British Citizenship / Passport Application: Countersignature Problem

[samsingsong]

I'm not sure if anyone can really help with advice on this problem but I think it worth a try!

We want to apply for my wife's British Citizenship and Passport.

 

 First time British Passport applications now also require a Home Office interview. We are very far from a place that does that.

However, we're thinking of going to make use of our local council's Nationality Checking Service and apply for both Citizenship & Passport at the same time.

Question 1) By doing this would my wife still need an interview for her passport application?

( I've been searching for this info without result, and can't get a person to talk to on the phone at the Nationality Checking Service. I would have thought another interview not necessary due to the thorough Nationality checking?) 

 

Question 2)   Regarding the countersignature required on both citizenship and passport applications:

There is a long list of suitable 'professions'  who can sign: Airline Pilot, Chiropodist, Dentist, Accountant...... Unfortunately we just don't know anyone on the list! (can't use a relative)

We had planned to ask our GP doctor, but that isn't now a job on the list! Also on one of the forms (can't remember which) it said that a doctor can only countersign if they know you personally as a friend.

A company managing director can sign (such as my wife's employer), but they have to know you for 3 years and she's only worked there a few months. Although she works in a restaurant and we've been going there for many years, however the owner didn't know us then. The only way out I can think of is ask the boss to say he has known her longer - he could have done, and only he and us know!

It doesn't really make any difference - the whole purpose is just to declare that the person in the photo is who they say they are. Her doctor and employer certainly can confirm that!

 

Any ideas / suggestions please?

 

[bobrussell]

Some areas were trialling a system where passport applications were included in the naturalisation application. Seems a logical thing to do as passport 'interviews' are designed to make sure the applicant is the correct one!

Your GP is able to sign the application if willing and able to identify the applicant and photo. They were removed from the list because they were inundated by requests. As a vet I have signed some, nurses and pretty much any professional person seems fine. As far as I am aware they need to have known the applicant for two years!

[samsingsong]

Thanks Bob. A not too far away local council has a Nationality Checking Service and you can now put in your passport application with your citizenship application. We are hoping that this service will obviate the need for a separate passport interview (now required for all first time passport applications) as the nearest place for that is over 100 miles round-trip.  

Yes, indeed there is a long list of suitable candidates to countersign, and as you say just about any 'professional' person. Sadly..... we just don't know any! We have one or two in the family, but the person signing mustn't be related.

Our GP is happy to countersign the forms (at a price!) but re-checking the list GP's aren't included. If, as you say, they were taken off due to demand then I hope that our GP's signature will be OK.