Hello

I'm about to submit the EEA4 application. My main concern is that I will need my passport for frequent travel whilst the application is being processed (say 6 months).

In previous posts it has been suggested to send initially only notarised photocopies of the passports, and ask Home Office (HO) to request the original passports when about to issue the application. However, from the HO help line it seems this is likely to be rejected (called 5 times to speak to different people).

1) Has anyone succeeded / failed sending initially only passport photocopies?

2) Alternatively, how long could take to send the application and get the passports back? (I'm guessing 3-4 weeks for the acknowledgement and then 2-3 weeks for the return of passport, in the sunny day scenario).

3) And worst case scenario, is it possible to request in person the passport on the HO offices (Croydon?)?

Thanks in advance

 

I have just seen a previous post on this subject

http://www.easyexpat.com/forums/ftopic_15558.htm

Is there anyone else that can share their experience or thoughts

 

I've contacted by two more people via private message and they have had a positive experience sending certified copies.

Anyone wants to share their experience sending certified copies?

 

Quick update...

I have recently submitted my EEA4 application with certified copies of passports. After 10 days I received the Certificate of Application. Hopefuly this means that the application was initially accepted with just only the passport copies.

The Home Office website says they are currently processing Feb 2008 applications. Either this info is not up to date, or they are not generally meeting the 6 months deadline.