Applying for your first UK passport
If you have been granted British Citizenship, then you will be eligible to apply for a UK passport, this is the last step in the journey that many American’s make to become a British Citizen.
Our attorneys offer assistance with applications for British Passports, get in touch on +1 844 290 6312 for immediate help and assistance.
Applying for your first British passport
For Americans who have gone through the lengthy process of becoming a British citizen, applying for a UK passport is often the final step in their immigration journey. If you have recently become a British Citizen, applying for a UK passport will be the easiest way to prove your status as a citizen of the United Kingdom once you have naturalized.
UK passports can confirm your British citizenship status and be used to prove your right to work and rent in the UK, as well as entitlement to benefits. Your passport will also act as a travel document that will allow you to travel in and out of the UK without being subject to immigration controls. If you have dual British and U.S nationality, you can hold both a British and U.S passport at the same time.
How can I apply?
There are several ways that you can apply for a British passport. You can apply online using forms that are available on the UK government website, or you can also apply using a paper form that you can get from many post offices across the United Kingdom.
If you are applying for your British passport whilst you are in the USA you will need to apply using the online application forms, once you have completed the forms you will need to print and send them to Her Majesty’s passport office alongside your supporting documents.
To apply you must fill in the passport application form and will also need to submit evidence to support your application, you may also be required to attend an interview.
Required documents
When applying for your UK passport, there are various documents that you will need to submit alongside your application to prove your eligibility. All of the documents you must submit must be original copies.
The supporting evidence you need will vary depending on your particular circumstances, but some of the documents you will be expected to provide include:
- Your birth or adoption certificate
- Your naturalization or registration certificate
- The passport you used to come to the UK
- You may also need to provide details of your parent’s immigration status
- Two passport-sized photos
It’s important that you submit all of the correct required information, our lawyers can explain exactly what you will need to submit according to your situation and can help you to gather them.
Your supporting documents will be sent back to you with your passport, you can choose the type of delivery that you would like when you apply.
Getting a counter-signatory
One of the most important parts of your passport application is your counter-signatory. A counter-signatory is someone who can confirm your identity. They will need to have known you for at least two years and must confirm that all the details you have given in your application are correct to their knowledge.
Your counter-signatory must also:
- Be a UK or Irish citizen, and currently living in the UK
- Be a professional person or be recognized as “a person of good standing in their community”
- Not be related to you by birth or marriage, nor in a personal relationship with you
- Not be living at your address
- Not be working for the Home Office
The passport interview
Once you have made your application, you may be asked to attend an interview, which is intended to confirm your identity. The interview usually takes around 30 minutes and during this, you could be asked basic questions about yourself such as your name and address. You could also be asked questions about your children, parents or partner.
If you need to attend an interview the Home Office will write to you to inform you about this.
How can IAS help?
Applying for your first UK passport can be difficult, as it’s important that you fill in the complex application form correctly otherwise the application could be delayed or you could be refused your passport. Our lawyers will make applying easy.
Our lawyers offer an Application Package to help their clients throughout each step of citizenship applications. With this service, one of our lawyers can help you to fill in the application form, check that all of the information is accurate and can also make sure that you have all the supporting evidence that you will require. With the help of our expert lawyers applying for your passport will be simple, and you will have the best chance of success. Our lawyers will also always be on hand to answer any questions you may have in relation to your application.
To learn more about how our lawyers can help you with your UK passport application, contact them today on +1844 290 6312.
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Last modified on June 17th, 2023 at 7:43 am
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Frequently Asked Questions
The cost for UK passport applications varies depending on how you apply, the current costs are as follows:
Online applications: £82.50
Paper applications: £93
It will cost more than this if you are applying from the USA as you will need to also pay a courier fee to have your application delivered to Her Majesty’s passport office.
For more information about UK passport applications, get in touch today on +1844 290 6312.
It can take up to 8 weeks for passport applications to be processed and for you to receive your UK passport. This could be delayed if If you need a British passport urgently, you may be able to get one using a premium service. The premium service is available for those who need to travel for compassionate reasons or work or if you need to prove who you are for something such as a mortgage. To use this service you will need to book an appointment at a passport office.
If you plan to visit somewhere outside of the UK, you should only make your travel arrangements once you have received your new passport as you will have a new passport number.
Once your application has been processed and accepted your passport will be sent to you by courier or recorded delivery.
To get started on your UK passport application, contact our lawyers now on +1844 290 6312.
An adult British passport is valid for 10 years, to use it after this time you will need to renew it. It’s also worth noting that to travel to some countries you will need at least 6 months validity left on your passport.
You can apply for a new passport online or via a paper form at a post office. If applying online it will usually take around 3 weeks for you to receive your new British passport, it will take longer if you choose to apply by post.
If you have any questions about the passport renewal process, our attorneys will be happy to answer them, simply get in touch on +1844 290 6312.
If your child is also a British Citizen then they will be eligible for a UK passport, if they are a U.S. citizen then they will not be eligible. To apply for a UK passport for your child you will need to apply on their behalf. You will also need to give details about both parents of the child.
It’s worth noting that a children’s British passport is only valid for 5 years, so will need to be renewed sooner than your own.
If your child is not a British Citizen our lawyers can advise you on the immigration options that may be available for you to register your child as a UK citizen, for more information contact our team today on +1844 290 6312.
Yes, you can apply for a UK passport whilst you are in the U.S. You will still need to have received your British Citizenship certificate before you can apply and you will have to follow an alternative process that you can access on the UK government website.
To find out more about applying for your UK passport whilst in the United States, speak to our lawyers today by calling +1844 290 6312.
There are many complexities when it comes to applying for a British passport but the most important information that you need to know is as follows:
- You must be a British Citizen to be able to apply
- You can apply online using the form on the UK government website or with a paper form from a post office, and you can also apply from outside of the country
- When applying you will need your British Citizen certificate, a photo and your current passport
- Any errors in your application could mean processing delays at Her Majesty’s passport office
- Your British passport will be valid for 10 years, after this you will need to renew it