1) Is the marriage certificate we send in the original that we sign? Do we get the original back? I think I've read that I should include a copy if I want the original back, is that right? And do I have explicitly say 'please send this important document back to me?'
All documents must be original, so you send whatever the 'original' copy is that you get when you marry (you may not get the actual original as I think that is archived, but you should get an official copy).
If you want it to be returned, you should send a copy of it as well - or they may keep the original
2) Similar q for my fiance's divorce decree absolute -- do we send the original?
Yes - as mentioned, all documents should be original. And include a copy as well.
3) Do we need to include a copy of the biometrics in my finance's (UK sponsor) passport? Does this need to be certified/notarized, or the UK equivalent? I think I've read that a post-office can do an official copy?
You must send a copy of the photopage of his passport. Ideally it should be certified (he should be able to get this done at a post office), but some people have been fine with just a regular photocopy.
4) Does anyone know how to get a Skype call log? I can only get "recent" calls, but can't find a way to get a long history of them.
I'm sure someone else will know - I can see all of my Skype history... but then I never use it, so it goes back about 5 years on one page
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5) I'm able to get a what's app chat log, but all of the message content is included. Is there an easy fix to get rid of message content?
You could just take screenshots of some of the messages and crop out the content - you only need to include 1-2 pages of screenshots anyway.
6) I gave up my US apartment last summer and have been traveling or staying with friends and family in the US. On the application, I can list a friend's US address, my parents, or my old address, which forwards mail to a friend of mine. Recommendation?
You need to list the address you will be staying at when the visa is processed as you will need to sign for delivery of your passport and documents.
7) I am listed on the lease for the flat we will live in the UK. But we only have an electronically signed copy of the lease. Is this sufficient, or do I need something with a wet signature?
Ideally yes, it should be a printed, signed original... if you can get it. Otherwise perhaps get a letter from the landlord confirming it's authentic?
