The Moore Family

Hi, just wondering if anyone could tell me who is able to certify documents for our visa application eg: passports, birth certificates etc.

Thanks

Nicky

stuckinblighty

JP's and solicitors mainly

We used a local solicitor and he charged £30 for about 60 signatures.The second time he only charged £5 (probably cos i sweet talked him into thinking i was going to use him for my house sale )

Wendy

If you have a migration agent then they can do it.

Failing that anyone who is allowed to countersign your passport application will be fine.

Tiggs+Graz

we made an appointment at our local magistrates court. They charged £8 for as many signatures as we needed ...

Tiggs

samnsam

Hi Nicky,
go with the JP or solicitor route, will cost you but it will all be worth it in the end.
Sam

Wendy

The official wording on the immigration website is:

'Certified copies' are copies authorised, or stamped as being true copies of originals, by a person or agency recognised by the law of the country in which you currently reside. All departmental offices outside Australia have the facility to certify or witness documents and statutory declarations if necessary; this service may attract a charge.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener...nformation.htm

Tiggs+Graz

There seems to be a lot of confusion over this - some people say that teachers/police/civil servants can sign - some people say they cant.

We decided to play it safe and used a magistrate - wasnt worth the risk of getting it wrong for us!

Wendy

I found a full list ages ago, I'm just trying to find it again.

I used a solicitor, but only because we knew one and it only cost us a pint

Wendy

From the TRA site:

Certifying person. Your country has suitably qualified people who are able to witness your signature on a legal document, e.g. lawyer, doctor, policeman, school teacher.

http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplac...ms.htm#Certify

Still searching for the other link

chilli

i was a fireman and ive signed for passports, that sort of thing, loads of times..

for myself, i would use an option mentioned above.
its not worth any hassle if its wrong.

Tiggs+Graz

i found that on different official websites the list varied as to who could and who couldnt sign - i am pretty sure i read on the the Australian high commission website that you could not use teachers for example (although i cant find the page now )
maybe they have now removed this info?!

def too confusing for me

Wendy

There was a list on the immi site, just trying to think what keyword I put in before to bring it up. I'll keep looking for future reference. At least we know who can sign the TRA stuff!

Always best to err on the side of caution though if you're not sure.

jamesflorraine

hello for our visa a justice of the peace signed ours

The Moore Family

Hi, thanks everyone for your feedback. We do have an agent and he is a JP but he's a bit funny about certifying our documents, he said he will only do it as a last resort so i think we will probably go down the solicitor route just to be safe.

Thanks

Nicky

BertieB

from 1st October 06 registered migration agents can certify documents

http://www.immi.gov.au/gateways/agen...er-certify.htm

You're paying him for his services

Ann