Advanced learner loan counter signature

[Deleted User]

Does anyone have any ideas?

I’ve been accepted to do a course which I’m hoping to cover with an advanced learner loan which I have applied for.

I don’t have a passport in date so have to provide my birth certificate alongside a counter signature form.

Apparently it needs to be a professional person.

Someone I know who is a employment advisor signed but they rejected that one.

Spoke to them today and he even suggested asking someone who would be willing to sign to say they have known you for two years even if they haven’t.

Another complication is I’m new to the area so even my GP or the local MP, even though I know them but not for the two years.

Any ideas? Just I can’t see many people willing to say they have if they haven’t.

Les79

Do you know anyone who is one of the following? (I think that's a list of people who would be able to sign it)

https://www.gov.uk/countersigning-passport-applications/accepted-occupations-for-countersignatories wrote:

accountant
airline pilot
articled clerk of a limited company
assurance agent of recognised company
bank or building society official
barrister
chairman or director of a limited company
chiropodist
commissioner for oaths
councillor, for example local or county
civil servant (permanent)
dentist
director, manager or personnel officer of a VAT-registered company
engineer with professional qualifications
financial services intermediary, for example a stockbroker or insurance broker
fire service official
funeral director
insurance agent (full time) of a recognised company
journalist
Justice of the Peace
legal secretary (fellow or associate member of the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs)
licensee of a public house
local government officer
manager or personnel officer of a limited company
member, associate or fellow of a professional body
Member of Parliament
Merchant Navy officer
minister of a recognised religion (including Christian Science)
nurse (RGN or RMN)
officer of the armed services
optician
paralegal (certified paralegal, qualified paralegal or associate member of the Institute of Paralegals)
person with honours, for example an OBE or MBE
pharmacist
photographer (professional)
police officer
Post Office official
president or secretary of a recognised organisation
Salvation Army officer
social worker
solicitor
surveyor
teacher or lecturer
trade union officer
travel agent (qualified)
valuer or auctioneer (fellow or associate members of the incorporated society)
Warrant Officers and Chief Petty Officers

Les79

Alternatively, simply get your passport renewed...


https://www.gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently/1-week-fast-track-service - 1 week for £142, or about half that cost if you can wait for 3 weeks.


The Paper Premium service MAY be accessible to you and is worth checking out: https://www.gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently (4 hours after appointment)


I'll provide you with a list of people who could potentially loan you the money for the passport:

common_sense wrote:

- Mum
- Dad
- Grandparents
- Uncle/Aunt
- Friends
- Siblings
- A bank
- Wonga.com (et al)

[Deleted User]

I do know a few people from the list but not for the minimum of the two years duration and possibly people on that list are not likely to lie and say they have.

Would I not have the same problem for my passport? Don’t I need another counter signature?

Les79

No idea... your first post sort of implied that a valid passport wouldn't need a counter signature form.

[Deleted User]

It doesn’t for the advanced learner loan but you usually need a counter signature when applying for a passport so I would have the same trouble I’m having with the advanced learner loan.

They don’t make it easy for people that don’t know “professional” people.

Les79

I believe that only applies if your picture has changed...


But anyways, can't help you much further I'm afraid.

Catcherupper14

You say you are new to the area, but could you possibly ask your previous GP or nurse to sign, even if it means going back to where you were before?

An old school or college teacher?

General_Grant

If you can provide your old passport then I don't think you need a counter-signatory. Do check that.

[Deleted User]

I checked online and I can renew the passport online and upload my own picture and if you are recognisable from the previous picture then you don’t need a counter signature.