You should follow the instructions exactly as stated. I know it sounds ridiculous regarding the attachment of passport photos as the forms are scanned and uploaded anyway, but if it were officially acceptable to submit a signed PDF, then it would be specified, and it's not.

and then drive to meet up with my two referees for them to physically sign this form.

I don't understand why post isn't an option? This is how I did it...

 

I don't understand why post isn't an option? This is how I did it...

That's what we did in January 2021 too. Posted the forms to the referees and they signed and posted them back. Then we scanned and submitted it.

 

My thinking is that the only reason to sign your photo and glue it on is so that if it falls off they can match photo to application. Given that taking your own digital passport photo is permitted in the guidance linked in that document, I don't understand why inserting your image into the PDF wouldn't be acceptable?

Post is an option, but I rarely send letter post so don't keep stamps/envelopes on hand so this would mean a trip to the passport photo shop, a trip to the corner store for stamps and envelopes and the same thing for my referees. Somewhat unnecessary in a lockdown.

I appreciate the 'follow what it says' recommendation, but just wondering if people have done it in PDF. All my ILR docs were done with PDF signatures and had no issues. I can't imagine it would be fair or even lawful to refuse a citizenship application for not attaching a photo a certain way.

 

I don't understand why inserting your image into the PDF wouldn't be acceptable?

The only ones who can truly answer that work for UKVI, anything here is just speculation. You could make a FOI request?

Post is an option, but I rarely send letter post so don't keep stamps/envelopes on hand so this would mean a trip to the passport photo shop, a trip to the corner store for stamps and envelopes and the same thing for my referees. Somewhat unnecessary in a lockdown.

This reasoning is quite weak, though. You can get stamps and envelopes at your regular shop with the rest of your household groceries. You can also buy them online. It's not unnecessary if it's required for your application. Or just wait until 12th April.

I'll let someone answer if they've successfully applied 100% electronic documents, but when you say you think it's not "lawful" to refuse citizenship for not meeting photo requirements because you won't use the photo booth at ASDA - I am not convinced a solicitor would take up that case...

 

I'm not using it as a definitive reason to not go out and get a passport photo and get stamps. I could do it but it seems pointless when my mugshot inserted into the PDF and a signature accomplishes the same thing and is somewhat implied that it's acceptable in the guidance - but it's just a bit unclear.

I wouldn't fight something like that on the basis that I was too lazy. It's that using elmers glue to stick a photo onto a sheet of A4 isn't a rule in applying for naturalisation. If i was out of the country 3 years before applying, then yes, they would rightly refuse it.

 

I total agree with you. All my previous applications have also been signed electronically. My advice is to add the digital picture as a third page on the referee form and get your referee to digitally sign that page but not insert the picture on the main document. So it doesn't look like the form was tempered with. I hope this makes sense

 

Hi

I am also in the same position. I am applying for Natulisation for my WIFE who was granted her ILR 6 months ago.
Now i also got an email saying we do NOT have to book the biometrics appotinemt and we can now this NEW APP and upload the photo like that.

Given this is the case, what do we actually have to send in by post anymore? Everything is electronically uploaded so am i assuming the 2 referee documents are also scanned in and uploaded or does this have to by physically posted to somewhere?

I am consfused

 

Can anyone shed any light to this?
Does the referee signature pages get posted physically or is it uploaded like everything else?

 

Can anyone shed any light to this?
Does the referee signature pages get posted physically or is it uploaded like everything else?

Uploaded like everything else

 

Download the app passport photo on IOS store. I used that app to take and create a passport photo for myself. Upload on my computer and stuck it on the photo frame on the form. Alternative you can just add it as a second page to the PDF. It doesn’t matter this days cos everything is submitted digitally

 

OK so it's good to know digital signature are acceptable.
Would be silly if it wasn't