UK Citizenship Referee

Hi all,

We are applying for citizenship for my wife in a few weeks and are filling in the part of the form regarding the referees and we require some more information please. 

My uncle is a police officer, does he count as a relative of my wife for this form?

Also, my friend is a draughtsman at an architect firm, is that valid?

Finally, "One referee should be a person of any nationality who has professional standing" Does this person of any nationality have to live in the UK?

Thanks,

Mike

The uncle is a relative by marriage, so no, not eligible. Guide AN specifically states that a referee may not be related to you, and that does include in-laws.

The friend at the architectural firm is fine for a 2nd referee, but is not on the list of accepted professions. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/421217/Chapter_6_A_Referees_-_list_of_acceptable_professional_persons.pdf

While it doesn't specifically say that the referee of 'any nationality' must be UK resident (and does say that if you are applying from abroad the referee can be a citizen of the country from which you are applying), it's best if that person is UK resident and a UK citizen  - fewer potential delays in application processing IMHO.

"Train Driver" is not on the list but is accepted. Therefore the list is not definitive. You can call the Home Office to check about other occupations I guess.