Copies instead of original documents apparently now accepted

Apparently you are now no longer required to obtain or submit original documents in support of an application for leave to remain or enter the UK.

As per : Immigration Rules part 1: leave to enter or stay in the UK. General provisions regarding entry clearance, leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom (paragraphs 7 to 39E).

39b(d) Specified documents may be originals or copies.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-part-1-leave-to-enter-or-stay-in-the-uk#pt1specifieddocs

This has recently been changed as per : STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN IMMIGRATION RULES  (published 11/10/2018)

1.18 In paragraph 39B(d), for “must be originals, not copies, except where stated
otherwise.” substitute “may be originals or copies.”.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/747686/Statement-of-Changes-to-the-Immigration-Rules-HC1534-Print.pdf

And explained in EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM TO THE STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN IMMIGRATION RULES PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT ON 11 OCTOBER 2018 (HC 1534) :

Evidential requirements

7.13 The Rules changes are also aimed at helping applicants to meet the evidential requirements in the Rules. To support the new application process as it can be difficult for applicants to obtain original documents, especially if they need to be obtained from overseas, the requirement to provide original documents is being removed and copies can be provided. If there are doubts about whether a document is genuine, verification rules will apply.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/747688/Explanatory-memorandum-HC1534-Print.pdf

And as explained on the Carter Thomas law firm website :

Home Office to accept copy documents in immigration applications

A number of new Immigration Rules are due to come into force in early November, as we covered here. The Home Office’s decision to accept copy documents in immigration applications, instead of requiring originals, is welcome news. Carter Thomas associate Jessica Walker considers what this may mean for applicants.

Anyone who has submitted an immigration application to the Home Office in recent years will be well aware of the requirement to submit original documents and the difficulties this can present.

The Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules (HC 1534) contains numerous clauses which remove or substitute the word ‘original’ in reference to the mandatory documents required for an immigration application.

Where the word ‘original’ has been substituted, this has primarily been amended to ‘may be originals or copies’. This therefore means that an individual is no longer required to obtain or submit original documents in support of an application for leave to remain or enter the UK.

The option to submit copy documents in immigration applications filed from 5 November 2018 in place of originals is good news to applicants who are likely to experience difficulties in obtaining original documents. For example, it can be difficult to obtain a document with original wet signatures if those who need to sign it are in different countries. It is also often time-consuming to obtain original bank statements now that many people bank online. These difficulties can lead to a delay in filing the application or, in certain cases, a refusal of an application where an original document was not filed. This will also remove the risk of a precious original document being lost or misplaced during the application process.

Verification checks

Applicants do still need to be aware that in cases where a Home Office caseworker has any concerns regarding the genuineness of a document, verification checks will be made.

In the past, we are aware of applications being refused if, for example, an employer did not answer the phone when called. If verification checks are now to be used more frequently, this raises the question of how thorough such verification checks will be. The Home Office’s Modernised Guidance to its caseworkers, regarding verification checks was most recently updated on 12 December 2016 and is available here. This sets out the types of questions that a caseworker should ask when attempting to verify a document but lacks guidance regarding the process of carrying out a verification check. We are urging the Home Office to review this process so as to create fairer checks.

Where copy documents are to be submitted with an immigration application in place of original documents, we recommend that applicants alert their employer, bank or anyone else who may be contacted to confirm that information filed in an application is accurate and genuine.

It remains to be seen whether this change to the Immigration Rules will make for a smoother application process or if in reality, it will result in an increase in verification checks and a greater number of refusals due to these checks. We are however hopeful that such a change is a step in the right direction towards a more simplified application process.

https://www.carterthomas.co.uk/2018/10/18/copy-documents-in-immigration-applications/

I'm going to take it that it that this change means that ALL documents submitted can now be copies.

Any opinions ? Would it still be better to submit originals if possible if you already have them, or perhaps it won't make any difference ?

Obviously, submitting only copies would be preferable, as the Home Office can lose the originals, which may be needed for further applications (especially in cases of refusal).

But as the Carter Thomas article explains, submitting only copies could lead to more verification checks, which could lead to a refusal if your employer or bank etc doesn't answer the phone for example.

Apparently you are now no longer required to obtain or submit original documents in support of an application for leave to remain or enter the UK.
....

Any opinions ? Would it still be better to submit originals if possible if you already have them, or perhaps it won't make any difference ?

Obviously, submitting only copies would be preferable, as the Home Office can lose the originals, which may be needed for further applications (especially in cases of refusal).

But as the Carter Thomas article explains, submitting only copies could lead to more verification checks, which could lead to a refusal if your employer or bank etc doesn't answer the phone for example.

We've been suggesting to submit only copies but to make sure you have all original (or appropriately certified copies) in hand so that you can produce them if required.

We've been suggesting to submit only copies but to make sure you have all original (or appropriately certified copies) in hand so that you can produce them if required.

Ok thanks, I'm sure that this would have been brought up already at some point, but was having some difficulty searching for it.

I would assume that computer print outs of online bank statements and payslips sent via email would be considered as 'copies' and also be acceptable ?

And obviously original bank statements etc could be obtained relatively easy from the bank if needed.

Ok thanks, I'm sure that this would have been brought up already at some point, but was having some difficulty searching for it.

I would assume that computer print outs of online bank statements and payslips sent via email would be considered as 'copies' and also be acceptable ?

And obviously original bank statements etc could be obtained relatively easy from the bank if needed.

If you have printed the bank statements yourself they will need to be stamped on every page by the bank or accompanied by a letter confirming their authenticity.

Payslips that you have printed  must be accompanied by a letter from your employer confirming that they are authentic.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-fm-se-family-members-specified-evidence

Bank statements must -

(v) be:
(1) on official bank stationery; or
(2) electronic bank statements which are either accompanied by a letter from the bank on its headed stationery confirming that the documents are authentic or which bear the official stamp of the issuing bank on every page.

Payslips -

(bb) Payslips must be:
(i) formal payslips issued by the employer and showing the employer’s name; or
(ii) accompanied by a letter from the employer, on the employer’s headed paper and signed by a senior official, confirming the payslips are authentic;

from the link above.

If you have printed the bank statements yourself they will need to be stamped on every page by the bank or accompanied by a letter confirming their authenticity.

Payslips that you have printed  must be accompanied by a letter from your employer confirming that they are authentic.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-fm-se-family-members-specified-evidence

This is where it starts to get confusing with the rule changes, as the rules you quoted in the post above have not been amended recently.

If I have an original bank statement received by post, it would now appear to be permissible to make a copy of that and send it with the application. However, if I print out an online bank statement, I would need it to be stamped by the bank or to provide an 'original' letter from the bank on letterhead paper confirming it's authenticity. I assume that it would then be permissible to make copies of the stamped online statements or the 'original' letter from the bank and then send those with the application ?

In regards to letters of confirmation of employment, if an employer scans a signed letter written on letterhead paper, and then sends that to me via email, would a computer print out of that be considered an acceptable copy ? Or would I need to have physically received that signed letter myself and then make a copy of it which would be sent with the application ?

I apologise for these extremely picky and pedantic questions, I was just want to be absolutely sure. As usual with Home Office rules, the specifics concerning rule changes are undoubtedly going to be quite confusing, however it's always better to be safe than sorry.

If I have an original bank statement received by post, it would now appear to be permissible to make a copy of that and send it with the application. However, if I print out an online bank statement, I would need it to be stamped by the bank or to provide an 'original' letter from the bank on letterhead paper confirming it's authenticity. I assume that it would then be permissible to make copies of the stamped online statements or the 'original' letter from the bank and then send those with the application ?

You want to have in your hand either the original statements sent to you by the bank or stamped copies.

Send copies of either of the above.

.In regards to letters of confirmation of employment, if an employer scans a signed letter written on letterhead paper, and then sends that to me via email, would a computer print out of that be considered an acceptable copy ? Or would I need to have physically received that signed letter myself and then make a copy of it which would be sent with the application ?

You should obtain an original, wet signature letter and send a copy of it with the application.

.I apologise for these extremely picky and pedantic questions, I was just want to be absolutely sure. As usual with Home Office rules, the specifics concerning rule changes are undoubtedly going to be quite confusing, however it's always better to be safe than sorry.

No problem! I completely agree!