Return of Passport

[jlags90]

Hi Everyone!

Here I am again trying to be positive
I need your thoughts about this matter.

As most of you knew, I have applied for my FLR(M) last August. Until now, I have no information/communication whatsoever from UKBA. I haven't even received a letter for me to do my Biometrics appointment. Out of boredom and distress, we (David and I) decided that I will study online to pass time and hopefully start another career path. I can't stand doing nothing while waiting for UKBA's decision - it's absolutely ridiculous!

So I have started my online course and it is going along smoothly. Never mind the money. I wanted to sit my CBT on March 4 (the nearest exam date) so everything is still fresh.

However, I would need photographic ID to be able to take the exam (this is where the trouble is!). All I have was my passport. Do you think it would be worth risking getting my passport from the UKBA so I could take the exam and hopefully start another paper as soon as possible? Or, will it lengthen the already long appplication process and increase the risk of them losing my documents?

Thank for your help.

[raynaputi]

I think you would risk your application if you try to get your passport back. It's okay if you are only trying to get your sponsor's passport. It's very unlikely that UKBA would allow to return your passport for identification purposes only for an exam without withdrawing your application. I have read some stories that a caseworker has tagged an application withdrawn when an applicant asked his/her documents back even if he/she pointed out that application won't be withdrawn. Be very careful.

[vernier caliper]

Hi Jlags.

Asking for the return of your passport before your application to remain in the UK is decided

If you need your passport for identification reasons (to open a bank account, for example) before we decide your application, we will return your passport. You should send your passport back to us as soon as you have used it to confirm your identity. We will not be able to decide the outcome of your application until you have returned it to us. This may delay our decision on your application.
If you ask for your passport back so you can travel outside the Common Travel Area, your application will automatically be withdrawn when we return it to you. If you decide not to travel and you still want to remain in the UK, you will need to apply again and pay a new fee.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/vi...-and-passport/

Try to find a photocopy or scan copy of your passport, they may accept it. How about providing government IDs or license from the Philippines (i.e. PRC, SSS, OWWA, LTO, NBI, etc)?

[melovesengland]

I think you would risk your application if you try to get your passport back. It's okay if you are only trying to get your sponsor's passport. It's very unlikely that UKBA would allow to return your passport for identification purposes only for an exam without withdrawing your application. I have read some stories that a caseworker has tagged an application withdrawn when an applicant asked his/her documents back even if he/she pointed out that application won't be withdrawn. Be very careful.

I agree on what rayna said Jay. It may put your immigration status at risk so be careful. I would suggest for you to ask for a list of photo i.d. from your online school and inform them the identification cards you have at the moment. That might help.

[jlags90]

I think you would risk your application if you try to get your passport back. It's okay if you are only trying to get your sponsor's passport. It's very unlikely that UKBA would allow to return your passport for identification purposes only for an exam without withdrawing your application. I have read some stories that a caseworker has tagged an application withdrawn when an applicant asked his/her documents back even if he/she pointed out that application won't be withdrawn. Be very careful.

Hi Jlags.

Asking for the return of your passport before your application to remain in the UK is decided

If you need your passport for identification reasons (to open a bank account, for example) before we decide your application, we will return your passport. You should send your passport back to us as soon as you have used it to confirm your identity. We will not be able to decide the outcome of your application until you have returned it to us. This may delay our decision on your application.
If you ask for your passport back so you can travel outside the Common Travel Area, your application will automatically be withdrawn when we return it to you. If you decide not to travel and you still want to remain in the UK, you will need to apply again and pay a new fee.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/vi...-and-passport/

Try to find a photocopy or scan copy of your passport, they may accept it. How about providing government IDs or license from the Philippines (i.e. PRC, SSS, OWWA, LTO, NBI, etc)?

I agree on what rayna said Jay. It may put your immigration status at risk so be careful. I would suggest for you to ask for a list of photo i.d. from your online school and inform them the identification cards you have at the moment. That might help.

Thank you Rayna, Vernier and Novie for your valuable opinions. I have discussed the issue with my tutor and she told me to scan all the IDs I have at hand (BIR, PhilHealth, School ID, PRC) so they can check it against their list of accepted Photo IDs. She also told me that if ever they can't accept those IDs, I would be allowed to sit my exam on a later date (once my visa is all settled --- that I do not know when) but it would mean delay in progressing to the next paper.