Acceptable Copies sent with Originals

Hi,

In the  official instructions about the supporting documentation check list it states:

 Note: You must provide copies of those documents that you wish to be returned.

Are photocopies acceptable?  I'm sending in my Diploma as supporting documentation of my degree, and of course would like it back.  So can I just photocopy the Diploma and send both in so I get my Diploma back?  Or do I need the original Diploma and a certified copy?

Thank you for your help.  The WorldBridge email service has not been any help with this.

Where in the official instructions does it say this?  Not returning originals has been a long standing beef that UK-Yankee has had with the VSDs.  We always understood that they should copy whatever they need and return all originals.

But if you are sending the original with a copy, then just a regular copy is necessary (as they can visually verify themselves that the copy you provided matches the original).

Where in the official instructions does it say this?  Not returning originals has been a long standing beef that UK-Yankee has had with the VSDs.  We always understood that they should copy whatever they need and return all originals.

Googling the exact phrase above returns a result for this page, from the Worldbridge site:

https://www.visainfoservices.com/Pages/Content.aspx?Tag=HowDoIApply_PAGE

See "Visa Application Procedures", step 3.

I think the confusion is coming from the fact that most people think Worldbridge=UKBA, rather that viewing it as a partnership.

Yup, see it now:

The original or certified copies of the supporting documents relevant to your visa type. If you do not provide the full documentation, your application may be refused. Note: You must provide copies of those documents that you wish to be returned.

That is not in official guidence notes anywhere and I understand it not to be working policy of the VSDs, at least in the US.

Garry, I know this is one of those minor nits in the grand scheme of things these days, but CSC/Worldbridge is saying things that we have been working hard to ensure don't happen.  The way this is worded, you would think that you would have to make copies of the sponsors passport otherwise the VSD would keep it.  The VSDs should take copies of what they need and send the rest back.

This only applies in a few countries.  I've never done it in the US.

Vicky

This only applies in a few countries.  I've never done it in the US.

Worldbridge/CSC is specifically stating this under their instructions for the US.

Well that's just bollocks.


Vicky

Thank you so much for your help and thoughts.  I'll just send photocopies of all my originals just to be safe.  To further clarify where I got this notion from, the following line:

You should include originals of all documents specified and also a copy of each document

is found on the following page: 

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf26pbsskilledworker#9862231 [nofollow]

Thanks again for everyone's help.

Thank you so much for your help and thoughts.  I'll just send photocopies of all my originals just to be safe.  To further clarify where I got this notion from, the following line:

You should include originals of all documents specified and also a copy of each document

is found on the following page: 

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf26pbsskilledworker#9862231

Thanks for that as well...  It helps, so we can try and push this point with UKBA about getting clarity around the process.