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Topic: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?  (Read 8137 times)

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  • On an Irish adventure, on the West coast of Clare!
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I'm just checking to be totally sure.  Maybe it used to be this way a few years ago as one of my referees is almost certain she had to do this for another  friend a few years back.

The guidance notes don't mention anything specifically about having the back of your photo signed, just....

"Your application must be endorsed by two referees and a recent passport sized photograph stapled or clipped into the space provided...."

Thanks in advance!
Met husband-to-be in Ireland July 2006
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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2011, 07:40:42 PM »
I think I had my stepdad sign the back of my photo - I later read that it's not supposed to be done by a family member, but I don't think anyone noticed/cared.

At any rate, I don't think the referees have to be the ones who sign the photo, just someone (not a relative) who can vouch that it is a photo of you.
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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2011, 07:47:29 PM »
I think I had my stepdad sign the back of my photo - I later read that it's not supposed to be done by a family member, but I don't think anyone noticed/cared.

At any rate, I don't think the referees have to be the ones who sign the photo, just someone (not a relative) who can vouch that it is a photo of you.
Hmmm.  I just feel a bit reticent to have anyone sign it if it's not definitely required.  I'm using the NCS, so the person there will see that the photo is definitely me....
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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2011, 07:56:52 PM »
My application (which was for citizenship by descent) specifically mentioned having the photo signed on the back. If yours doesn't mention it, then you possibly don't need it.
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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2011, 08:01:04 PM »
My application (which was for citizenship by descent) specifically mentioned having the photo signed on the back. If yours doesn't mention it, then you possibly don't need it.
I just can't find it mentioned anywhere!  But I've just had a look at the requirements for supporting documents, etc. for applying for your British passport and that one says you must have one person sign the photo saying that it is a pic of you, etc.
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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2011, 08:35:23 PM »
I did my citizenship app through NCS, and I didn't have the photo signed. I can't remember if the lady at my appointment wrote anything on the back, but there definitely wasn't anything written on it when I went.

I only got 1 photo signed for my passport.

Hope that helps.
Dec 7, 2007 - Moved to UK
Feb 15, '11-Citizenship ceremony
March 8, '11-UK passport received


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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2011, 09:02:19 PM »
My citizenship app didnt need signed photos but the passport app did.


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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2011, 09:23:57 PM »
Thanks ladies, I'm not going to worry about it as I'm sure now it's OK as it is.  :)
Met husband-to-be in Ireland July 2006
Married October 2007
Became a British citizen 21 July 2011
Separated from husband August 2014
Off on an Irish adventure October 2014


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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2011, 08:50:22 AM »
Just a quick update on this.  I phoned and got my appointment with the NCS.  I received my letter of confirmation of the appointment a couple days later.  Stapled to the letter, on a little piece of yellow paper is a note which reads,

'IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE  If your photograph is not attached to your application form or signed on the back by one of your referees, then we will be unable to send your application in on the day of the appointment.  You will be asked to take your photo away to get it signed then return it to us, thus delaying your application.'.

My thoughts are that lots of people were showing up to their NCS appointments without having stapled their photo to the application, hence the note that it must be attached *or* signed by referee.  I guess someone could have their referees sign the form and then later attach a photo of someone else to the form.  (Not sure what one would gain from that though). 

Anyway, I will get it signed now *as well as* attach it to the form.
Met husband-to-be in Ireland July 2006
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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2011, 09:53:34 AM »
I guess someone could have their referees sign the form and then later attach a photo of someone else to the form.  (Not sure what one would gain from that though).

One of my referees refused to sign his form without my photo attached. (Given that he was in another state, this was a little bit aggravating!) I'm not sure what he thought would happen otherwise, since he knows me (and presumably knows I wouldn't attach someone else's photo).
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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2011, 11:06:44 AM »
One of my referees refused to sign his form without my photo attached. (Given that he was in another state, this was a little bit aggravating!) I'm not sure what he thought would happen otherwise, since he knows me (and presumably knows I wouldn't attach someone else's photo).
That strikes me as being a bit too much of a stickler considering he obviously knows you!  Maybe he thought the British secret police would be after him!
Met husband-to-be in Ireland July 2006
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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #11 on: March 11, 2011, 11:14:26 AM »
That strikes me as being a bit too much of a stickler considering he obviously knows you!  Maybe he thought the British secret police would be after him!

I think he did have visions (or maybe fantasies ;)) of MI-5 being out to get him. Maybe if I'd attached Osama Bin Laden's photo to my app, but then I think they'd be out to get me before him. It did strike me as a bit overly paranoid, though.
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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #12 on: March 11, 2011, 12:10:15 PM »
My partner also applied at Leeds and got the yellow note!!

So to be safe we got the photo signed and then stapled it also.  The lady checking didn't look on the back of the photo so I think as long as it is stapled/firmly attached when taking the form in to the NCS I don't think it has to be signed also.  Like a previous poster I think they were probably getting forms and photos separate and anyone could replace a photo - however unlikely!! 


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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #13 on: March 11, 2011, 12:11:42 PM »
My partner also applied at Leeds and got the yellow note!!

So to be safe we got the photo signed and then stapled it also.  The lady checking didn't look on the back of the photo so I think as long as it is stapled/firmly attached when taking the form in to the NCS I don't think it has to be signed also.  Like a previous poster I think they were probably getting forms and photos separate and anyone could replace a photo - however unlikely!! 
Good luck / congrats on your partner's citizenship!
Met husband-to-be in Ireland July 2006
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Re: Citizenship app--do referees need to sign back of your photo?
« Reply #14 on: March 11, 2011, 12:40:25 PM »
What's to stop you from removing the photo and attaching a different one?


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