Supporting documents for spouse visa

[Rocadownunder]

Hi
Apologies as I am sure that this will have been asked before but I am a new member to the forum.
I am a UK Citizen and my Australian wife is currently applying for spouse visa sponsored by myself.
We have to send various documents through and my questions are:
1. Do I have to send my original UK passport? It is of the non biometric type but has the readable magnetic strip in it. As the passport is sent to Sydney, then onto Manilla in the Phillipines and as I am a bit old school I am reluctant to let my original UK passport go.
2. If a copy is sufficient then does it need certyifing and by whom?

I have searched for the above on the UKBA sites and on the web and cannot find a definitive answer.

Any help would be most appreciated..!
Cheers

[Joppa]

Originally Posted by Rocadownunder

Hi
Apologies as I am sure that this will have been asked before but I am a new member to the forum.
I am a UK Citizen and my Australian wife is currently applying for spouse visa sponsored by myself.
We have to send various documents through and my questions are:
1. Do I have to send my original UK passport? It is of the non biometric type but has the readable magnetic strip in it. As the passport is sent to Sydney, then onto Manilla in the Phillipines and as I am a bit old school I am reluctant to let my original UK passport go.
2. If a copy is sufficient then does it need certyifing and by whom?

I have searched for the above on the UKBA sites and on the web and cannot find a definitive answer.

Short answer is you just enclose the photocopy of the bio bages of your passport. No original passport or certification/notarisation is necessary. UKBA has access to British passport database and can verify your details.

Some visa handling agents have erroneously told applicants that plain photocopy alone isn't sufficient but they are wrong. Only when sending non-UK passport will you need to have it certified by issuing authority or consulate.

[Rocadownunder]

Thanks Joppa
What are the "bio pages"?
Is this the photo page showing all the details, name, DoB, etc?
Any other page required to be copied?

[Joppa]

Originally Posted by Rocadownunder

Thanks Joppa
What are the "bio pages"?
Is this the photo page showing all the details, name, DoB, etc?
Any other page required to be copied?

Yes, that's it! It's also a good idea to include a page containing your Australian visa or showing permanent residency to indicate the basis on which you are legally living in Australia, though this isn't always asked.