Who can be a referee for British Citizenship?

What does 'acceptable professional persons' mean?

As discussed, one of the referees must be an acceptable professional person. This means that they are employed in an occupation which the Home Office classifies as being of an ‘acceptable professional persons’. 

British citizenship referee profession list

Below is a list of occupations which featured on the British citizenship referee profession list. One of your referees for British citizenship must be employed in one of these professions to be deemed as an 'acceptable professional persons':

Can a friend be a referee for British citizenship?

A friend can be a referee for British citizenship, provided that they have known you personally for at least 3 years and are either a professional person or aged over 25 years old.

Can my manager be my referee for British citizenship?

Your manager can be your referee for British citizenship providing that they are a manager of a limited company.

Can a nurse be a referee for British citizenship?

Yes, a nurse (RN, SEN or holder of a BA in Nursing) can be a referee for British citizenship.

Can a doctor be a referee for British citizenship?

Yes, a doctor can be a referee for British citizenship as this meets the professional standing requirement. 

How to find a referee for naturalisation

When it comes to finding a referee for naturalisation you should ask two people who know you and can help prove your identity. 

Your referees for naturalisation must know you personally and have done so for at least 3 years and they cannot:

• Be a relative;

• A solicitor or an agent;

• Employed by the Home Office or;

• Have been convicted of an imprisonable offence during the last 10 years.

One of your referees must be employed in a job which is featured on the list of acceptable occupations.

Can I change my referee for British Citizenship?

Yes, it is possible to change your referee for British citizenship once the application has been submitted. 

If you wish to change your referee for British citizenship then you must ensure that the new referee signs the referee declaration form and that you have provided their personal details in a cover letter to the Home Office. You will also need to explain the reason why you have changed your referee for British citizenship.

How to complete the referee declaration form

When completing the referee declaration form, applicants are required to attach a passport photo of themselves on the referee forms (where indiciated). Individuals are also required to print their name where it asks to ‘Provide the name of the applicant’. 

You can access the declaration form here.

Does the Home Office contact British Citizenship referees?

Checks may be carried out to ensure that the referees do not have unspent convictions and are qualified to act for you and that their signatures are genuine. It is a criminal offence to provide false information knowingly or recklessly, punishable with up to 3 months imprisonment or by a fine not exceeding £5,000 or both under section 46(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981.

The Home Office must only contact the referees if this could resolve concerns about the application and they must have the authority from a senior caseworker to do so.

How Paragon Law can help?

Our personal immigration team have assisted many individuals to successfully naturalise and register as a British Citizen. If you require assistance with British Citizenship, or need support in relation to another UK immigration law issue then please contact us to speak to an immigration lawyer.