If you wish to travel internationally, getting a British passport is a very essential document. Be it a vacation plan or business visit, studies, or simply to have identification, you can explore the world by obtaining a passport. This process can be time taking and can make you stressed if you are not prepared well in advance. Getting the right information and advice at the right time can make this whole process easier for the applicant.

We are here to take you through the process and information on requirements and the steps you need to follow to complete the British passport application successfully. Some applicants get their British Citizenship revoked because of not knowing or following the right steps. Read this full article to make sure you don’t be one of them.

Benefits of getting a British Passport

On the personal as well as professional ground, a British passport has multiple benefits that you must consider before applying for it. It can open many doors for you and you can explore many different aspects internationally.

Here are some of those benefits:

• You can travel to over 180 Countries without a visa including the USA, Canada, and many places in Europe.
• You will have to work, live and study in the UK
• It gives you access to world class National Health Services
• A quality life

Eligibility Criteria for the British Passport

Make sure you know all the eligibility requirements for a British passport before starting with the application process. Attaching the original document is mandatory, photocopies are not entertained by the government. There are different cases to apply for a British passport. Like, proof of at least one of your parents immigration status if you were born in the UK after 1983, certificate of naturalisation if you were born outside the UK, your birth certificate and other supporting documents.

The documents you are submitting, required to be in English, if it is not already.

Assemble all the documents required

After confirming your eligibility, it’s time to gather all the documents as per your circumstances.

Application Form: Application form is available online on the UK government website or you can get one from a post office. Fill the form in detail with all the required information in detail. 

Proof of Citizenship: Provide your birth certificate, naturalisation certificate, or registration certificate as an evidence of your British citizenship. 

Proof of Identity: Identity proof is a must represent document. As a proof of identity, you can show a driving licence or any other photo ID issued by the government or any current passport if you have one.

Supporting Documents: Depending on your situation, you may need to present some additional documents like marriage certificate, or adoption certificate.

• Passport Photo Guidelines

The photo you will attach in the application form, needs to qualify a specific requirement. Check the preferred size of the photo mentioned on the official site. It must be in colour, and the face should be clear and front facing with both eyes open. The background of the photo must be solid and light in colour.

• Choose the Correct Application Route

There are several routes for the application process. As per your preference, you can select from, standard, fast track, and premium. 

Standard category takes around 3-6 weeks to process, and fast track and premium has some additional charges and you can make your processing time shorter by choosing these categories.

• Complete the Online Application

Most of the applicants prefer filling applications online as it is convenient and straightforward. All the information is available on the UK government official site. Double, triple check all the information before submitting  the form to avoid the error which eventually can cause the delay in your application.

• Pay the Application Fee

Depending on different cases, the cost of a British passport application will vary and if it is your first passport or new one. You can make the payment online using credit or debit card. Keep your cards with you while filling the form.

• Submit the Application

When you are done with your application process and making the payment, you need to upload the documents required in the suggested format and also upload the passport photo. You can send the application via mail or through the post office or a local passport office. Make sure you are following all the instructions given in the form and provide all the asked documents.

• Processing Time

You have submitted the application and your side of work is complete. Now, the home office will process and you will have to wait. The home office takes time to verify your details, documents and every other detail. It takes time depending on the number of applications received and the time of the year it is.

• Track Your Application

After your form submission, you can track the progress of your application using the application reference number provided while submitting your application. Through this, you can get an idea of the time it will take to process your passport application.

• Collecting Your Passport

When all the details will be verified and there will be no error or any other problem, your passport will be approved. You will get notified by the Home office on approval of your new passport. If you opt for the premium category, your application will be processed faster and you can receive your passport by courier. 

Conclusion

Getting a passport is still an easy process if you understand the criteria and requirements well. In case you don’t want to take charge and make the whole process smoother, consult an immigration solicitor. They know the process, they understand the complexities and can suggest the best thing to proceed.