When applying for British citizenship, one of the requirements is to provide referees who can confirm your identity and good character. This part of the application often causes confusion, particularly when it comes to who qualifies as a suitable referee.
Many applicants ask whether a doctor can act as a referee. While doctors are commonly listed among acceptable professions, there are specific rules that must be met. Choosing the wrong referee can delay your application or result in it being refused.
In this article, we explain whether a doctor can be a referee for British citizenship, what the Home Office requires and how to arrange a free 30-minute consultation with an immigration solicitor to review your application.
What is a referee for British citizenship?
A referee is someone who confirms that the information in your citizenship application is correct and that they know you personally. Referees are used by the Home Office to help verify your identity and assess your good character.
The British citizenship application usually requires two referees. One must be a professional person and the other must be a British citizen who is either a professional or over a certain age. Both referees must have known you for a specified period and must not be closely related to you.
Referees are expected to provide honest and accurate information. Giving false or misleading information can have serious consequences for both the applicant and the referee.
Who can act as a referee?
The Home Office sets out clear rules about who can act as a referee. Referees must generally:
- Be over 25 years old
- Have known the applicant personally for at least three years
- Not be related to the applicant or involved in a close personal relationship
- Not be acting as the applicant’s legal representative
One referee must be a professional person. The Home Office provides a list of acceptable professions, which includes roles such as accountants, teachers, solicitors and doctors.
Can a doctor be a referee?
Yes, a doctor can act as a professional referee for a British citizenship application, provided they meet all the Home Office requirements.
The doctor must know you personally, not just in a professional capacity. For example, a family friend who is a doctor may be suitable, but a GP who has only treated you as a patient would not usually qualify.
The doctor must also be of good standing and able to confirm your identity and character. They must not be related to you, your partner or live at the same address.
When a doctor can’t act as a referee
Although doctors are an approved professional group, there are many situations where a doctor would not be an acceptable referee. The most common issue is where the relationship is purely professional.
If the doctor only knows you as a patient, such as your GP or hospital consultant, they won’t usually be considered suitable. The Home Office requires referees to have a personal knowledge of you, not just a professional or transactional relationship.
A doctor also can’t act as a referee if they’re related to you, your partner or your spouse or if they live at the same address as you. Close personal relationships, including romantic partners, aren’t permitted.
In some cases, a doctor may be professionally qualified but not meet nationality or residency requirements, depending on which referee role they’re fulfilling. This can make them ineligible even if they otherwise seem suitable.
Common mistakes when choosing referees
Mistakes with referees are a frequent cause of delays in British citizenship applications. Common errors include:
- Using a GP or dentist who only knows you as a patient
- Selecting two professional referees instead of one professional and one non-professional
- Choosing a referee who hasn’t known you for long enough
- Incomplete or incorrectly completed referee declarations
- Using a referee whose profession isn’t accepted by the Home Office
These issues can result in requests for further information or refusal of the application.
What happens if you choose the wrong referee?
Referee requirements for British citizenship are strict and must be followed carefully. Even small errors can affect the outcome of an application.
If the Home Office decides that one or both referees aren’t acceptable, your application may be delayed while further information is requested. In some cases, you may be asked to provide new referees.
More seriously, the application may be refused if the referee requirements aren’t met. This can lead to loss of the application fee and significant delays before you can reapply.
Ensuring that your referees are eligible from the outset can help avoid unnecessary stress and cost.
Speak to an immigration solicitor about your citizenship application
If you’re unsure whether a doctor can act as a referee for your British citizenship application, professional guidance can help you proceed with confidence.
An immigration solicitor can review your chosen referees, confirm whether they meet the Home Office criteria and help ensure that your application is completed correctly. Early advice can reduce the risk of refusal and avoid delays.
Please note that this article is solely for informational purposes. It’s not a substitute for legal advice. We encourage readers to contact Osbourne Pinner for case specific guidance.
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your application. You can speak with us via video call or visit our offices in Harrow, Canary Wharf, Piccadilly Circus or Manchester. To arrange your consultation, call 0203 983 5080, email [email protected] or complete the form below.
