Apply for a British Passport
A British citizen is entitled to a British passport. Let us help you apply for a British Passport.
There is a misconception that applying for a British passport is possible after having been granted indefinite leave to remain. But this is not so; you must be or you must have become a British citizen to qualify for a British Passport.
A British passport application is not an “immigration” application, like an application for a visa; it is an administrative application, and not an application for British citizenship. It is not made to the Home Office; it is made to HM Passport Agency. If the applicant can prove that they are indeed a British citizen then they can, generally speaking, expect the application to be successful.
Adults and children can apply to HM Passport Agency for a British passport. In most cases the application is made within the UK but in some cases it can be made outside the UK. It sometimes happens, for example, that a child has been born outside the UK and lives outside the UK but one or more parents is a British citizen and the child is also a British citizen and can thus apply for a passport. Such an application is called an application for an overseas British passport, but the passport that is issued is the same as that issued in the UK.
A British citizen may also be able to apply for a passport renewal or replacement from outside the UK.
Apply for a British Passport for a child born abroad
We can also identify if children are automatically British following a detailed assessment and can apply for their first British Passport.
Requirements for a British Passport
The first requirement, as stated above, is to be a British Citizen.
You will need to submit relevant documents to support your British passport application which can vary based on your circumstances such as whether you were born before or after 1st January 1983 and if whether you were born in or outside the UK.
Passport applications require qualifying referees. If the application is based on parentage (as with a child’s application) then appropriate evidence of this needs to be submitted with the application. The applicant may also need to prove where they were born.
The application if made in the UK can be made either online or by post. The application process may involve an “identity interview” with HM Passport Agency. This is so that they can satisfy themselves that the applicant is who they say they are. An overseas British passport application, and especially if it is made by a child, is relatively complex, because there are more aspects to prove.
How to apply for a British passport
You can apply for your passport Online or by completing a paper form. It is cheaper to apply online and quicker. Another way to apply is through the Post Office Check and send service. This is the cheapest and easiest way to apply since the application wizard will guide you through each step of the process, this option is slightly more costly.
Can I change my name on my British Passport?
It is important to complete your British Passport application form with the name on your documentation, if you want to have a different name on your British Passport, you should change your name on your documentation and then apply for British Passport.
Who can be my referee/countersignatory?
You need to provide two referees. A referee will confirm your identity to His Majesty’s Passport Office. The referees should have known you for a minimum of three years. And a referee can not be related to you.
How much are UK Passport fees?
This depends on whether it is an online application or paper application, whether it is for a child or an adult, and whether it is for a “standard” or “frequent traveller” passport.
The fees vary between £66.50 and £129.50.
Contact us now to apply for your British Passport
We can advise you about the requirements for referees / counter-signatories. If the proposed person does not meet the requirements then the application is likely to be unsuccessful. We can also advise you about the other evidential requirements which, in some cases, are onerous.
Our aim is to submit your application smoothly and in addition provide up to date information at all times. This way you do not need to keep up to date with the HM Passport changes.
We remain available during and after the submission of your application and until your British Passport comes through.
We will work hard and diligently and advise you fully on your application. This ensures you have the best chance of success.
Call now and speak to us and discover for yourself that we are the right Immigration Lawyers in London, or Harrow, for you. Alternatively, you can Email us on info@gsnimmigration.co.uk
