I've just received my UK passport today. Went to the Consul in Taguig to pick it up. It took me a year and five months of passport processing in total. So in lieu of that, as a celebration of some sort, I just wish to share my experiences and knowledge regarding UK passport applications from the Philippines. This is so that other applicants from the Philippines would get an idea. There are still a lot that are clueless when it comes to this, so I hope this would give a bit of clarity. -------- 1. There are two types of UK citizenship that grants the bearer 'Right of Abode (Right to live and work in the UK freely)' and privilege to obtain a UK passport. a. British otherwise than by descent (Born and raised in the UK or Naturalised UK citizen) b. British by descent (British citizenship is obtained from the parents) Aside from descriptions above, the main difference between A and B is that A allows you to pass UK citizenship to your children even if they aren't born in the UK. B does not. 2. You apply for a UK passport online. You pay through debit card/credit card. https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports 3. There are two main stages in passport processing. First is eligibility check in Liverpool. Second is document security check in Bangkok. a. Eligibility check - They check your UK citizenship status, lineage, parents' marital status, history, etc. b. Document Security check- They check the NSO Birth Certificate, Medical Records, etc. 4. The average processing time for a first-time application from the Philippines is around 8 to 10 months based from what I've gathered from other applicants I spoke with, information I've gathered online, and and from someone I know personally who works in HMPO. Unless you wish to believe the 6 months in the HMPO website, then be my guest. Renewals take about 2 to 3 months. 5. It is very likely that HMPO will ask for additional documents or DNA testing. Especially if the case is not straight-forward. For example... a. Parents are not married. b. Parents are not together anymore. c. One parent has passed away. d. A parent has a criminal record. e. A parent's occupation/job is on the 'adult entertainment' category. 6. The cost of DNA testing would be shouldered by the applicant. 7. Consular Birth Registry is not mandatory but it does help a lot. ----------- These are the ones I could think of right now. I'll try to add more next time. If you know other information that is not yet listed here (and is uncommon or cannot be found in the HMPO website but is beneficial), or other things you've experienced regarding UK passport application from the Philippines (or overseas) in general, then just post it up. Cheers!
Good news, congratulations, I bet you're a happy chap, especially after such a long and difficult journey.
Congrats Knightstrike. Can i ask would my stepson be able to get british passport on the things you know, like his father is a british citizen but they was never married and his name is on his NSO birth cert and say his father is british citizen and my wife has all her son documents from hosptial and photos of son with father when born in hosptial, thanks for any help you can give.
1. Is the mother also/already a British citizen? If yes, then the mother can pass UK citizenship with no problem. There's no need for the father. 2. Does your stepson or the mother still has communication with the father? If yes, it makes things easier. The answer though is yes, your son is eligible for a British passport. Though, it won't be a straight-forward case. HMPO most likely would ask a lot of questions and would request for several documents. I reckon an interview with your wife is almost guaranteed. There's also chance that they would require a DNA test. Just be prepared for a long passport processing. During the interview (when HMPO demands it), just tell your wife to explain the situation clearly. Best of luck! Thanks Timmers. I was jolly, drinking and having fun with friends and family a while ago. But now I feel like, its nothing special anymore. It took me almost two years and I should be happier, but its not the case. It quickly lost its luster for me. I like things that are hard to obtain. But once I have it, I easily lose interest.
Well, the British passport will enable you to visit more countries than any other passport including the US passport, cant be all bad, I'm sure you'll make good use of it soon, the world is now your oyster as they say
Thanks. But right now I'm having a dilemma. But the good kind. I don't know where to go next. I've got a job offer in the US, Canada, Australia, NZ, and in the UK. And I've got to respond soon. Still weighing each of them... Funny, just months ago I was stuck here in the Philippines with limited options. I tried to apply for jobs in Singapore, but couldn't get any. And now I'm having this problem. Funny how the world works...
Well done @knightstrike You are now a new man with a new mission and can forget the problem you have had for 18 months.
The best advice I can offer is to have a job you love. Not too many folks are lucky enough to choose. I had a job I really loved for 35 years Good luck with assessing your options
Well done knightstrike You are young enough (and single) to try something and to not worry if it doesn't work. While you are trying things you can observe redheads at the same time
Congratulations fellow Brit ! I was in the Embassy at Taguig myself last month, doing my free to marry affirmation stuff. All very straightforward. Next, procure a British passport for my new little boy. My name is on his birth certificate, duly signed by myself and witnessed by the Obstetrician who delivered him. I'm also married to his mother now.
Thanks. I don't know if I can call myself a Brit yet though. My ways are still very much Pinoy. lol. Then it will be very easy for your son. Not much hassle. It's possible that the 16 weeks listed on the HMPO website would be applicable for him and you. What a bright future ahead for your son. Complete and happy family plus a UK citizenship to boot. All the best!
