British Citizenship Referees Ultimate Guide 2025

In applying for British citizenship, the role of referees is to verify the applicant’s identity and character. Their endorsement is a crucial step, as they are the ones who confirm these aspects, thereby playing a significant role in the entire process.

The referees will play a crucial part in proving your identity. However, it is essential to ensure your referees meet the requirements set out by the Home Office; failure to do so could result in your application form being rejected or delayed.

To ensure you select referees who fit the requirements, you can get legal counsel if you are unclear about who to choose as a British citizen referee. This guide will discuss how to choose a referee for the British citizenship in detail!

Home Office Requirements For Referees

Two referees must be provided by each candidate for British citizenship to verify their identification. If you receive permission from a senior caseworker, and it might address issues with the application, don’t hesitate to contact the referees. You must ensure that the following requirements are met:

The Referee For British Citizenship Must:

• Possess a British passport
• Be above 25 years old.
• Have known the adult applicant for at least three years. 
• At least one referee must be professional. 

The Referee For British Citizenship Must Not:

• Be connected to the applicant or the other referee.
• Act as the applicant’s agent
• Work for the Home Office
• Have a criminal record that includes imprisonment within the previous ten years. 

Referee For Child British Citizenship

Regarding child applicants, at least one referee must be a professional, such as a teacher, doctor, health visitor, or social worker.

Suppose a child cannot provide a referee who has worked with them professionally and has provided documentation demonstrating their efforts.

In that case, you may accept two referees who fit the requirements for referees on adult applications.

If The Applicant Lives Outside The UK

Suppose the applicant resides outside the United Kingdom and is unaware of any professional British citizen passport holders or individuals over 25.

If they meet all other requirements, they may fill out and sign the application, and the consul will accept their signature.

If The Referees Do Not Meet The Requirements

You must request that the applicant offer an alternative referee if the information submitted shows that the referee does not match the requirements. 

List of Accepted Professions For Professional Referees

One of your referees needs to be of professional standing, which implies they need to work in a particular field. The UK Home Office lists professions accepted for a professional referee in the British citizenship application process. Here are some commonly accepted professions:

Serial No	Profession	Serial No	Profession
1	Accountant	16	Barrister
2	Dentist	17	Councilor
3	Chief petty officers	18	Teacher or lecturer
4	Civil servant	19	Legal secretaries
5	Police officer	20	Manager or Personnel Officer
6	Local government officer	21	Certified or qualified paralegals
7	Limited company assurance agent	22	Warrant officers
8	Officer of the armed services	23	Minister of a recognized religion
9	VAT-registered charity director or manager	24	Nurse (registered)
10	Merchant Navy officer	25	Legal Secretary
11	Optician	26	Pharmacist
12	Post office official	27	President/secretary of a recognized organization
13	Salvation Army officer	28	Solicitor
14	Social worker	29	Surveyor
15	Travel agent (qualified)	30	Trade union officer

These professions are generally recognized for their standing and reliability in verifying an applicant’s identity and character. The referee must also provide details of their occupation, and they should not be related to the applicant or the other referee.

Will The Home Office Check My Referees? 

It is best to assume that the Home Office case officer will check your referees. According to the guidelines, “They may conduct checks to ensure that the referees are qualified to act on your behalf, do not have outstanding convictions, and that their signatures are authentic.

“Section 46(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981 states that giving false information is a crime that carries a maximum sentence of three months in jail, a maximum fine of £5,000, or both.

Referee Form For British Citizenship

Each referee must fill out a specific section in the citizenship application form (AN Form for adults). The form asks for the following information:

• Applicant’s Photograph: The referee must sign and date the back of one passport-sized photograph of the applicant, stating that it is a true likeness of the person.

• Personal Details of the Referee: The referee must provide the following:

• Full name
• Profession/Occupation
• Address (including postcode)
• Daytime telephone number
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• British passport number (if they are a British citizen)

• Length of Time Known by the Applicant: The referee must state how long they have known the applicant, with a minimum requirement of three years.
• Capacity in Which They Know the Applicant: The referee must specify how they know the applicant (e.g., friend, colleague, neighbor, etc.).

• Character Statement: The referee must confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the applicant is of good character and suitable to become a British citizen.
• Signature and Declaration: The referee must sign and date the form, confirming accurate information.

They must also declare that they are unrelated to the applicant, not the solicitor or agent handling the application, and have had no criminal convictions in the past ten years.

Read Also: Referee Declaration Form

Where To Find The Referee Form

The referee section is typically part of Form AN (Application for Naturalization as a British Citizen) for adults or Form MN1 for children applying for citizenship. You can download these forms from the official UK government website or complete them online.

Referees will fill in the details on the printed form or via the online portal as part of the application submission. The information they provide must be accurate and truthful, as false declarations can result in penalties.

How Can KQ Solicitors Help You? 

KQ Solicitors can assist you with every aspect of your application. With years of expertise helping people with immigration concerns, we are knowledgeable legal advisors focusing on UK immigration law. We can assist you in determining if you qualify for a certificate of entitlement, guide you through the application procedure, and even coordinate with the Home Office to monitor the progress of your application.

Please feel free to ask any questions, as we provide free consultations. You can make an appointment right now by using our website. Additionally, you may contact us via email at info@kqsolicitors.com or by phone at +447429294455. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion 

Even though it’s a small portion of the application procedure for UK citizenship, choosing and giving referee information is essential. Speak with an immigration lawyer who can verify if the referee you selected is appropriate if you are unsure.

The role of a referee is a critical component in the British citizenship application process. Both referees must meet specific criteria and vouch for the applicant’s identity and character, helping the UK Home Office confidently assess the application.

Reference

GOV.UK: Referees and Identity_ Visa and Immigration

GOV.UK:  Nationality Policy: general information—all British nationals 

GOV.UK: Referees