2 copies of supporting documents need to be submitted?

Hello, i'm just compiling the supporting documents for a spouse entry visa and have noticed checklists suggesting you need 2 copies of everything. Does this mean both copies need to be sent to sheffield with the application (presumably to speed up the process) or is the other copy for my reference purposes?

One more question, please. I've heard different stories about whether the copy of the spouse passport font page needs to be notarized or not, which is true?

You should send all your documents as originals and then also include photocopies of all original documents that you wish to be returned to you... otherwise Sheffield may keep your originals.

It’s not about speeding up the process though, it’s about making sure you get your original documents back.

It’s up to you whether you keep copies for yourself, but I would definitely recommend making copies of the online application and Appendix 2 for your records as you will likely need to check and refer to them for your future visas (like dates of biometrics appointments and checking how you answered the questions).

With the passport photo page copy, it’s not really clear which you need. We recommend getting it certified to be on the safe side (can be done at a Post Office for about £8), but others have been fine with a regular photocopy.


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Ok, thanks for clearing that up, its very naughty of them not returning documents like that, especially considering how much you pay for the service.

Ok, thanks for clearing that up, its very naughty of them not returning documents like that, especially considering how much you pay for the service.

Well, to be fair, it's very rare for them to keep the originals anyway. It's more that they want you to do the work of making the photocopies instead of them having to do it.

It used to be that you just sent your originals, they photocopied them in Sheffield for their records, and then returned all the originals to you. Now, though, they require that you make the copies yourself, and to make sure you do, they say that if you don't send copies, they might not return your originals.

Oh so they require this of you at some point? Presumably after you've paid or done the biometrics? It would have been nice if they included all of this in the guidance notes on the gov website. In fact this whole process seems complete garbage, I wish we were moving in the opposite direction. It may be a deliberate ploy to further discourage people, some lame attempt to look tough on immigration by keeping the spouse numbers down.

What do you mean by ‘at some point’? There’s only ‘one point’ at which they require it and that is when you mail your documents to them, after you’ve paid and attended biometrics.

The order is:
- gather your documents and make the copies
- fill out the online and Appendix 2 application forms
- submit the online application, pay for the visa and book biometrics
- attend biometrics
- mail the application forms, stamped biometrics sheet, documents and copies to Sheffield for processing.

No one has ever been refused for not including copies before so it has nothing to do with keeping spouse visa numbers down. However, some people have had UKVI not return all their documents and they’ve had to make a complaint to get them back... so it’s best to include the copies and then there’s no risk of not getting them back.

It’s probably more about saving time and money on anything else... rather than spending money on ink and paper and spending time photocopying everything themselves, they ask you to do it for them so you use your time and money to do it instead.


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