How long in advance can I get a reference for naturalisation

[Kotiara]

I have about 9 months left before I can apply for naturalisation. One of my referees can give me a reference now, but may not be able to do it later. I've been changing jobs and moving around so it's not that easy for me to find referees who have known me for 3 years. If i get that referee to sign my application form now and then apply for citizenship this Autumn, would it be a problem?

[Kotiara]

Can anybody please advise? One referee has given me reference 8 months in advance, but I can probably ask him to rewrite his reference before i apply. The other reference I can about 2.5 months in advance. How recent do they have to be?

[Casa]

You mention that one of your referees can give you a reference now but 'may not be able to later'. Are you aware that referees can be contacted by the Home Office to confirm the reference?
If they not likely to be available to do this, I would look for another referee.
A significant gap in the date of signing of a reference and your application may raise queries.

[Kotiara]

Can I get a reference in june and apply in october? Would that be ok?

[mrlookforward]

There are no rules as such to guide on this, so no one can give you a definitve answer. Casa has already pointed out to a likely situation if HO wants to contact any or both the referees. This about it and make a decision.

[Kotiara]

I have a reference given to me by a professional 4 months in advance of application. I'm quite sure he will remember me and/or check his records if HO contacts him to confirm the reference, but i'm reluctant to ask him to sign it again with a later date, because i've already asked to correct an error and don't want to hassle him many times over the same reference. Besides, I'm thinking of asking him for another reference when i apply for a passport.

Do you think it's ok to provide a 4 month old reference for naturalisation?