Proof of Residence Documents

[soraya2000]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently applying for UK naturalisation and I have a couple of questions that I’m hoping someone might be able to help with.

If I submit my application now but then travel out of the UK before coming back for the in-person appointment, could this cause any issues? The trip would happen after I’ve submitted the application online but before the appointment.

I’m wondering because the travel dates after submission obviously won’t be in the documents I upload (including the passport scan). However, when they scan my passport at the appointment, the new entry/exit stamps will be there.

So, I have two specific questions:

Could this create any issues with my application? I’m trying to figure out if there’s even a small risk in going on the trip, or if I should avoid it altogether.

When should I upload my passport scan?

If I upload it before the trip, it will match the dates I declared in the application (i.e. without the upcoming travel).
If I upload it after, the scan will reflect the latest information, but I won’t be able to update the application to include the new travel dates.
Any advice or thoughts on this would be really appreciated!

Thanks!

[alterhase58]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently applying for UK naturalisation and I have a couple of questions that I’m hoping someone might be able to help with.

If I submit my application now but then travel out of the UK before coming back for the in-person appointment, could this cause any issues? The trip would happen after I’ve submitted the application online but before the appointment. No issues.

I’m wondering because the travel dates after submission obviously won’t be in the documents I upload (including the passport scan). However, when they scan my passport at the appointment, the new entry/exit stamps will be there.Travel after submission doesn't/isn't counted!

So, I have two specific questions:

Could this create any issues with my application? I’m trying to figure out if there’s even a small risk in going on the trip, or if I should avoid it altogether. No issue.

When should I upload my passport scan? you can upload any time up to 2 days before your appointment. Absences only counted up to the submission date.

If I upload it before the trip, it will match the dates I declared in the application (i.e. without the upcoming travel). That's not a requirement!
If I upload it after, the scan will reflect the latest information, but I won’t be able to update the application to include the new travel dates. You don't have to declare post-submission absences!
Any advice or thoughts on this would be really appreciated!
You are slightly overthinking this - the biometrics appointment is only for biometrics, the key date is the submission/paid date.
Thanks!

[soraya2000]

Hi,

I have two questions regarding the requirements for referees in the naturalisation process.

My first question is regarding the nationality of the first referee. The MN1 Guidance states:
“One referee can be of any nationality but must be a professional person... The other referee must be the holder of a British citizen passport and either a professional person or over the age of 25.”

However, the General guidance suggests:

"The referee must:

• be a British passport holder and either a professional person or aged over 25 (at least one referee must be a professional person)."

This has left me confused—can the first referee (the professional person) be of a different nationality? And is it acceptable to provide their non-British passport number?

Secondly, I would appreciate some advice on the definition of a “professional person.” I have several friends who are listed as "Director" in their limited company in company house, but their companies are either inactive or newly registered, with no income or tax filings as of yet. Would they still be considered valid referees under these circumstances? Is there any risk of a caseworker challenging their eligibility as referees?

Thanks!

[alterhase58]

Hi,

I have two questions regarding the requirements for referees in the naturalisation process.

My first question is regarding the nationality of the first referee. The MN1 Guidance states:
“One referee can be of any nationality but must be a professional person... The other referee must be the holder of a British citizen passport and either a professional person or over the age of 25.”

However, the General guidance suggests:

"The referee must:

• be a British passport holder and either a professional person or aged over 25 (at least one referee must be a professional person)."

This has left me confused—can the first referee (the professional person) be of a different nationality? YesAnd is it acceptable to provide their non-British passport number?If the application asks for this then yes.

Secondly, I would appreciate some advice on the definition of a “professional person.” I have several friends who are listed as "Director" in their limited company in company house, but their companies are either inactive or newly registered, with no income or tax filings as of yet. Would they still be considered valid referees under these circumstances? They should be Director or Manager of a VAT registered company. They won't be examining the financial position of the company. Is there any risk of a caseworker challenging their eligibility as referees? If a referee is isn't acceptable to them they will ask for another more suitable referee.

You probably have seen this list of acceptable profession: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... als_v4.pdf Page 30, if you want to choose a different referee.

Thanks!

[soraya2000]

Thanks a lot for clarifying! That clears up my confusion about the referees' nationality.

I’ve checked the list, but I’m having trouble finding a suitable referee. Unfortunately, my friends who are directors of new companies aren’t VAT-registered, so they’re not eligible.

I have a few other options though:

1. Bank official: A non-British friend of mine works as a "software engineer" (officially titled “Associate”) at a major bank. Would he be considered a "bank official"?

2. Teacher: I know a teacher who is both Swiss and British, but he’s never applied for a British passport and doesn’t plan to. The form asks if the referee has a British passport. Could this cause issues if I declare he doesn't have one despite being British?

3. Another teacher: This person is British with a British passport, but we’ve only had limited contact, chatting maybe once or twice a year over the last five years. Is that enough for the "know or have known the applicant personally" requirement?

Appreciate any advice!

[alterhase58]

Thanks a lot for clarifying! That clears up my confusion about the referees' nationality.

I’ve checked the list, but I’m having trouble finding a suitable referee. Unfortunately, my friends who are directors of new companies aren’t VAT-registered, so they’re not eligible.

I have a few other options though:

1. Bank official: A non-British friend of mine works as a "software engineer" (officially titled “Associate”) at a major bank. Would he be considered a "bank official"?
Unfortunately there are no detailed definitions of the listed professions. Is friend employed by the bank? Probably ok if directly employed by the Bank (a lot of IT these days is outsourced to the big consultancies).

2. Teacher: I know a teacher who is both Swiss and British, but he’s never applied for a British passport and doesn’t plan to. The form asks if the referee has a British passport. Could this cause issues if I declare he doesn't have one despite being British?
What is the next prompt? The passport number helps with checks (we don't know what they check exactly)


3. Another teacher: This person is British with a British passport, but we’ve only had limited contact, chatting maybe once or twice a year over the last five years. Is that enough for the "know or have known the applicant personally" requirement?
An acquaintance as referee is ok. This should be ok if person is willing to be a referee. There's no requirement that you have to have contact frequently. We do see cases though where teachers and other public sector employee refuse because of data privacy concerns (especially if children are applying).

UKVI will ask for another referee if necessary, if won't be a reason for refusal. I would try and find a qualified accountant if you can, perhaps where you work, even a minister of religion if you know one.
Appreciate any advice!

[soraya2000]

Thanks again for your insights. I noticed in the list:

• Chairman or director of a limited company
• Director, manager, or personnel officer of a VAT-registered company

My friends are directors of limited companies, but their companies aren't VAT-registered. Do they still qualify as referees, or is VAT registration necessary?

Also, could you clarify what "personnel officer" means in this context? Does it refer to any employee or people in specific positions?

Lastly, when I asked for a reference letter from my company, I was told that all letters and references must be dated after submitting the application. Is it acceptable to have referee forms signed and dated before the application date?

Sorry for all the questions—just want to make sure everything goes smoothly and avoid any delays.

[CR001]

Personnel officer is an HR person at a company.

You do not need a reference Letter from your employer. The referee simply needs to complwte and sign the referee form. It doesn't matter if the FORM, not a letter, is signed before or after the date of application!

Director of limited company is fine.

[soraya2000]

Hi,

I have applied for citizenship and I'm based in England, but there are no appointment slots in England for the next few couple of weeks. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, however, there are a few appointments for the next few days.

Can I do the biometric in a different devolved nation (Scotland/ Northern Ireland) than England?

Thanks!

[alterhase58]

The rules and regulations for nationality apply throughout the UK. If you are able to arrange a more convenient appointment it’s not an issue.
Devolved status excludes a few areas which are reserved for central government such as defence and immigration. The devolved government has no part in your application or biometrics.

[soraya2000]

Hi everyone,

I've submitted my naturalisation application and received the following document checklist:
1. My current passports
2. Degree certificate to prove English language requirement
3. Current Biometric Residence Permit
4. Proof of living in the UK for 5 years
5. Two referee declarations

I'm single and a non-EEA national. According to the guidance, I need to include my passport to prove I've lived in the UK for the past 5 years.
I have a few questions:

1. Including Extra Documents: I have my passports, but would it be helpful to include a letter from my current employer (a well-known tech company) stating I've had no unauthorised leave over the past 4.5 years? Before this job, I was a student in the UK. I also have P60s for the past 4 years and P45s from 5 years ago (from part-time work, still not covering the entire year of 5 years ago). Is there any downside to including these extra documents?

2. Scanning Passports: I've had three passports due to renewals. Should I scan and include all pages of all passports, only the pages with stamps, or just the photo pages? I want to make sure I'm thorough.

3. Entry and Exit Records: My passports have entry stamps but no exit stamps. Is it a good idea to provide flight booking confirmations that show both entry and exit dates?

4. Uploading Documents: Would it be acceptable to upload the first pages of all passports in one document and then upload all pages of each passport separately?

5. Cover Letter: Should I include a cover letter to explain that I'm providing additional documents to prove my continuous residence, even though my passports should cover it? I want to avoid any confusion for the caseworker.

Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[alterhase58]

Hi everyone,

I've submitted my naturalisation application and received the following document checklist:
1. My current passports
2. Degree certificate to prove English language requirement
3. Current Biometric Residence Permit
4. Proof of living in the UK for 5 years
5. Two referee declarations

I'm single and a non-EEA national. According to the guidance, I need to include my passport to prove I've lived in the UK for the past 5 years.
I have a few questions:

1. Including Extra Documents: I have my passports, but would it be helpful to include a letter from my current employer (a well-known tech company) stating I've had no unauthorised leave over the past 4.5 years? Before this job, I was a student in the UK. I also have P60s for the past 4 years and P45s from 5 years ago (from part-time work, still not covering the entire year of 5 years ago). Is there any downside to including these extra documents?
None of this is relevant for your application.

2. Scanning Passports: I've had three passports due to renewals. Should I scan and include all pages of all passports, only the pages with stamps, or just the photo pages? I want to make sure I'm thorough.
Do all those passports cover the 5 year residency period? Normally only the one that covers the period is required.

3. Entry and Exit Records: My passports have entry stamps but no exit stamps. Is it a good idea to provide flight booking confirmations that show both entry and exit dates?
Not Required! You just list your absences in the form.

4. Uploading Documents: Would it be acceptable to upload the first pages of all passports in one document and then upload all pages of each passport separately?
Subject to point -If all passports are necessary. Should be ok - each page normally has the passport number anyway.

5. Cover Letter: Should I include a cover letter to explain that I'm providing additional documents to prove my continuous residence, even though my passports should cover it? I want to avoid any confusion for the caseworker.
Cover letter not required. Caseworkers know what they are looking for/at - they look at all documents and know what is required.

Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Naturalisation is a fairly easy application requiring a minimum of documents.

Thanks in advance!

[soraya2000]

Thanks for your helpful response.

I have a couple of follow-up questions:

1. Regarding passports: yes, I have three passports covering the 5-year period:
* First passport: covers the initial 4 months.
* Second passport: covers about 4 years.
* Third passport: issued 8 months ago.
The oldest passport is full of stamps and visas, mostly from before the 5-year period. I'm concerned the caseworker might struggle to find the relevant UK stamps within the 5-year timeframe. Would it be a good idea to scan all pages of each passport and add a brief cover letter directing the caseworker to specific entry stamps in each passport? Does this seem reasonable?

2. About including extra documents like an employer letter or P60s: I understand they're not required, but could including them help if the caseworker has trouble finding specific stamps in my crowded passport? Also, since the application asks for my employment status and company tax reference, I thought providing something from my employer might be useful. Is there any risk in adding these extra documents?

Again, I appreciate your advice!

[CR001]

1. Regarding passports: yes, I have three passports covering the 5-year period:
* First passport: covers the initial 4 months.
* Second passport: covers about 4 years.
* Third passport: issued 8 months ago.
The oldest passport is full of stamps and visas, mostly from before the 5-year period. I'm concerned the caseworker might struggle to find the relevant UK stamps within the 5-year timeframe. Would it be a good idea to scan all pages of each passport and add a brief cover letter directing the caseworker to specific entry stamps in each passport? Does this seem reasonable?

They know what they are looking for and how to do their jobs. You do NOT need to explain it to them!!

2. About including extra documents like an employer letter or P60s: I understand they're not required, but could including them help if the caseworker has trouble finding specific stamps in my crowded passport? Also, since the application asks for my employment status and company tax reference, I thought providing something from my employer might be useful. Is there any risk in adding these extra documents?

Do NOT submit unnecessary documents you THINK are relevant. They will simply be discarded and ignored and cause delays.

You are completely overthinking this. The caseworkers do this job day in and day out, they know what they are looking for!!

[soraya2000]

Hi everyone,
Sorry for asking questions, but this is hopefully the last one!


1. Is there a specific deadline for uploading documents to TLS? Can I upload them up to 1 hour before my appointment?


2. For passport scans, I have three passports covering the 5-year period. The older two have been invalidated upon renewal:
* Passport 1: A few characters from the machine-readable code are missing due to punching.
* Passport 2: A small corner of the passport was cut.
I scanned both passports before and after renewal. Should I use the intact scans (from before they were damaged) or the current versions with the punch/cut?

Thanks a lot for your help!

[contorted_svy]

Hi everyone,
Sorry for asking questions, but this is hopefully the last one!


1. Is there a specific deadline for uploading documents to TLS? Can I upload them up to 1 hour before my appointment?
 For UKVCAS it used to be up to 48 hours prior to the appointment, but don't know if this has changed with TLScontact.

2. For passport scans, I have three passports covering the 5-year period. The older two have been invalidated upon renewal:
* Passport 1: A few characters from the machine-readable code are missing due to punching.
* Passport 2: A small corner of the passport was cut.
I scanned both passports before and after renewal. Should I use the intact scans (from before they were damaged) or the current versions with the punch/cut? Current versions as that is what you have now. It will be fine as all they look for are the stamps and they can tell they are authentic. If they need more details they will ask you

Thanks a lot for your help!