Immigration Corner | Countersigning documents

Dear Mr Bassie,

The British authorities have informed me that I need to have my passport documents countersigned. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

KT

Dear KT,

Persons should be aware that some paper passport applications and photos must be signed by someone else (the ‘countersignatory’) to prove the identity of the person applying.

The applicant must get their paper form and one of their two print photos signed if they are applying for a:

• First adult passport

• First child passport

• Replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged passport

• Renewal of a passport for a child aged 11 years old or under

• Renewal of a passport if their appearance has changed and they cannot be recognised from their existing passport

WHO CAN SIGN THE FORM AND PHOTO

Persons should note that the countersignatory must:

• Have known the applicant (or the adult who signed the form if the passport is for a child under 16 years old) for at least two years

• Be able to identify the applicant, for example, they are a friend, neighbour or colleague (not just someone who knows the individual professionally)

• Be ‘a person of good standing in their community’ or work in (or be retired from) a recognised profession

WHO CANNOT BE THE COUNTERSIGNATORY

Persons cannot ask someone to countersign their passport if they are:

• Related to them by birth or marriage

• In a relationship with or live at the same address as them.

If applying in the UK

Your countersignatory must live in the United Kingdom (UK) and have a current British or Irish passport.

If applying outside the UK

If the application is being made from outside of the UK the countersignatory must have a current British, Irish or other EU, US or Commonwealth passport.

If they have a USA, Commonwealth, or non-British or non-Irish EU passport, persons must include with their application a colour photocopy of the page with their photograph on it.

Please be aware that the application will be processed faster if the countersignatory has a British or Irish passport.

WHAT THE COUNTERSIGNATORY MUST DO WITH THE FORM

After completing the form, the countersignatory must check the details are correct and sign it.

By signing it they are confirming that:

• They have known the applicant for more than two years

• The applicant is who he/she claims to be

• As far as they know, all the information put on the form is true

Please note that the countersignatory must put their passport number on the form.

WHAT THE COUNTERSIGNATORY MUST WRITE ON THE PHOTO

The countersignatory should write the following on the back of one photo:

‘I certify that this is a true likeness of [title and full name of adult or child who is getting the passport].’

They must add their signature and the date under the statement. The applicant does not have to sign or date the photos.

WHAT THE COUNTERSIGNATORY CAN EXPECT

The countersignatory may be contacted by HM Passport Office for more information and the application may be delayed if they are not available.

I hope this helps.

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a supreme court appointed mediator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator, the past global president of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com