Thanks for the input guys, especially BackPacker. You got me thinking.
I am doing FAA CPL, CFI, CFI-I, perhaps MEI, the whole works.. I am already flying and was confirmed by FSDO that I am allowed to as my medical is still valid, and like you said FAA PPL is not even required for this.
Actually I sent the paperwork to CAA already: do I need the the verification at all in this case if the FAA is going to issue a new certificate anyway when I get my CPL?