Professional Referee

[AKSH45]

Hi

I will appreciate if experts guide on this. I have ILR for 12 months and now going to submit application for citizenship. There is a question in the online form which confuses me and I don't know what to answer.
It asks
'Have you made any previous immigration applications within the Uk or abroad'
Do I have to mention all previous applications including student visa, PSW, Tier 1 Ent and ILR? I don't remember exact dates and reference numbers for these applications. Have I correctly understood this question or it has a different context?

Also, Can I provide my Accountant's details as referee?

This forum has given me loads of information and its one of the best platforms where experts share their knowledge. Thanks in advance.

Ak

[CULLINAN]

Yes ALL UK immigration applications. Dates and reference numbers are “if known questions.” You can leave it blank or provide estimates. If you provide estimates, clarify in the cover letter.

BRP number can be used as a reference number also.

Yes accountant can be used.

https://visas-immigration.service.gov.u ... on_MN1.pdf

PS: I have the exact same immigration history like yours.

[AKSH45]

Thanks for a prompt response. Good to know that you have same history.

Do I have to get printout this referee form and get it signed? Is it part of online application?

[CULLINAN]

Thanks for a prompt response. Good to know that you have same history.

Do I have to get printout this referee form and get it signed? Is it part of online application?

Yes you can print this OR wait till you fill the online form. You will get the same link to download and print it.
You will provide the referee details in the online form itself before submission. Then print this, get the referee to sign, scan and upload then.

Also see the steps might be helpful:

Steps to follow after completing the form online:

Step 1: Pay and submit application via UKVI.

Tip: Date of application is the date you pay and submit online, biometrics date is irrelevant.

Step 2: After payment, you will reach “further actions page.” If you click on “book an appointment,” system will reroute you to create an account on UKVCAS where you can upload your documents and book an appointment.

Tip: You are sent an access code to set up an account on UKVCAS which usually lands up in Junk folder.

Step 3: Booking an appointment

You must book an appointment now. IDV is the past except T4. You get 45 working days after submission.

Tip: You are given a deadline to submit your biometrics on the further actions page. Since the backlog for biometrics has subsided, you should meet the deadline.

Step 4: Now you can submit your documents to UKVI via UKVCAS portal even before your biometrics. The option usually appears when you have uploaded all your documents, sign out and sign in again. The option can be found on the “document upload page” right at the bottom.

Note: Self-submission is OPTIONAL. If you want to benefit from the new feature, you must upload and self-submit up to 48hrs before the appointment. If you do NOT want to self-submit, you can upload ANYTIME before the appointment date and submit at the appointment itself. Self-submission is recommended as you may save some processing time - your documents are sent to UKVI even before biometrics in this case. You can self-submit only ONCE. But if you forget to upload any documents, you can always upload later on (after self-submission) and submit at the appointment then (you will not be able to self-submit again but can submit at appointment).

Read “self-submit” “submit” “upload”

Tip: The best approach would be to benefit from the new self-submit feature.

Step 5: Once the process as stated above is completed, you should wait for a decision.

[AKSH45]

Thank you for providing these useful steps, they give an overview of the whole process. For any other question on my application can I continue posting my question here or it should be under new topic?

[CULLINAN]

You are welcome to continue here. Please keep all your questions in the same thread/topic.

[AKSH45]

I just read on the referee form where it requires referee photograph. Referee's name and DOB should be on the back of the photograph and then it should be glued in the specified section. How does it work if we paste the photograph and scan and upload, it wouldn't show the backside of the photograph. Is there anything that we post for the online application?

[CULLINAN]

No. This form is not updated since the online system came in place. Just follow the instructions. You do not send any originals. Scan and upload. Keep originals safe with you till a decision is made.

[AKSH45]

Great!! Thanks for the clarification. This was very helpful.

[CULLINAN]

Suggestion for biometrics appointments, might be helpful also.

You have 45 working days to book an appointment (excluding Sat/Sun) after online submission. These days biometrics appointments are running at a 28 days lag i.e. you get an appointment for the 28th day unless you get to find an earlier cancellation.

My suggestion:
1) Login 12 AM GMT to look for appointments.

2) Look for different centres and locations if you are willing to travel.

3) Look continuously for 3/4 days regularly (after submission and before booking a slot) to find an earlier cancellation or free appointments during the day/after midnight. For free appointments look especially between 6am-9am in the morning.

4) If you fail and can not find any earlier cancellations or free appointments for next 3/4 days after submission, book one logging in at 12 AM midnight GMT. You will get one for the 28th day (has to be a week day for better availability). If the 28th day is a Sat/Sun, availability will be almost nill.

I would suggest you try your luck for 3/4 days before you book one. Once you book an appointment, you will not be able to see any more availability.

[AKSH45]

Hi respected members

Thank you for the valuable advise. I have a question about professional referee. I know someone who works as an engineer in a reputed private company but he is not charter holder. I have checked guidance but cant figure it out whether professional referee needs to be a certified/charter holder or not.

Can I please ask guru's to guide whether I can provide this person's details or not?

Regards

[AKSH45]

Hi respected members

Thank you for the valuable advise. I have a question about professional referee. I know someone who works as an engineer in a reputed private company but he is not charter holder. I have checked guidance but cant figure it out whether professional referee needs to be a certified/charter holder or not.

Can I please ask guru's to guide whether I can provide this person's details or not?

Regards

I will appreciate if gurus guide on this please. Thanks

[AKSH45]

Hi Respected Gurus

I am in the process of completing my citizenship application and finding it difficult to provide a professional referee. Can experts kindly guide on the following queries.

1- I known someone who is working as engineer in a private company but he is not a member of any professional body (He's not charter holder).

2- A solicitor who represented me in the past for my T1 application, not current application.

Can the above individuals act as my referee?

Thanks in advance

[alterhase58]

The solicitor could be your professional referee and engineer the second referee (if he is British).

[AKSH45]

Thanks for the valuable advise. Just got confirmation that Solicitor is out of country. Now I have only option for professional referee who is an engineer but not registered with a professional body. I have other referees but they are not professionals. What are the options for me now?

Please advise as I want to submit my application asap.

Regards

[alterhase58]

I can only refer you to this document (page 24 on) which lists the acceptable professional persons.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... 1.0EXT.pdf

[AKSH45]

Thank you so much. I knew about this document but never checked page 24 that has a detailed lists of professions. I found my referee 'an optician'

This forum is truly a very helpful place.

Regards

[AKSH45]

Hi Experts

I have come across another issue while completing application form. It asks last 10 years employment details, whereas I only have 6 years record. I don't remember anything prior to 2015. HMRC only have 5 years record and for earlier records I have to send a request in writing. This process can take over a month time and may be longer. How important is it to provide previous employment details? Will it effect my application if I miss any previous job or couldn't provide start and end dates?

Thank you in advance.

Regards

[alterhase58]

For the missing 4 years try and put in approximate details including estimated dates (month/year). You can also explain what you have done, at the end of the application in a field "other information", or load a note with your other documents.

[AKSH45]

Hi again

I'm Director of Ltd Company and withdrawing salary (payslip) every month. My accountant also submits my self assessment every year with zero income (I have no other income).

I will appreciate Gurus advice on the following

1- Do I need to send my last year's self assessment with the supporting documents? I've selected both Director and self employee in the form.

2- Also, if I miss any previous employment (as I don't remember all jobs), will it effect the outcome of the application?

Regards

[AKSH45]

Hi again

I'm Director of Ltd Company and withdrawing salary (payslip) every month. My accountant also submits my self assessment every year with zero income (I have no other income).

I will appreciate Gurus advice on the following

1- Do I need to send my last year's self assessment with the supporting documents? I've selected both Director and self employee in the form.

2- Also, if I miss any previous employment (as I don't remember all jobs), will it effect the outcome of the application?

Regards

Could I ask Gurus to provide some guidance on this please.

[alterhase58]

Hi again

I'm Director of Ltd Company and withdrawing salary (payslip) every month. My accountant also submits my self assessment every year with zero income (I have no other income).

I will appreciate Gurus advice on the following

1- Do I need to send my last year's self assessment with the supporting documents? I've selected both Director and self employee in the form. Yes.

2- Also, if I miss any previous employment (as I don't remember all jobs), will it effect the outcome of the application? No - try and provide as much details as possible with estimated dates (month/year). You could also attach a note with your other documents to explain about this section.

Regards

Could I ask Gurus to provide some guidance on this please.

[AKSH45]

Great!!! Thank You.

[AKSH45]

Hi respected Gurus

Its a blessing having known this forum, otherwise I have no idea how I would have completed this form. Once again stuck with a weird question.

It asks ' Do you have any children whose birth parent is not your partner'

I'm separated and have a son who lives with his mother. Does this question ask about children from previous partner?

Regards

[AKSH45]

Hi respected Gurus

Its a blessing having known this forum, otherwise I have no idea how I would have completed this form. Once again stuck with a weird question.

It asks ' Do you have any children whose birth parent is not your partner'

I'm separated and have a son who lives with his mother. Does this question ask about children from previous partner?

Please also guide on the following :
'Mr xxxx's most recent tax year account statement and corresponding HMRC tax return as proof of self employement'

What documents the above statement is referring to? I'm Director and self employed both.