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Guidance

British subject status: caseworker guidance

Tells HM Passport Office staff how to deal with passport applications for customers who hold British subject status.

Updates to this page

From:
HM Passport Office
Published:
23 August 2021
Last updated:
22 September 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated the guidance throughout; a full list of the changes can be found in the section "Changes from last version of this guidance".

  2. Updated the British subject status guidance, a full list of changes can be found in the guide.

  3. This guidance has been updated to clarify when British Subject status is lost, and when to request a Form E when processing a renewal or replacement application; explain how a customer who is otherwise stateless may be entitled to, or eligible to register for, British subject status; change terminology from ‘overseas’ to ‘international’ in relation to applications and customers; and remove references to Application Management System (AMS).

  4. Updated the guidance to version 15.0.

  5. Added version 10.0 of this guidance. Updates include information on checking if a customer has valid leave (permission) to be in the UK when deciding what UK immigration observation to use.

  6. Accessible version added.

  7. First published.

Documents

British subject status (accessible)

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Details

This guidance tells HM Passport Office operational staff:

  • about British subject nationality status
  • how people get British subject status
  • how to deal with passport applications for British subjects
  • when British subject status is lost

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