Originals/photocopies/certified photocopies
 

Hi all,

I'll be sending all my visa docs and evidence to London this week for processing.

I'm applying for a partnership based work visa (2 years) - application form INZ 1198.

I can't work out whether I need to send originals, photocopies, or certified photocopies of certain documents - such as my marriage certificate, joint bank statements, and other evidence proving my wife and I have lived together for 12 months.

Can anyone help?

The NZ Immigration website states "The application form will say whether you need to include certified copies, originals or photocopies." But I've read, and re-read INZ1198, and it doesn't say either way.

However I did find a note on the London website stating:

"With the exception of INZ forms, identity information (including passports) and medical and police certificates, you do not have to provide original documents when you lodge your application. If you choose to, please provide a copy along with the original."

However, it doesn't specify whether non-original docs must be certified or not.

Sorry if this is a little long-winded/confusing! And thanks in advance for any help.

p.s. if I do need these documents certifying - what is the easiest/cheapest way?? :)

Re: Originals/photocopies/certified photocopies
 

at the bottom of this page is a tip sheet

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/branc...ocessingtimes/

Re: Originals/photocopies/certified photocopies
 

Hey - thanks for that, but I still can't find info for my specific visa type.

I guess the safe option is to send certified photocopies.

I'm not going to send originals (not of my marriage certificate anyway) because it is specifically stated that documents aren't returned. But for the sake of a few quid, it can't hurt to get the photocopies certified.

Re: Originals/photocopies/certified photocopies
 

I sent certified copies of my passport, degree and registration certificates when I applied for residence. There was no problem with them. I needed my passport and didn't want my degree cert to get lost in NZ House...
It cost me £2 per copy at a local solicitors so not expensive. I would get them certified as that is extra 'proof' that they are genuine;)

I had a look through the form as well and couldn't find it either. It does mention not returning documents but i read it as non official documents. I could be wrong. Obviously they have to return your passport! They returned my birth certificate and police certificate:)

See here, this is general advice for all applications:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/35125.htm

Re: Originals/photocopies/certified photocopies
 

When I did my partnership visa, along with hubbies WTR, we did all original documents

Re: Originals/photocopies/certified photocopies
 

When we applied for ours last month (WTR for hubby and partnership based temp for me), I sent originals and copies (not certified) as there is a section on the form to tick to ask for originals back. I read somewhere that if you send originals then you should send copies as well (I guess this saves them some admin!). Anyway it saved the hassle of going to get them all certified by someone official (as there was soooo much!) and also we got all the originals sent back by courier, so all good.

I'd recommend that purely if you want to save the hassle of getting everything certified. We had so much paper - 12 months bank statement, mortgage statements, proof of a 17 year relationship, etc. etc. etc. probably sent too much but would rather that than not enough!

Good luck! :fingerscrossed::)

Re: Originals/photocopies/certified photocopies
 

Thank you everyone for the replies and advice :)