Individuals embarking on the journey towards British Naturalisation often encounter the requirement for referees as part of their application process. Applicants are obliged to provide the names of two referees who can vouch for their identity. These referees must have a personal acquaintance with the applicant spanning at least three years. However, there are specific criteria to be met, and potential referees must not fall into certain categories:
Not a Relative: Referees cannot be a family member of the applicant.
Not a Solicitor or Agent: Individuals representing the applicant as a solicitor or agent are ineligible to serve as referees.
Not Employed by the Home Office: Referees should not be affiliated with the Home Office as employees.
Moreover, potential referees are disqualified if they have a criminal conviction within the last ten years unless a designated 'rehabilitation period' has lapsed. For instance, a fine incurs a rehabilitation period of one year.
Choosing Your Referees
When selecting referees, applicants must consider the following criteria:
Professional Standing: One referee should possess 'professional standing,' such as a civil servant. Please see below examples.
British Passport Holder: The other referee should be a British passport holder and either possess professional standing or be over the age of 25.
Acceptable Professional Persons
The Home Office provides a list of 'acceptable professional persons' who can serve as referees. This list includes:
Accountant
Airline Pilot
Articled Clerk of a Limited Company
Assurance Agent of Recognised Company
Bank or Building Society Official
Barrister
British Computer Society (BCS) Members – Associate (AMBCS), Member (MBCS), Fellow (FBCS)
Broker
Chairman or Director of Limited Company
Chemist
Chiropodist
Christian Science Practitioner
Commissioner for Oaths
Councillor: Local or County
Civil Servant (Permanent)
Dentist
Designated Premises Supervisors
Director or Manager of a VAT Registered Charity
Director, Manager, or Personnel Officer of a VAT Registered Company
Driving Instructor (Approved)
Engineer (with Professional Qualifications)
Fire Service Official
Funeral Director
Insurance Agent (Full Time) of a Recognised Company
Journalist
Justice of the Peace
Legal Secretary (Members and Fellows of the Institute of Legal Secretaries)
Local Government Officer
Manager or Personnel Officer (of Limited Company)
Member of Parliament
Member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces
Merchant Navy Officer
Minister of a Recognised Religion
Nurse (RN, SEN, or Holder of a BA in Nursing)
Officer of the Armed Services (Active or Retired)
Optician
Paralegal (Certified or Qualified Paralegals, and Associate Members of the Institute of Paralegals)
Person with Honours (such as OBE, MBE, etc.)
Personal Licensee Holders
Photographer (Professional)
Police Officer
Post Office Official
President or Secretary of a Recognised Organisation
Salvation Army Officer
Social Worker
Solicitor
Surveyor
Teacher, Lecturer
Trade Union Officer
Travel Agency (Qualified)
Valuers and Auctioneers (Fellow and Associate Members of the Incorporated Society)
Warrant Officers and Chief Petty Officers
Veterinarian
Chartered Secretary
Environmental Health Officer
Information Technology Professional (with relevant qualifications)
Notary Public
By ensuring that your chosen referees meet these criteria, you can facilitate a smoother and more efficient British Naturalisation application process.
If you are considering applying for British Naturalisation, you can get in touch with us to ensure a secure application process.
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