{"id":26394,"date":"2022-02-08T20:59:48","date_gmt":"2022-02-08T20:59:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1-absolute-advisor.com\/blog\/?p=26394"},"modified":"2022-02-08T20:59:48","modified_gmt":"2022-02-08T20:59:48","slug":"top-10-questions-regarding-british-citizenship-referee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1-absolute-advisor.com\/blog\/top-10-questions-regarding-british-citizenship-referee\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Questions Regarding British Citizenship Referee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Top<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The British Citizenship<\/a> application can be a tough one to fulfill. To help you we have compiled Top 10 Questions Regarding British Citizenship Referee<\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, you need to make sure you can meet the British citizenship requirements \u2013 which differ
depending on whether you are seeking British Citizenship through naturalization or UK nationality
through another avenue, such as through Descent or Ancestry.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The requirements for British citizenship i<\/a>nclude being of age (over 18), having lived in the UK
continuously for at least 5 years (the \u2018continuous residence\u2019 requirement), having had ILR status for
12 months and having few absences from the country. You must not have spent more than 450 days
outside of the UK in the past five years.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another key hurdle to overcome is the Life in the UK test \u2013 a mandatory assessment in which
applicants are required to show that they can understand and communicate well in English, plus
have in-depth knowledge about British culture, traditions, history, and general customs. Some refer
to this test as more like a \u2018pub quiz\u2019 compared to the English Language test, which is also mandatory
for British citizenship.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a key part of your application involves endorsement from at least two referees. This can
be difficult as your referees have to be approved by UKVI.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we\u2019ve compiled the Top 10 Questions Regarding British Citizenship Referee our immigration lawyers are routinely asked on the subject of British citizenship referees \u2013 and how you can secure a reliable referee to support your UK
nationality application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Why do I need two referees for British citizenship?<\/strong>
    Whenever anyone makes an application for citizenship in the UK, they are obliged to provide two
    referees. This is to verify your identity, add credibility and to generally ensure you are who you say
    you are.<\/li>
  2. Who is a suitable referee?<\/strong>
    You can\u2019t recruit a close friend or family member for your referee as UKVI might deem your
    application invalid. This is because your referees must be an \u2018acceptable professional person\u2019.
    However, your referee still must have known you for at least 3 years and be a British Citizen
    themselves. Your referee, unfortunately, cannot be your immigration lawyer. Your referee must not be a representative and cannot be employed by the Home Office, either. In addition, your referee must be over the age of 25.<\/li>
  3. What is a professional referee?<\/strong>
    At least one of your referees must have a professional standing in the UK.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Your acceptable professional referee must work in a respected profession.
    For example, as an accountant, an airline pilot, a bank or building society official, a broker, an
    engineer, a journalist, a professional photographer, a Post Office official, a teacher, a lecturer, and
    more. Those who work in the health sector and the emergency services, like chemists, dentists, fire
    services, nurses, opticians, police officers, and social workers, are ideal for your professional referee.
    However, you can also ask anyone you may know who works in the legal sector as a barrister,
    paralegal, or solicitor. Or someone who holds the position of chair, director, or manager of a Limited Company or VAT a registered charity can also be your referee.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Other roles like Councillors, civil servants, MPs, and Armed Forces\/Navy workers can also provide a
    reference for your Citizenship application.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a long list of suitable professional referees outlined by UKVI which you can look at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. I only know one suitable professional person. Who can be my second referee?<\/strong>
      Generally speaking, you only need one out of the two referees to be someone with professional
      standing. Your other referee can be someone else you have known for 3 years, who isn\u2019t a family or
      friend, but who can still verify your identity. An acquaintance at work or friend-of-a-friend might be able to help \u2013 but it may be best to obtain 2 referees that are professionals so that they are no grey areas in your application. If you need help finding a suitable referee, our lawyers at 1 Absolute Advisor can advise you on how you can find one.<\/li>
    2. What happens if I fail to provide a referee?<\/strong>
      Failure to provide a referee whatsoever in your application could see your citizenship application
      delayed or, in the worst-case scenario, outright rejected.
      If your application has been refused, you can then choose to either challenge the decision via an
      appeal or make a fresh application. However, the likelihood is, if you just need to provide 2 referees and the rest of your application is compelling and accurate, the Home Office may grant you some extra time to find referees. It is worth noting here though that this is at UKVI\u2019s discretion.<\/li>
    3. What must referees do in my citizenship application?<\/strong>
      Each referee that supports your application needs to prove who they are and briefly explain their
      relationship to you. For example, if you\u2019ve asked your doctor or nurse, he\/she will explain that you
      have met in a formal setting.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Your referee must provide their personal information too so that UKVI can verify their identity and
      ultimately approve the reference. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n