Is Your Passport Stuck ‘Under Review’? The Typical Wait Time and When to Worry
Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review? If your passport application status on the Passport Seva portal shows “Under Review” for days or even weeks, you’re not alone. Many applicants—especially in Delhi, Gurgaon, and other metro regions—face this situation after police verification.
In this post, we’ll explain what “Under Review” actually means, how long it normally takes, common reasons for delays, and what steps you can take if your passport seems stuck.
🕵️♀️ What Does “Under Review” Mean in Passport Processing? Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
The status “Under Review” appears after police verification is complete and your file has been forwarded to the Regional Passport Office (RPO).
At this stage, your application is being carefully checked by passport officials before final approval.
This review ensures:
- Your police report is marked “Clear.”
- All documents match your application details.
- There are no errors or mismatched information.
- The RPO has verified your identity and address.
In simple terms, “Under Review” means your passport is in its final verification stage before printing and dispatch.
⏱️ Typical “Under Review” Wait Time : Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
Processing time varies by location and the type of application. Below is the average wait time seen across major RPOs like Delhi, Gurgaon, Lucknow, and Mumbai.
| Application Type | Average Under Review Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Passport (Fresh) | 10–25 working days | Can take longer if address verification is complex |
| Normal Passport (Reissue) | 7–15 working days | Usually faster than new applications |
| Tatkal Passport | 2–5 working days | Delays possible if any verification flag |
| Minor / PCC Linked Files | 10–20 working days | May take extra time due to parental checks |
📍 Delhi RPO often takes 2–3 weeks because of the high volume of applications and detailed manual scrutiny.
⚠️ When Should You Start Worrying? : Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
It’s normal for your file to stay “Under Review” for up to 15–20 working days.
However, if your application shows no movement beyond 20 days after police verification, it’s time to act.
Here’s a clear step-by-step approach:
1️⃣ Check Status Daily : Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
Go to passportindia.gov.in → “Track Application Status.”
Enter your File Number and Date of Birth.
Ensure the Police Verification shows as Clear.
2️⃣ Email the Regional Passport Office (RPO) : Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
Send a polite email to your RPO (e.g., rpo.delhi@mea.gov.in) with:
- File Number
- Applicant Name & DOB
- Police Verification date
- Short message about delay (e.g., “Under Review for 22 days after clear police verification”)
RPOs usually respond within a few days.
3️⃣ Escalate to the Passport Grievance Cell : Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
If there’s no reply, raise a complaint on CPGRAMS under the Ministry of External Affairs or call 1800-258-1800.
Grievance cells often push pending files faster once flagged.
4️⃣ Visit the RPO in Person : Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
For urgent travel or if your file is stuck beyond 25 days, visit your RPO (e.g., Delhi RPO, Trikoot Bhawan, R.K. Puram) with your acknowledgment and police clearance proof.
🧩 Common Reasons for “Under Review” Delays : Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
- Police report not uploaded digitally
- The verification might be complete on paper but not updated online.
- Address mismatch or incomplete documentation
- Even minor variations between Aadhaar and rental proof can cause re-verification.
- Manual review required by APO/RPO
- Name changes, damaged passports, or special cases often need manual approval.
- High RPO workload
- Heavy volumes during festivals or government audits can slow processing.
- Data inconsistency
- Small spelling or date mismatches may trigger a hold for cross-verification.
💡 Pro Tips to Speed Up the Process : Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
✅ Ensure address proof, Aadhaar, and police verification address match perfectly.
✅ If you live on rent, provide a Landlord Affidavit or Registered Rent Agreement.
✅ Keep a soft copy of your Police Verification Acknowledgment handy.
✅ Always use polite follow-up emails—officers respond better to clear, concise requests.
✅ Visit the RPO early in the day (before 11 AM) for better queue management.
📅 How Long Is Too Long? : Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
- Normal Passport: Follow up if “Under Review” exceeds 20 working days.
- Tatkal Passport: Follow up after 5 working days if no update.
- Reissue / Renewal: Escalate beyond 15 working days delay.
Proactive communication and early escalation usually result in faster clearance.
✅ Final Thoughts : Is Your Passport Stuck Under Review?
Being stuck with an “Under Review” passport status can be stressful, especially when travel dates are approaching.
However, in most cases, this stage is routine and resolves within 2–3 weeks after police verification.
If it’s taking too long, don’t panic — just follow the escalation path step-by-step. A polite reminder or email to your RPO can often get your file moving again.
📞 Need Help With Passport Delays?
If your passport is under review for too long or you’re unsure how to escalate, contact Passport Agent Gurgaon for assistance.
Our experts can help you:
- Check the real-time file status
- Draft escalation emails
- Guide you through verification or affidavit formalities
📍 Passport Agent Gurgaon | Call: 9968875644
Expert help for Tatkal, Normal, and Police-Verified Passports in Delhi NCR.
