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Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 11:42 am
by Shaun45
My UKM application as a British citizen has been approved and I will be attending my citizenship ceremony next month.
After that I will be applying for my first British passport. One thing that confuses me is the countersignatory requirement. Can I use a friend that is a holder of a British passport? What if I can't find a person of professional standing at the time of my application?
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2018 7:35 pm
by Shaun45
Bump.
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2018 8:04 pm
by Archer1
Shaun45 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 20, 2018 11:42 am
My UKM application as a British citizen has been approved and I will be attending my citizenship ceremony next month.
After that I will be applying for my first British passport. One thing that confuses me is the countersignatory requirement. Can I use a friend that is a holder of a British passport? What if I can't find a person of professional standing at the time of my application?
You can use the same professional refree which you have had at the time of naturalisation application.
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 4:07 am
by Shaun45
The only problem is the same professional referee I used for my UKM application will be away on business for 4 months when I apply for my passport and I don't know anyone else.
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 5:11 am
by vinny
Shaun45 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 20, 2018 11:42 am
Can I use a friend that is a holder of a British passport?
What
profession is your friend?
Note also:
If you’re applying outside the UK
Your countersignatory must have a current British, Irish or other EU, US or Commonwealth passport.
If they have a US, Commonwealth, or non-British or non-Irish EU passport, you must include with your application a colour photocopy of the page with their photograph on it.
Your application will be processed faster if they have a British or Irish passport.
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 5:16 am
by Shaun45
My friend is not a person of professional standing, and is an electrician. He is only a British citizen by birth. I am not sure if I should chance it as it's the only countersignatory option I have.
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 5:34 am
by vinny
Are you applying in the UK?
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 6:15 am
by Shaun45
No, I'm applying from South Africa.
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 6:37 am
by vinny
vinny wrote: ↑Fri Nov 23, 2018 5:11 am
Note also:
If you’re applying outside the UK
Your countersignatory must have a current British, Irish or other EU, US or Commonwealth passport.
If they have a US, Commonwealth, or non-British or non-Irish EU passport, you must include with your application a colour photocopy of the page with their photograph on it.
Your application will be processed faster if they have a British or Irish passport.
The professional countersignatory need not be British.
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 6:44 am
by Shaun45
Yes I understand that. He is a South African citizen and a person of professional standing according to the list and has known me for many years but unfortunately will be away when I apply for my passport.
The only other person I can think of is my friend who is a British citizen living in South Africa.
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 6:48 am
by CR001
Surely he can sign the referee page before he goes away??
Re: Countersignatory for first British passport.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 7:14 am
by Shaun45
He will have left before I do the application. Just before my citizenship ceremony.... unless what i think you are saying that I can do the application, print the documents and get him to sign it while he is here just before he leaves and just before my citizenship ceremony. That might work.
In the meantime I sent an enquiry to the Passport Office so will also see what they say.