referees, names and a few technical questions

[Tranquility]

Hi there,

I've a few technical questions RE applying for naturalisation..

Firstly, I'm thinking of asking someone for a reference and I'm not sure he's eligible... He's a policeman and the husband of a friend. I know friends aren't eligible, but he's not my friend, he's a friend's husband, is that allowed? If so, how would he describe his relationship to me?

Secondly, I'm at home with a small child at mo so not employed. I.e. housewife. I don't claim ANY benefits. However, neither do I pay any tax or NI contributions (although I have done in the past and HMRC have no problem with me, I know that for certain because they recently refunded me some overpaid tax!). Would there be any issue with the "good character" requirement because I'm not currently paying tax?

Thirdly, I'm married but my passport is still in my maiden name. That's because my home country makes it near impossible to change one's surname upon marriage UNLESS you were married in that country. Just wondering, would IPS allow me to have my married name on my passport (alongside my maiden name perhaps?)? Or would I only be able to change my surname by deed poll?

many thanks for any insights.

[Jambo]

I know friends aren't eligible, but he's not my friend

Friends are eligible. Only blood related relatives are not allowed.

Would there be any issue with the "good character" requirement because I'm not currently paying tax?

Not a problem. Employment is not a requirement and if you don't work, you don't need to pay income tax. Just put "housewife" as occupation and leave the rest of the section empty.

Just wondering, would IPS allow me to have my married name on my passport (alongside my maiden name perhaps?)? Or would I only be able to change my surname by deed poll?

IPS would use the name on the naturalisation certificate unless you provide supporting evidence for a name change. See The application form, fee and supporting documents for a passport name change.

[Tranquility]

great, thanks for that!