The UK Border Agency is changing the way it returns documents to applicants under European law. This affects new applications submitted on or after Monday 17 January 2011 using forms EEA1, EEA2, EEA3, EEA4 or FRMS.

If they want their documents returned by a Royal Mail 'signed for' service, applicants will need to enclose a pre-paid, self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery (or Recorded Signed For delivery) envelope with their application. The pre-paid envelope should be able to accommodate the size and weight of the documents, and should be insured to the appropriate level. See the Royal Mail website for more information.

If there is no pre-paid envelope, documents will be returned using Royal Mail 2nd class post.

Passports returned before a case is concluded so the person can travel abroad, will also be sent via the pre-paid envelope.

For applications received and acknowledged before 17 January, documents will be returned by Recorded Delivery (unless a pre-paid Special Delivery envelope is provided).