Re: Passport Delays
 

Hi everyone
So I mailed in my passport renewal application in last week. My fiance and I leave for our honeymoon cruise on August 16th which HOPEFULLY means I'll get it back in time, as it's 8 weeks away, but this thread has made me nervous! :ohmy:

There will be one angry bride at Brooklyn pier if I am not allowed on that cruise because I do not have my passport back!:frown:

Fingers crossed, eh?

Re: Passport Delays
 

Hope you're not on a K visa?
/random thought

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No - I am a permanent resident (green card). Got that through an inter-company transfer 13 years ago. Mine was a passport renewal. (What's up with K visas?)

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Oh, good! (you could be a dualie now if you wanted... looks like you are here for the long haul)

K-1 is the US Fiance Visa, for the fiance of a US citizen. After they arrive, they must marry their petitioner in a certain period of time and then apply for their green card. During that time after arrival but before the Advance Parole travel document comes, they must not leave the US or their application is abandoned. Tragic mistake for those who make it; they have to stay outside the US and apply for an Immigrant Visa (just under a year application). Not how most people want to end their honeymoon. :blink:

There's a good link in the wiki about Naturalization and another about the pros/cons of dual UK/US citizenship.

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Well I am indeed the fiance of a US citizen but I already have my green card so this obviously doesn't apply to me :)

I'm not really in any rush to become an American citizen - mind you I already have dual citizenship - British and Spanish. Do they allow triple citizenship?:p

Re: Passport Delays
 

Sure, you can be a triple. We had a member here who had 4 IIRC.

And the fiance thing, again, a specific type of visa that allows you to come to the US specifically to get married and adjust status, so yes, doesn't apply to you in the least. Trivia fodder. :)

It will be worth further looking for you to see the advantages of taking USC. I know Spain is like the US in wanting to know about (and tax, eventually) your worldwide income. However, if you're married to a US citizen, that's going to come up. As a PR you have to report anyway.
Citizenship offers you the ultimate protection if you'll be living here long term.

Even as a PR, you can be removed if you do one dumb thing. AND, under the last administration, rules changed and were applied retroactively. There were several infamous stories of PRs being removed (deported) for offences 10 years back. Scary.

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I just got my passport this morning UPS so obviously the email to the consulate on Sunday did the trick.

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I have been thinking about the citizenship - guess I've been lazy about it:) I might look into it after the wedding/honeymoon in August. I've never had any tax issues - file every year, thankfully get a refund every year lol. No criminal offences - I've never even had a traffic ticket - what a good citizen I am, eh> :)
Thanks for the info. though! I think I might brush up on the pros/cons of citizenship. I don't have any plans to go back to the UK (been here 13 years already!) so it will probably be worth getting it.

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I just read everyones advice. Mine would be this...

Ignore Abtran - they will rip you off with their ridiculous phone line and I didn't even bother to call that anyhow.

I applied for my new UK passport roughly 4 weeks ago when it read "10 days" for a new passport.

I called the Consulate directly and they are having someone call me back. Give them as much information as you can and explain how mad you were at only getting machines! They will probably at least try to help you out, like a REAL person should!

I'm waiting for a call back...

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Good to hear - all in all, how long did it take to get your passport? Was yours a renewal or a new one?

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Mine was just a renewal. Rec'd in Washington April 20. Money taken May 12. I think contacting the consulate was what got it moving though.

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I'll give it the 20 days they ask for and see what happens from that point. Glad you got yours! We don't leave until August 13th so I've got time. This has been a very helpful thread.

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CP 2908 Way to go. They promised my husband's this week and there are still 3 more days left. I won't believe it til I see it.

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You emailed the consulate? Do you have an email address? I have tried the phone number and had real problems.

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People on here have been contacting Dean who posts on here under the name "British Consul" and he managed to get things moving for them. In fact that's where I got the idea of getting help from the consulate from. I am not in the US though so the email address I used won't help.

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We've set up an on-line passport application status enquiry service for those with an urgent need to travel. Go to www.UKinUSA.fco.gov.uk or www.UKinCanada.fco.gov.uk and click on the passports tab (you can also go to www.UKinUSA.fco.gov.uk/orlando and click on the regional information box).

Dean

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I created a wiki page and included that - http://britishexpats.com/wiki/UK_Passport_In_The_US

Could do with a write up on getting a UK passport, the process, the forms, counter sig and photo info. I just don't want to get it wrong and I know plenty of other people have written about it, so I'd rather if someone else could add it, that would be great.

Re: Passport Delays
 

Dean,

Do you know how long it takes to receive a response from the status enquiry service ? I sent my passport renewal application in early may - under the impression that it would take 30 days. There was no mention of the backlog or technical difficulties on the ukinusa website at that time.

I rang 'Careline' this Wednesday - later seeing a charge of almost $14 on my visa. I rang again today at a further cost of $17 and was told that I should try my local consulate (i.e. Houston) - its very frustrating not being able to talk directly with someone in Washington. I see no point in contacting Careline again.

I eventually got through to Linda in Houston, albeit having to choose the emergency / arrests option. I'm told that emergency travel docs can only be issued if travel is within 7 days. I dont fly to the UK until the 18th. Most frightening part though is that I'm told emergency docs are one way only and that I would have to stay in the UK until my passport is issued by Washington, or alternatively, I apply for a passport during my stay in the UK.

I'm a US permanent resident and local business owner. I would suffer considerable financial loss to my business if I had to stay in the UK for an extended period of time.

I apologize for 'hi-jacking' this thread but I'm unable to PM you as I've not posted on this site before.

Whilst the lady in Houston told me not to worry too much, and that the enquiry service is actively dealing with urgent cases on a flight date basis, I'd feel a lot more comfortable with a passport in my possession.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Passport Delays
 

Wellsej,

You'll be hearing from us soon (probably by next Thursday), so don't worry too much. If we can't process your passport on time, there are other options to the emergency travel document mentioned above. Our offices in Orlando and Los Angeles can issue a "temporary passport" which permits travel for 12 months. We'll get into these options if that becomes a possibility although it seems unlikely as the passport centre is reducing the backlog.

Dean

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Passport sent to Washington on April 9th, payment taken May5th, passport arrived June2nd....One phone call, $14....UPS overnight? NO....3 days in the system! Stress levels having canceled one flight....and arranged another one, missing Grandson's 6th birthday, my son's 30th birthday, way too much....Next time, I'll be sending passport away at least two months in advance....
Having believed them when they stated "10 days from the time your credit card is charged" never again!
British Embassy.......... GET ON IT :unsure:

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wonderful news. Great idea. Thank you. Needless to say u know my enquiries are in. Procrastination will be the death of me!!

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I've just sent away for a renewal of my passport today- cost me $225 - I'm hoping to travel July 27th or 28th...does this seem plausible? Judging by what others have said I hope so- this is my first time renewing my passport on my own- I'm 17, and this is horribly confusing!

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Good luck!!! :D
Sucks to be getting older and taking on life's little tasks.... :thumbsup:

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damn.. i knew i should have told my kids to do their own. Well I sent mine off and I know Dean said I would get charged the old rate - I got charged the new. grrrrrrrrrrrr. Oh well I suppose its one of those things. Just eat it.

I sent out a passport enquiry on Sunday, Got a call on Monday, telling me I needed to get the kids pics countersigned. Personally I thought they look pretty similar to the pics of 5 years ago. Drove home like a maniac I literally got off a Frankfurt flight called them got told what needed to be done and sent it fedex overnight. Thank god for the 75% discount we get at Fedex. Got a call tonight with a tracking number and told the passports will be issued tomorrow and sent overnight per ups. Arriving on Thursday which would be great as the kids are flying at 5.20. the same day.

My own fault. I knew they were running out and just kept putting it off. Paying for new passports really hurts. But it is what it is. So with any luck bitch one and bitch two will be up up and awaying one for the whole summer and the other for two weeks.

Big thanks to Jerry at the Passport office. That guy has one hell of a sexy voice. : )

Re: Passport Delays
 

Yes.

Dean

Re: Passport Delays
 

Sorry Deedee, they should have charged you the old rate if the application arrived before the prices went up.

I'll let Gerry know (about the voice that is).

PS. You can renew your passport up to 9 months before it expires. Any time remaining will be transferred to the new passport.

Dean

Re: Passport Delays
 

I mailed my renewal application on June 8, 2009. I procrastinated for way too long and should really have dealt with this months ago. I want to go to England this summer. Should I risk it and buy a ticket for mid-July in the hopes that my passport will arrive by then or should I buy a ticket for the end of July and risk not seeing my sister and family who I haven't seen for years as they will be travelling in August? I hate not knowing what is happening with my application and not knowing when my passport will arrive.

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Based on others and my experience......August seems to be your best bet.

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Thanks. I am kicking myself for not dealing with this earlier. I feel so stupid.

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No need to be feeling that way, I, like you thought I would have enough time when I sent mine in for renewal, I didn't, missed my Grandson's 6th birthday, my son's 30th, a good friend of mine has M S and missed his fund raiser... the list goes on....Next time, I'll be early in line to renew.
Good luck

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The uk passport website suggests that you can renew a passport at any time, but the max amount of time that can be transferred is 9 months.

http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/apply-renewing-when.asp

Are the rules different when applying abroad?

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Same thing, just a different way of saying it.

Dean

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This whole situation is a joke, someone really needs to be held accountable for this enormous mess. The BBC reports today that the UK is coming out of recession ....... I can only imagine this is because of the massive revenue the passport office has generated from all of us using their premium rate not - helpline.
I applied for my childrens passport renewals on 21st April so should have had plenty of time to meet a June 16th meeting at the US embassy. Money taken 22nd May. I've now been told it takes 20 working days from the date of money being taken. 4 weeks - are you kidding me??
I have sent numerous queries to the website and got 2 standard responses - todays being - we shall be back to normal by the time you are due to travel and if you don't hear a response by 7 days before call premium rate number. Well I called them this morning as I don't have 7 days left before next Tuesday and guess what? Nothing issued and nothing they can do - this is beyond stressful.
The worst of it is having to explain to a US immigration bod that it is the British that have screwed it up - grrrrrrrr. Rant over!
For all of you that need to travel next summer I might think about applying sometime soon!:thumbdown:

Re: Passport Delays
 

Taradem - I think you are in Canada so have you tried emailing the consulate in Ottowa? I sent my passport in around the same time as you and had nothing back so I emailed the consulate (at address below) on Sunday May 31and my passport arrived 2 days later. I am sure they did something to get it moving. Good Luck.

[email protected]

Re: Passport Delays
 

Have you seen this post? http://britishexpats.com/forum/showp...6&postcount=99

I would email Ottowa at the address CP2908 posted and drop Dean a PM asking for his help.

Good luck. :fingerscrossed:

Re: Passport Delays
 

Hmm. My money was gone on March 16th (I had to file a lost passport form too), I just called Careline and they told me that they couldn't see my application. They promised me that the embassy would call, but Abtran promised the same a few weeks back. I travel back to Manchester on June 29th. You'd have thought that if I had Fedexed my application on March 6th, I would have the passport by now wouldn't you?

Very concerned.
Mark

Re: Passport Delays
 

Ouch...3 months it does seem excessive. :eek: The embassy should pull their fingers out and make it easier for citizens to contact them.

Re: Passport Delays
 

Dean (British Consul) is very helpful, perhaps you could send him a message.
Alternatively, best thing you can do is get on to your MP in Britain and ask him or her to find out what is going on through the Foreign Office Minister.

Re: Passport Delays
 

Ok my timeline......
Jan 09 - Knew the kids passports were running out put on my things to do list. They have german ones too so what weigh up the prices and the inconvenience - German u have to go to washington and get fingerprints done, the british ones just fillout and send it...
Feb 09 - Put the paperwork in for my green card extension - the pound is up and down, the prices keep changing..kids passports put on the things to do list.
Mar 09 - Looked at a this site for "how to apply" for the passports. Kids telling me they are under no circumstances having their fotos done without the hair being done first. Hair gets done. No money for passports, Kids passports on the things to do list.
April 09 - kaskas birthday, money money money. What we doing for the summer break.Kaska wants to go to europe for the summer, kelly wants to go for two weeks... crap.. passports... Wasnt their a passport fee change? AHA pays to wait I am going to get them cheaper - kids passports on the things to do list.
May 09 - Oh crap - The things to do list still has the passport on it. Bugger British Expats are up in arms at delays, what delays? oh crap them delays, oh shite, oh crap, oh bugger.. the to do list is laughing at me!!
May 10th . send the passport application off, go to fedex forget the address, double crap, phone Bitch from Hell Number one. Please tell me the address that is on the table that I forogt, what paper? the paper on the table? what table? i swear by god if i could have put my hand down the phone and throttled her I would have. Fedex let me use the pc to find the address. Wrote address, Mrs Fedex looks at me and says what state is Washington dc in... is this a trick question? It must be, gotta be. No one is that bloody stupid..
May 20... decide to go into pc and track passports did they arrive? They did, may 13.
May 21, 22, 23, 24,25,26 check if money has gone out of credit card.No money out ... oh pissy pants.
May 28 - kids u might not be going on holiday. Kids - mama u %^&% up. now i would never admit to it.. but that to do list.... hmmm
Jun 3 Money has left the credit card. They have my money, must be a good sign, my moneys gone, no passports but the money has gone.
June 7 read on British expats from Dean and enquiery service. Fill out the form and press send.
June 8. Land in Detroit . Mr Sexy Voice (swoon) calls and tells me I need pics countersigned. They are countersigned .. no NOT FROM UR HUSBAND..i know he had a point but u know a girl got to do what a girls got to do. He is a cop doenst that make him an honest law abiding citizen?? The girls look the same.. no they dont look the same they were 10 and 12 when they had the pics done.. they look the same they do.. i know i live with them.. grrrr.. get the photos done and back to me ...ok submission.. He is right i am wrong.Drive 98 miles an hour on the highway. I swear if the cops had pulled me over i would have said Gerry told me to... : )
June 9 - Gerry calls.. oh let me go into my own quiet space to purr...... Tells me the passports will be sent out on 10 will arrive on 11..
June 10 - Passports arrive....

big BIG BIG BIG THANK YOU.

My to do list has been destroyed!!

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Lucky you! (Although I am sorry for your stress)

My update - I have just had a phonecall from a very lovely lady called Claire at the British Consulate in Ottawa. No promises but she has said she will get back to me today. As this really is the 11th hour now I do hope so.

I have also been in touch with Dean who remains hopeful but no sign as yet.
Good luck everyone!