Final document check for citizenship application

[hotdiggitydog123]

Hi, I've been working on my citizenship application for a couple months. I collected my referees signatures / forms end of May. If I submit my application in August, will that be alright or do I need more recently dated referee forms?

Thanks in advance.

[contorted_svy]

within 3 months it is reasonable I would say, though you can get them signed more recently and you can do that digitally.

[hotdiggitydog123]

Oh amazing! I didn't realise there was a digital option. When I was doing my application it seem to suggest I print out the forms and attach a photo?

Thanks for answering.

[lolo2]

Everything is done digitally.

The instruction to write behind the photo and glue it to the form is an old thing from the times when the documents needed to be posted to the Home Office.

Referees can sign the form electronically as well.

[hotdiggitydog123]

I've selected the option for paid scanning to be done at the Biometric appointment. Does this mean I can't use digital signatures for my referees since I need to bring a hard copy of the referee form?

[contorted_svy]

Just print the form that you got signed digitally and they will re-scan it. It's fine.

[hotdiggitydog123]

Hi, I have my biometric appointment this week and would love to do a final check of my supporting documents. Thanks in advance for your help.

Applying under the 5 year route, received ILR last April. Became self employed last July, as such don't yet have a self-employed tax return so providing supporting documents to prove this (see below).

Proof of living in the UK for 5 years:
- Passport stamps
- P60s:
- 2023-2024
- 2022-2023
- 2021-2022
- 2020-2021
- Self employed period July 2024 - 2025: tenancy contract, council tax
- Self employed period 2025: tenancy contract, council tax
- ILR approval email

NZ Passport

Two referees
- One a civil engineer (digital signature / encrypted)
- Another a british citizen (e-signature - but matches passport)

Most recent tax year account statement and corresponding HMRC tax return as proof of self-employment
- SA302 for year 2023-2024
- Business bank account statement
- Cover letter explaining my transition from full-time employment into self-employed status

--

That's what I have so far. Do I need to include anything else in my cover letter? For example, I've travelled a lot with work - I've been absent for about 190 days in the last 5 years. Wouldn't hurt to mention the reasons for this?

Cheers.

[contorted_svy]

An important clarification. If you are applying in your own right (you are not married to a British citizen) you need to have held ILR for 12 months before applying. When did you secure ILR?

Hi, I have my biometric appointment this week and would love to do a final check of my supporting documents. Thanks in advance for your help.

Applying under the 5 year route, received ILR last April. Became self employed last July, as such don't yet have a self-employed tax return so providing supporting documents to prove this (see below).

Proof of living in the UK for 5 years:
- Passport stamps This is all you need. No need for anything else you listed here
- P60s:
- 2023-2024
- 2022-2023
- 2021-2022
- 2020-2021
- Self employed period July 2024 - 2025: tenancy contract, council tax tenancy contract would not be accepted anyway.
- Self employed period 2025: tenancy contract, council tax
- ILR approval email You only need this to prove you have had ILR for a year.

NZ Passport

Two referees
- One a civil engineer (digital signature / encrypted) No, this must be a picture of their signature as it matches the one on their passport
- Another a british citizen (e-signature - but matches passport)

Most recent tax year account statement and corresponding HMRC tax return as proof of self-employment
- SA302 for year 2023-2024 You also need the full tax return for the year 2023-2024
- Business bank account statement Not needed
- Cover letter explaining my transition from full-time employment into self-employed status

--

That's what I have so far. Do I need to include anything else in my cover letter? For example, I've travelled a lot with work - I've been absent for about 190 days in the last 5 years. Wouldn't hurt to mention the reasons for this? Absolutely no need to mention that as you are well under the absence limit.

Cheers.

[elowenmarcelline]

Thanks for sharing your detailed checklist
It looks like you’re well-prepared. Just make sure your referee signatures align with Home Office requirements, as that’s one area where applications sometimes get delayed. Always good to double-check official guidance before submission.

[hotdiggitydog123]

Thank you for your replies. So as I understand for proof of living for the past 5 years, all I need is passport stamps and ILR approval email. Do I need any document that suggests proof of living from when I got my ILR (April 2024) to now?

I've double checked and the digital signature and e-signatures match the passport so that should be no problem.

[alterhase58]

The 5 years residency period is worked out counting back from the AN application date.
So your passport covers.