UK Citizenship Online Application Referee Form back of the Applicant photo info

[peteThElite]

Hi, while I was filling the online form for my citizenship applicaiton, I have come across Referee Declaration Forms for both referees. I already have the required information from my both referees which I have entered in the online form. I wanted to ask here that the Referee Form states 'On the back of the applicant’s photograph, please write their full name and date of birth. The photograph should then be glued into the space aside.'
I am filling out an online application. I can ask my referees to sign and date both forms, no drama. But, why do I have to provide them with my physical photo to add above info and then stick it in the box on that form please? Why can't I ask them to sign and date their forms and I could just stick a softcopy of my photo that I worked really hard to get right at home? I could scan their forms back in once they've done their bit and then I could add them to my supporting documents that I would need to send before attending my biometric.

Could I have an expert opinion please? I don't want to waste my money and time on a No Go Zone. Thanks

[contorted_svy]

You can ignore that instruction. it's a relic from pen and paper days. Scanning the form and inserting a digital photo is completely fine.

[seekingadvice87]

Hi, while I was filling the online form for my citizenship applicaiton, I have come across Referee Declaration Forms for both referees. I already have the required information from my both referees which I have entered in the online form. I wanted to ask here that the Referee Form states 'On the back of the applicant’s photograph, please write their full name and date of birth. The photograph should then be glued into the space aside.'
I am filling out an online application. I can ask my referees to sign and date both forms, no drama. But, why do I have to provide them with my physical photo to add above info and then stick it in the box on that form please? Why can't I ask them to sign and date their forms and I could just stick a softcopy of my photo that I worked really hard to get right at home? I could scan their forms back in once they've done their bit and then I could add them to my supporting documents that I would need to send before attending my biometric.

Could I have an expert opinion please? I don't want to waste my money and time on a No Go Zone. Thanks

In a way, it does make sense for them to ask that the referees sign the photographs because they are declaring that it is a true likeness of the applicant but then again, if you were to attach the photos digitally then really, they may not know that the requirement was not done

[contorted_svy]

This used to be done to match the photo to the correct application. The signature on the form is enough for the referee to confirm the likeness if the applicant is the same as the photo. Unnecessary to sign behind the picture as the form is submitted digitally.