Transfer ILR stamp from old to new passport

[DoctorJellybean]

Now that I have a new SA passport, I need to transfer the ILR stamp from the old passport to the new one. There is no way I'm going to Croydon, the queues are never ending.

Which offices or departments of the Home Office can do that? I can then try and see if there are any nearer to me (Derby).

P.S. I've just realised that this post is prob better suited in the UK forum. Please move if necessary.

[DoctorJellybean]

Well, according to the UK Border Agency, there is a fee payable to have the stamp transferred: £160 for a postal application and £500 for an application made in person. The last time I did that, there was no charge.

However, it does state that

You can transfer your visa to a new passport, although this is not necessary, provided you carry both passports when travelling. You do not need to have your residence permit (known as leave to remain) transferred to your new passport but you can do this if you wish.

If you do not have it transferred to your new passport, you should carry both your old passport and your new passport when you travel to the United Kingdom, as evidence of your resident status.

It is cheaper just to carry the old passport with me

[Joytjie]

I was gonna say I think there's a branch in solihull, but like you said it ain't free, so you'll make do with the passports for another year.:)I know i'm doing the same, and yes it'll be a las, but come on £160 to t'fer a sticker, do me a favour.

[DoctorJellybean]

You're right, there is one in Solihull. However, as the stamp is an ILR, I'm quite happy to carry the old passport for the next 10 years!

[Steve]

You aren't planning on applying for citizenship? (if you don't mind me asking :) )

[DoctorJellybean]

I did consider it, but at £795 (and rising) for a citizenship application, I think I stay as I'm for a while longer. Besides, being on the wrong side of 50, I can't see me gaining much by doing so.

[Steve]

That's a good point. Although I always wanted to get m UK passport and when it came time for me to apply, my work required me to travel to Europe at short notice. So I didn't havea choice then - but it only(!) cost £500 for everything. At that time the actual naturalisation application was £375. The test, checking service, private ceremony and passport fees making up the rest.

[Joytjie]

I'll say it again- can anyone say cashcow, it's an easy way for the gov. to make cash because we'll either like it or lump it. But it is a good point at the rising point of the naturalisation etc. it's worth weighing the pros and cons, however, if you're going to travel consider visas at £60+ a pop and if you're doing more than 10 even over the while you'd need then it's worth considering.....

[DoctorJellybean]

Ah yes, but it hurts less to pay £60 per visa than £500+ in one go

I should have done it years ago, when it was £180 lol.

[Steve]

You can add in the hassle with forms and everything that goes with them and maybe taking the odd day off work to go queue at a consulate.

[DoctorJellybean]

I have to say that twice now I've applied for a Schengen visa through Belgian consulate, as I were going to Belgium. Both times were postal applications, and they went without a hitch. Think I'll stick to visiting Belgium lol.