8 replies to this topic

[serbar78]

I am currently preparing an application for naturalisation as a British citizen. I need a clarification regarding definition of “Engineer with professional qualifications”.

Could someone clarify what actually “Engineer (with professional qualifications)”mean?

For example, could someone who is NOT a Chartered Engineer but who has an engineering degree, works as a senior building services engineer and a member of a professional body such as Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers qualify as a second referee?

Your prompt response will be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

Sergey

[Victoria]

I think you have answered your own question. A degree is an academic qualification, not a professional one. Chartership is the professional qualification.

[serbar78]

Thank you very much Victoria for you quick response.

If the person is a member of a professional body such as Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers would that be sufficient.

On the application form it says “…or a member of a professional body e.g. accountant or solicitor…”

Sergey

[Victoria]

I don't think so.

[John]

Victoria, are you saying that is not a professional body?

To me http://www.cibse.org...ge.view&item=37 says it is clearly a professional body.

[Victoria]

I'm aware that every engineering student is a member of such organisations, and I'd play safe and only have referees who have Chartership.

[serbar78]

I know that if the referee is a Chartered Engineer (professional) he/she will qualify and this is the safest option.

At the moment I am struggling to find such a person therefore I am trying to understand if having a membership of a professional body would be sufficient.

Not every student is a member of a professional body. You have to have certain academic qualifications (e.g BEng, MSc) or work experience before you can become a member of a professional body. Your academic qualifications/work experience is assessed by the professional body and if they are acceptable you can become a member.

You can be a very experienced professional with right academic qualifications and a professional body membership but not be a Chartered. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you professional experience is not sufficient. It could just mean that you have not formally tick all the right boxes (e.g. didn’t right a final report or attended an interview).

Unfortunately, at the moment, I cannot get a simple and definitive answer. The list of acceptable professional persons indicates that a referee should be an Engineer (with professional qualifications) which could mean to have Chartership status. The application form Section 5 states that the referee can be a member of professional body which could mean that Charteship status is not necessary.

I have been told by one council checking service that I shouldn’t worry about such detail as it not that important. However, I just want to be absolutely clear about the requirements before I submit my application.

Regards,

Sergey

[Victoria]

The naturalisation department are fair. Apply, an if there is a problem they will phone you and ask for another referee rather than refusing you.

[wombat]

serbar78, on 27 June 2012 - 07:06 AM, said:

Thank you very much Victoria for you quick response.

If the person is a member of a professional body such as Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers would that be sufficient.

On the application form it says “…or a member of a professional body e.g. accountant or solicitor…”

Sergey

Sorry to bring this back, but in case you use the MCIBSE referee, was that sufficient as a professional referee for nationalisation application?

Thanks