brit Passport Countersignatory
 

Hi,

So two kids UK passports required. Born to Brit parents in US. One is a brand new passport the other is a renewal. (Everyone is also a USC in our family although I guess thats irrelevant at this juncture)

Do I really have to have the kids photos for the brand new passport countersigned by a professional Brit that has known my kids for more than two years?
Seriously? I actually do not know any professional Brits (apart from Hubby) anymore so what do I do? The only Brit I know is a stay at home Mom, lol. The UK passport website does state that we can use USC passport holders but that this could potentially seriously delay the passport application?

Has anyone else been in a similar position? How did you handle it?

Thanks!

Re: Child's Brit Passport Countersignatory
 

It doesn’t say that it will ‘seriously delay’ a passport application, only that an application with a countersignatory holding a British or Irish passport will be processed faster. In reality it won’t make any difference to a US-born applicant. Finding a professional countersignatory with a US passport who is willing to give away a photocopy of said passport to a foreign government tends to be the only possible sticking point.

Re: Child's Brit Passport Countersignatory
 

Luckily for Canadians, the countersignatory doesn't have to be Canadian or give a copy of their passport page. They need only be a professional and as I worked with attorneys, we didn't have a problem.

I don't recall the many Brits here renewing their British passports having this problem.

Re: Child's Brit Passport Countersignatory
 

We used teachers when necessary as countersignatures for our kids' passport forms.

Note that the countersigned does not, as you mention, have to have known the kids for 2 years - i f the kids are under 16 they have to have known you (or whoever is filing on behalf of the child) for 2 years. Small difference but makes it easier.

Edit to add: No, using US countersignatories did not noticeably slow the process.

Re: Child's Brit Passport Countersignatory
 

We had a USC sign our kids pics, and the passports (first time) arrived fasted than a McDonalds cheeseburger. Thank god they got rid of the Brit only requirement.