Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill has stated the New UK Online Passport renewal service “is a key part of the Home Office’s drive to transform the way we deliver our services through digitisation. It is designed to improve efficiency and convenience by providing a modern and secure service to millions of passport holders and applicants.” From June 2017, UK customers and British Citizens are able to apply for passport renewal online, through the new UK Passport Renewal Service, once they meet certain criteria.
Lengthy passport applications will gradually be fully replaced with a new UK Online Passport renewal service. The Home Office intends to improve customer services by allowing applicants to apply for a passport online by submitting a suitable digital photo from their smartphone or tablet. It is important to note, a ‘selfie’ photograph will not be accepted and will not be allowed to be submitted with the application. A photo needs to be taken from a distance of approximately 1.5 metres, in order to satisfy the criteria. Furthermore, the Home Office is also promising to make the average time for the application process 10 minutes to complete.
The Criteria for Applicants using the UK Online Passport Renewal Service
Initially, this new UK Online Passport service was only available to a certain number of customers in order to check if it would be quicker and easier process. As of June 2017, this online service is now open to all customers who would like to renew their passport, if they meet particular criteria.
According to the Home Office, one must meet the following criteria, where the applicant:
- is age 26 or over residing in the UK;
- does not hold dual nationality;
- is in possession of their current passport (it must not be damaged, lost or stolen);
- they will not be making any changes to their name; and
- the passport that is being renewed has expired after 2012.
Digitising Passport Applications for UK Online Passport Renewal Service
The Home Office intends to fully implement this UK Online Passport service by 2020. However, in the meantime, UK customers and British citizens currently living abroad are still able to complete most of their application and payments online. The UK Online Passport service will eradicate the need for customers to print, sign and send their supporting documents along with their photographs to the HM Passport Office.
Once the full online UK Passport Service is available, customers will only need to worry about posting their old passport to the Home Office, everything else concerning the passport application is dealt with online. Any applicant wishing to complete this online process will be able to check and track the progress of their application at any time.
Using Legal Representation to Submit a UK Online Passport Renewal Application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully Apply to Renew your Passport using Online Passport Renewal Service
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you on the proper collection of your required documents and help you satisfy the eligibility criteria for your application.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.