In a major new development my Determination Officer has phoned me. This is exciting. Things are moving to a whole new personal level... we're on first name terms and everything. And I'm doing my best not to imitate her accent by accident.
BUT she says she needs a new photo of the Cherub.
Because the Cherub was smiling in the last photo I sent.
I say he wasn't. He had his mouth open a bit.. which is not a good look.. but, he wasn't drooling or anything.
Whatever, she needs a new photo.
She's the Determination Officer. She wins.
So it's back to the photo booth. For another photo. Head straight on. Hair out of eyes. Mouth closed. No smiling. Look straight at camera.
And another witness to be found to sign the photos and complete another copy of page 7 (Witness Statement and Proof of Identity).
This is the THIRD photo sent. The Cherub's looking noticeably older in each photo.
Strikes me at this rate he's going to have a beard before the Determination Officer's satisfied...
13 July 2010 at 21:56
If you put a beard on him the Determination Officer wouldn't be able to see if he was smiling.
13 July 2010 at 22:03
Mr Musgrove! Damn. THAT's a PLAN.
Gone to look for felt tips....
13 July 2010 at 22:15
It's laughable really. Why bother with kids having to have the perfect photo? They grow so fast anyway. I had to do the same for my U.S. green card stuff back in the day. No earrings, even tiny studs as I had. Hair behind right ear. No smiling. Exact dimensions. WTH? Do we really look so different when we smile or wear earrings? I still have the same photo as back then on my card and I'm twelve years older now.
14 July 2010 at 08:31
whit a wee smasher hen.
14 July 2010 at 08:54
Ahhhhh.... he's really cute!
I think he has a naturally smiley face.
Sx
14 July 2010 at 13:53
I am sure that the cherub would be pleased that you published that photo and if that is the photo you sent in of a 13yo boy, no wonder they asked for another---ooops, wasn't supposed to notice that.
And all of this trouble to become a New Zealander---ha.
Shouldn,t laugh---off to get a passport--haven't had one for a few years but if I'm coming to the UK next year, guess I'll need one---maybe I coulk get a British passport---well, I'm entitled---my mother was born in Broughty Ferry
14 July 2010 at 14:44
Ms Veg - Exactly! Presumably when you go to the US you need to take out your earrings at the border?
Rog & Scarlet - He WAS cute... Now he's less cute he'd probably kill me if I published a recent photo of him...
Clyde - Yeah. Harder than it looks being a kiwi.. Good luck with getting your old Justin Timberlake photo added to your passport!
15 July 2010 at 02:14
Ha ha ha---Not going to give them the Justin photo--I'll submit the real Shrek
15 August 2010 at 11:16
What on earth is a determinations officer? Sounds like someone who finishes off things. Eeeer.
15 August 2010 at 12:45
Ha! Rosie... I think the Determinations Officer is in place to wear down the lesser motivated applicants.. winnow out those with no determination and/or Kiwi blood..