British citizenship references

[Shah1698]

Hi experts, I am going to apply for British citizenship next month (from ILR) for myself and my family. I have a few questions regarding references. I would be very thankful if you can help with this please.

1. I understand that references must know the applicant for at last 3 years. But in case of child applications, we must get one reference from their school teacher, but should teacher know the child for 3 years?

2. Can same person (my friend who is director for VAT registered company) give reference to me and my dependents as well (my wife and 2 children)

3. My elder son is 17y 10m old at the time of applying for British citizenship so he still be considered as child?

[Shah1698]

Could someone please answer my question regarding child reference? does teacher should know child for at least 3 years? Currently my son's teacher knows him for less than 1 year who is okay to be his referee but I don't know if this is accepted or not?

[alterhase58]

Children younger than three years get registered regularly so a referee cannot always have known the child for three years - main thing is they should know the child in a professional capacity.

2. Can same person (my friend who is director for VAT registered company) give reference to me and my dependents as well (my wife and 2 children)

If you cannot get a referee for child as explained then a "normal" referee can be used. You should explain in a covering note - UKVI are aware that it's not always easy to get referees for children.

3. My elder son is 17y 10m old at the time of applying for British citizenship so he still be considered as child?

If he is under 18 on the date of application he is a child. But note, if his approval comes after he turn 18 he is required to attend the citizenship ceremony - there will be an additional ceremony charge levied at the time.

[alterhase58]

Note:
Additional £80 per applicant is required to cover the ceremony fee should the minor turn 18 during the application process. This will be requested at point of decision.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... april-2022