Applying for Child first UK passport from Thailand, do they keep the original docs?

[Millian]

Does anybody know if they keep all the original docs, including parents passports?

I also need to apply for wife's UK Visa, and wondering if we can apply at the same time? However, If they keep some of the original socs from Passport application, not sure if that's possible? 

[CharlieH]

Who is "they" that you are referring to ? Generally, if original docs are required, they are returned.

[Millian]

VFS Global, the company that processes Visa and passport applications on behalf of the UK government.

 

Are the original docs sent to UK, or are they returned at the time of application? 

[brewsterbudgen]

For the child's first passport, the originals are checked by VFS (Bangkok or Chiang Mai) and then returned, including any passports. 

 

Obviously for your wife's visa, they take her passport.

[KannikaP]

On 4/17/2025 at 2:43 PM, Millian said:

Does anybody know if they keep all the original docs, including parents passports?

I also need to apply for wife's UK Visa, and wondering if we can apply at the same time? However, If they keep some of the original socs from Passport application, not sure if that's possible? 

How can they keep the parent's passports. Do you mean just while the application is going through.

[KannikaP]

Slightly off topic, but relevant. My son in Dubai is renewing his 5 year old daughter's passport, online....no silly VFS involved.

He had to nominate someone who has known HIM for over 2 years, and sent them MY email. I subsequently got an email from HMPO which I started to fill in, only to find that a family member is not acceptable. An airline pilot...chiropodist, dentist, funeral director, journalist, pub licensee!, nurse, optician, Sally Army Officer, surveyor, nurse, photographer, trade union officer or travel agent are all OK, working or retired. 

Professions that are not accepted

You cannot confirm someone’s identity if you:

are a doctor, unless you state you know the applicant well (for example they’re a good friend) and you recognise them easily from their photo.

How silly can it get?

Luckily we know a Travel Agent.