We no longer let people apply for verification. We instead rely on notable community members (like you?) to monitor the site and "verify" people who are at a high risk of impersonation.
Verification is a relatively prestigious thing and isn't handed out willy nilly. If hired you'll suggest people for verification and the entire team will vote to decide if they should be verified or not.
If you'd like to join the team and/or learn more message "dalt" on Steemit.Chat.