Referee - Acceptable Professional Persons

TheHappyChicken · Post by **TheHappyChicken** » Fri Apr 12, 2024 1:57 pm

I tried to update my previous post however it is closed, so starting a new post.

I am looking at the requirements for my partners two referee declarations. Here is the list of ‘Acceptable professional persons' (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... als_v4.pdf).

We were looking at a friend who is a GP (They are not OUR GP), however there doesn't appear to be a GP or doctor on this list; I cannot believe a GP/Doctor is not an acceptable profession, but a travel agent is.

Anyone have any input or first hand confirmation that a GP is accepted? Thank you

Post by **alterhase58** » Fri Apr 12, 2024 2:26 pm

GPs have been removed from this list 10+ years ago so they can concentrate on their NHS duties.
If you have a friend who is a Doctor (even GP) and who signs as friend that should be fine - best to attach a note spelling this out.

Post by **contorted_svy** » Fri Apr 12, 2024 2:26 pm

GPs have been removed from the list 12 years ago. They are not an acceptable profession.

TheHappyChicken · Post by **TheHappyChicken** » Tue May 21, 2024 5:59 pm

Just for information on the above (Apologies, I should have updated earlier), I called a while back (Some number on generic visa related enquiries I found on the UK GOV website), and they confirmed that a GP is an accepted profession so long as the reference knows you personally and not just your GP. As we know this person as a friend and not because they are our GP, they are ok to be our first referee.

Another question I had regarding trips outside the UK.
We have a trip planned in the next month, but we plan to submit our application in the next few weeks.
I assume the answer will be no, but I wanted a second opinion.
Should we be listing this planned trip outside the UK on our visa application?
I suspect the trip will fall after our application submission, but prior to any biometrics appointments.

Thanks.

Post by **contorted_svy** » Tue May 21, 2024 6:09 pm

TheHappyChicken wrote: ↑
Tue May 21, 2024 5:59 pm
Just for information on the above (Apologies, I should have updated earlier), I called a while back (Some number on generic visa related enquiries I found on the UK GOV website), and they confirmed that a GP is an accepted profession so long as the reference knows you personally and not just your GP. As we know this person as a friend and not because they are our GP, they are ok to be our first referee.

Yes, but not as a professional referee - only the over 25 years old British citizen one.

Another question I had regarding trips outside the UK.
We have a trip planned in the next month, but we plan to submit our application in the next few weeks.
I assume the answer will be no, but I wanted a second opinion.
Should we be listing this planned trip outside the UK on our visa application?
I suspect the trip will fall after our application submission, but prior to any biometrics appointments.

No. Only trips up to the application date. Citizenship is not an immigration application.

Thanks.

TheHappyChicken · Post by **TheHappyChicken** » Tue May 21, 2024 6:16 pm

Can I ask why you think they cannot act as a professional referee?

Based on your answer I will call again tomorrow to ask, but I am 99.9% confident I am correct, so unless you tell me you work for the HO and 100% know they cannot, I think I have the correct information.

I'm pretty sure the phone number I called was the number on the Home Office "Guide AN" document and specifically asked the question and they confirmed they could act as the professional referee.

Post by **contorted_svy** » Tue May 21, 2024 8:58 pm

The call centre isn't ran by caseworkers, they only refer to the guidance.

GPs have been removed from the list of accepted professions 12 years ago or so. That is why you can't use them as a professional referee but only if they are a personal freind and act as the other referee.

TheHappyChicken · Post by **TheHappyChicken** » Wed May 22, 2024 10:26 am

Question around the referee declarations.

The form states:

Passport photo
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.

When looking on the UKVCAS website to upload our documents, there is section for the referee declarations.
Obviously the scanned copy of the referee declaration you will not see the back of the photo.

Do we take the referee declarations with us to the biometrics appointment?

Post by **alterhase58** » Wed May 22, 2024 1:24 pm

TheHappyChicken wrote: ↑
Wed May 22, 2024 10:26 am
Question around the referee declarations.

The form states:
Passport photo
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.
When looking on the UKVCAS website to upload our documents, there is section for the referee declarations.
Obviously the scanned copy of the referee declaration you will not see the back of the photo. That requirement goes back to the paper days - Home haven't caught up yet, after 4+ years!

Do we take the referee declarations with us to the biometrics appointment? NO - just upload

Post by **contorted_svy** » Wed May 22, 2024 1:29 pm

It's a relic from pen and paper days. Just upload the referee form without worrying about the fact the picture didn't get signed at the back.

TheHappyChicken · Post by **TheHappyChicken** » Tue Sep 10, 2024 10:27 pm

I'm happy to announce we have had our application for AN approved with our professional referee as our GP friend.

Citizenship ceremony invite in the post.

Thanks all who helped.

I have a new question about travel now.

After our citizenship ceremony, we have 5 days to send our BRP back to the HO. We plan on going on holiday shortly, and I dont think its enough time to apply for a british passport (3 weeks waiting is it?)

Prior, when traveling out and into the UK, other than the passport of my partner, tbeht would also need to show their BRP as proof of residence.

What do we do now based on the above?

Thanks!

Post by **contorted_svy** » Wed Sep 11, 2024 7:38 am

I would suggest having the ceremony after you are back if possible, or postpone the trip.

Standard processing times for British passports are up to 3 weeks but it can be less - alas applications for first British passports can't be expedited and they require originals.

You are supposed to return your BRP - if you use it at the border you may incur in a fine.

You could travel for this one off with your certificate of naturalisation and show that at the UK border - you can't be refused entry as a UK citizen. But it's a risk.

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Referee - Acceptable Professional Persons

Referee - Acceptable Professional Persons

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