Documents to be submitted

Hi! Are the IELTS and TB original certificate to be submitted or a photocopy of these docs would do? I'm planning on bringing all the original copies of my documents anyway but want to make sure which original ones I should/can keep. Thanks!

They are to be submitted...They will give you your original documents back as long as you provide them copies. Good luck with the application.

Thanks @Dave and Aisa! Most of the documents I'll submit were printed online (payslips, emails, chats, etc.) and it's okay if those won't be returned anymore. I am more concerned about the IELTS, TB cert, birth certificates, and land registry. I have photocopied everything just in case although I remember when I applied for the visitor visa in the past, I just supplied photocopies. I only brought the original in case they want to check them.

Use originals. They will be returned to you.

You need to submit two lots of documents when applying for a visa - the first is a batch of original documents the second is a batch of copy documents. The originals will be returned once the decision on the visa is made. The only non-original document (from memory) is the sponsor's passport.

Same with me. I supplied only copies for my visit visa but will submit originals like the English requirement, TB test, birth certificate and accommodation documents for fiancée visa. Good luck with the application @firew0myn.

Thank you once again! I think the amount of docs that I had printed and photocopied equates to several trees! But needs to be done.

Appreciate everyone's assistance and well wishes!

agree with the other posters. You will need to submit two documentation packs. One consisting of originals (or certified copies) that will be submitted to the embassy and one consisting of photocopies that will be retained by VFS.

The original 'pack' will be returned to you. Photocopies are not acceptable in the original pack unless they are certified copies which means that they have had every page stamped by a solicitor (front and back if double sided) and annotated with the words "Certified to be a true copy as seen by me." Signed, dated with the solicitor name and address.

Online print outs of bank statements (for example) must be certified by the issuing bank - or you provide original bank statements. Online print outs of payslips, emails or chat transcripts clearly are 'originals' if no better, paper copy exists.

I submitted a colour copy of my passport biodata and stamp pages and the copy was certified by the solicitor. Just stick by the letter of the rules. When it says 'all documents must be originals or certified copies" - that's what it means.

Thanks! I'm just concerned about his certificate of employment as he was given a scanned copy. Same thing with mine. The only other thing is last month's bank statement as he only scanned this and sent it to me. The rest he brought with him when he visited me last month so those were original. Sorry if I am asking a lot of questions or seem lost. I just need to make sure everything is good to go.

I would be careful about the bank statement. They want originals or certified copies. It might look odd to have bunch of originals and then one scanned copy. All I can say is, the above is what the rules are.

The certificate of employment will probably be OK since it's not a standard government document - so long as it doesn't 'look' like a crappy photocopy - but 'looks' original - then it's likely to be ok. That's my view on it.

Yeah, makes a lot of sense. Always err to being on the safe side for things like this; too important and not to mention expensive to take unnecessary risks.

A scanned copy of a bank statement is no good. It won't be accepted. He'll need to send the original.

Thanks @Maharg! I've asked him to mail it to me with the envelope as I plan to also include that so they know it's the original one sent to him.

You don't need the envelope. An original bank statement is printed on both sides and clearly different to an online statement.

Awesome then! I will just ask him to send it via DHL. Any other courier option? It's frustrating because I would need to push back on my application by a couple of weeks. But it needs to be done.

I used DHL and many others here seem Happy with them. I would be sure to ensure that you have originals or certified copies of everything so you don't end up sending two packages. I take it that you've got tenancy agreement or house deeds and accommodation survey?

I have four documents for proof of accommodation
a. Mortgage statement
b. Certified copy of the deed of legal charge
c. Land registry - completion of registration
d. Solicitors letter re: purchase of the flat

Do I have the right docs?

That would be plenty.
If it's just the two of you living in the property you wont need any survey to be done.

Thank God! One less thing to worry about. Appreciate the reply @Micawber!

Okay, so documents have been collated and here's what I will be submitting. Please let me know if I need to add anything else.

Printed application form
VAF 4A Appendix
Letter from fiance
Letter from us both
Notarized copy of Adam's passport
Adam's birth certificate
CENOMAR
IELTS
TB cert
Pics
Skype, FB, Viber calls and messages
Emails
Hotel confirmation, train tickets, tours and show tickets
Adam's bank statements
My bank statements and certificate
Adam's certificate of employment and payslips
My certificate of employment and payslips
My investment policy plan with Sunlife of Canada (Philippines)
Land registry
Letter from solicitor re: purchase of flat
Mortgage statement
Certified copy of the deed of legal charge
Council tax
Utilities (gas and electric)
Receipt from booking the registrar/wedding officiant
Manchester City Town Hall contract for the wedding
Photographer contract and receipt