BC application - unsure about required evidence

[Ybf316]

Hi everyone,

This is a great forum. Thank you for all the contributions.

I have tried reading the relevant .gov webpage but I am still unsure about the required evidence in relation to the following:

"Prove you were in the UK exactly 5 years before the day the Home Office receives your application"

(which proof is sufficient here?)

I have colour copies of all my previous visas (BRPs) and original stamps of entry and leaving/returning UK on my original passports. I was out of UK only for 2.5 months in the last 10.5 years. This was back in 2015.

Are they sufficient?

''prove your knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic''

Planning to send my original Master's degree secured from a recognised British university for the above.
Is a certified copy acceptable?

''have passed the life in the UK test''

Planning to send my original certificate of life in the UK test. Is a certified copy acceptable for the above?

''intend to continue living in the UK''

(Which proof is sufficient here?)

''be of good character''

(Which proof is sufficient here?)

The two referees - What the minimum time period of them knowing me?

Is the following format acceptable for the above?

To whom it may concern

I know X since xx period and to the best of my knowledge, he/she is an honest person and of good moral character etc. (Or whatever they want to write)

Their full name
Home address
Phone number
Email address

Many thanks.

Ybf316

[CR001]

"Prove you were in the UK exactly 5 years before the day the Home Office receives your application"

(which proof is sufficient here?)

Passports.

I have colour copies of all my previous visas (BRPs) and original stamps of entry and leaving/returning UK on my original passports. I was out of UK only for 2.5 months in the last 10.5 years. This was back in 2015.

Are they sufficient?

You only need passports covering the residence requirement for citizenship.

''prove your knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic''

Planning to send my original Master's degree secured from a recognised British university for the above.
Is a certified copy acceptable?

A UK degree is sufficient.

''have passed the life in the UK test''

Planning to send my original certificate of life in the UK test. Is a certified copy acceptable for the above?

Original must be sent.

''intend to continue living in the UK''

(Which proof is sufficient here?)

No evidence.

''be of good character''

(Which proof is sufficient here?)

No evidence. You simply need to meet the good character requirement.

The two referees - What the minimum time period of them knowing me?

3 years. One must be a professional on the HO list of professional referees and can be of any nationality. The other referee must be over 25 and British. Both must be of good character.

Is the following format acceptable for the above?

To whom it may concern

I know X since xx period and to the best of my knowledge, he/she is an honest person and of good moral character etc. (Or whatever they want to write)

Their full name
Home address
Phone number
Email address

You are mistaken. They are NOT required to write a letter. The online form has the referee sections you need to complete and print etc.

[Ybf316]

Thank you, CR001. You are very kind and helpful.

My uncle is not my actual uncle - There's no blood relation. Can he be my second referee? He is a British citizen and over 25.

[Ybf316]

By the way, is this list of professional referees correct?

Referees: List of acceptable professionals:

Accountant
Director/Manager of a VAT registered Charity
Officer of the armed services (active or retired)
Airline pilot Director/Manager/Personnel Optician
Articled clerk of a limited company
Officer of a VAT registered Company
Paralegal (Certified or Qualified Paralegals, and Associate Members of the Institute of Paralegals
Assurance agent of recognised company
Driving instructor (approved)
Bank/building society official
Engineer (with professional qualifications)
Barrister
Person with honours (e.g.OBE, MBE etc.)
Fire service official
British Computer Society (BCS) – Professional grades which are Associate (AMBCS), Member (MBCS), Fellow (FBCS) (PN 25/2003)
Personal Licensee Holders
Funeral director Society (BCS) -Professional grades which are Associate Photographer (professional)
(AMBCS), Member(MBCS), Fellow (FBCS)
Insurance agent (full time) of a recognised company
Journalist
Post Office official
Justice of the Peace
Police officer
Broker
Legal secretary (members and fellows of the Institute of legal secretaries)
President/Secretary of a recognised organisation
Chairman/director of limited company
Salvation Army officer
Chemist
Local government officer
Social worker
Chiropodist
Manager/Personnel officer
Solicitor
Christian Science practitioner
Member of Parliament
Surveyor
Commissioner for oaths
Member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces
Councillor: local or county
Merchant Navy officer
Teacher, lecturer
Civil servant
Travel agency (qualified)
Trade union officer
Minister of a recognised religion
Civil Servant (permanent)
Valuers and auctioneers (fellow and associate members of the incorporated society)
Dentist
Nurse (RN, SEN or holder of a BA in nursing)
Warrant officers and Chief Designated Premises Supervisors
Petty Officers

[Ybf316]

Can a "retired" civil servant be a professional referee?