Most up to date process for referee declaration

[m2i]

Hello everyone,

I am about to start my naturalisation application (work visa > ILR > naturalisation) and slightly confused about the referee process. I will be applying online. This is what Chatgpt tells me to do:

Identify & Inform Referee: Choose someone eligible (professional/British passport holder, known you 3+ years, not a relative) and tell them you're applying for citizenship.
Nominate Online: In the digital form, provide their name and email address, confirming you've told them.
Digital Invitation: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) sends them an email with a link to your application.
Referee Verification: They log in, confirm your details, view your digital photo, and answer questions to verify your identity (e.g., parents' details for children, their own professional details).
Automatic Checks: UKVI runs automated checks; if it fails, they're rejected, and you must nominate someone new.
Application on Hold: Your application pauses until a digital referee is accepted.
Reminders: You get alerts if your referee doesn't respond, and they'll get reminders too.
Key Referee Requirements:
Who: A British passport holder (professional or over 25) OR a professional of any nationality. For children, one must be a professional who's engaged with the child (e.g., teacher, doctor).
Relationship: Must have known you for at least 3 years.
Not Related: Cannot be related to you or your other referee, nor your solicitor/agent.
No Physical Forms: No need to sign photos or physical forms anymore; it's all done online.

On the other hand, I see plenty of websites out there which says I need to print out a form and handover to the referees or I need to forward the part-filled form to the referee etc. etc.

Could someone confirm the most upto date process for this?

Also is it ok if I start filling the form few days early and submit it on the exact date when I become eligible for naturalisation?

Thank you in advance.

[CR001]

I would strongly advised you against using chatgpt for any immigration or citizenship advice. It is deeply flawed.

For naturalisation you have to complete the referee forms and the referees each need to sign their respective pages. These are then uploaded with your supporting documents. For naturalisation, referees are not contacted.

The single referee email verification/confirmation is only for passport applications and not for naturalisation.

[m2i]

Thank you for the clarity. Can the form be prepared early or is it autogenerated during the application process? I ask this because my application date is on the 19th and I'm wondering whether the referee forms can be prepared early, before they go on Christmas leave. Thanks again.

[contorted_svy]

You can access the form here https://visas-immigration.service.gov.u ... on_MN1.pdf

You don't need to print out anything or signo pictures as it can all be done digitally (as long as the signatures are consistent with what you would see on your referees' passports).