Those applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Tier 2 Points-Based System in the UK will receive their passports, and their Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), back before a decision has been made on their application under a new service which launches today, 6 May 2014.

The passport return service launched as a pilot in July of last year for applicants in the Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (ICT) route. Feedback in response to the pilot was positive and encouraged expansion in to other routes.

The passport return service will allow Tier 2 (ILR) applicants to have their passport and BRP returned within 7 - 10 days of their application being created by the Home Office. Having both passport and BRP will allow applicants to travel whilst their application is being considered.

Customers applying under this category are reminded that applications may be submitted up to 28 days before current leave expires.

Passports and BRPs will be returned automatically to applicants; they do not need to request its return.