Visa application Documents Delivery

[Tshayne]

Afternoon All,

I was wondering if anyone wouldn't mind sharing their experience of having their original documents returned after a visa application?

I'm wrapping up my visa application and have all of our original documents (marriage certificate, passport, payslips, etc...) in their own clear binder insert, and have made copies of all items organized together at the end of the binder.

My question is will the binder we are mailing off be returned with all the original documents since I have made copies for them? Or will they only send back only selected items? My main concern for this is if for some reason my FLR (M) application is denied for any reason (knock on wood it doesnt happen!) , I want to be able to have the documents back to be able to reapply as soon as possible.

If you have any suggestion on the best way to send off the supporting documents, please let me know.

Thanks for your help!!

[2farapart]

Make it very clear which are the originals and which are copies. UKBA returned my photocopy title deeds and kept the original. It's been reported that UKBA in NY have done this on several occasions, so clear labelling is key.

[JHoward]

When I submitted my application I attached the copies directly behind the originals with a paper clip. I included in my covering letter that I would like all originals that included a copy to be returned to me and I received everything back! I did not include copies of bank statements, pictures and emails as I had the originals at home! Hope this helps.

[Tshayne]

Thanks for the help. I'm going to include a clear insert with originals of all the items at the end of each section (noted on the sections Table of Contents) and state that I would like the originals back as well. Hopefully it will turn out okay. I'm applying from within the UK, so hopefully it will be alright!

[AnAmericanInScotland]

Originally Posted by Tshayne

Thanks for the help. I'm going to include a clear insert with originals of all the items at the end of each section (noted on the sections Table of Contents) and state that I would like the originals back as well. Hopefully it will turn out okay. I'm applying from within the UK, so hopefully it will be alright!

You are in the UK applying for an FLR? Are you going postal? (sorry, I really could not resist)?

If you are doing an in-person appointment (with that wonderful, ordinarily same day determination, 2FarApart wrote an excellent thread on what to expect.

[nyclon]

My question is will the binder we are mailing off be returned with all the original documents since I have made copies for them?

There is no need to waste money on a binder. Paper clips are fine and the binder probably won't be returned anyway.

[Tshayne]

Originally Posted by AnAmericanInScotland

You are in the UK applying for an FLR? Are you going postal? (sorry, I really could not resist)?

If you are doing an in-person appointment (with that wonderful, ordinarily same day determination, 2FarApart wrote an excellent thread on what to expect.

Unfortunately it's not in person as much as I wished it would be. We're sending it off tomorrow as if we don't do it now we will have to wait until October to apply. With the new legislation and the particularities of pay slips and what not we are hoping to avoid it. Its annoying really as I'll have to wait to change my name on my passport until later.

[AnAmericanInScotland]

Originally Posted by Tshayne

Unfortunately it's not in person as much as I wished it would be. We're sending it off tomorrow as if we don't do it now we will have to wait until October to apply. With the new legislation and the particularities of pay slips and what not we are hoping to avoid it. Its annoying really as I'll have to wait to change my name on my passport until later.

You can probably skip the binder as Nyclon suggests-you really won't get it back if in-country is anything like applying from the US at the UKBA NYC. Lol, they kept my binder clips, elastic bands, the works.

If it helps any, I haven't heard of anyone not getting their originals back when applying here in-country, if they've remembered to clearly mark the copies as 'COPY'. A wee note making a point of asking for the return probably wouldn't hurt.

Also, depending on what kind of visa you are applying for further leave on, you may be covered under the transitional arrangements, meaning whatever rules were in force when you were granted the original visa are the ones that will be used through-out your migration path. If it's a finance(e)/spouse/civil partner probationary, you are covered under those 'old' rules.

Which visa are you on?

[Tshayne]

Originally Posted by AnAmericanInScotland

You can probably skip the binder as Nyclon suggests-you really won't get it back if in-country is anything like applying from the US at the UKBA NYC. Lol, they kept my binder clips, elastic bands, the works.

If it helps any, I haven't heard of anyone not getting their originals back when applying here in-country, if they've remembered to clearly mark the copies as 'COPY'. A wee note making a point of asking for the return probably wouldn't hurt.

Also, depending on what kind of visa you are applying for further leave on, you may be covered under the transitional arrangements, meaning whatever rules were in force when you were granted the original visa are the ones that will be used through-out your migration path. If it's a finance(e)/spouse/civil partner probationary, you are covered under those 'old' rules.

Which visa are you on?

I'm on a student as I am wrapping up my masters degree at the moment, so I don't believe it covers us. I really dont care to get the binder back, as its a not so appealing shade of yellow so it doesnt blend in with other applications (the vision of what I think an ECO's desk looks like I'm sure is a bit off) I've put all the copies from each section in an envelop that says copy, and on the Table of contents for each section I have put a bolded note asking kindly to return all original copies. Hoping that will be enough.

A bit off topic, but hoping to get some opinions. My husband's bank statement for June hasnt come out yet, so his statement ends on June 4th. Do you think that will be too long of a gap for evidence of income? I have added a note about it as well as an attached screen shot of the balances as of today. There are many months of statments and they can see that they all end on the 4th or 5th, so I'm hoping that is acceptable. He's also included a letter from his employer dated today verifying his employment. I hate rushing like this, as we planned to wait until after the new legislation anyways, but having to wait until close to the holidays to start looking for work has got me and my savings account bummed out.

[AnAmericanInScotland]

Originally Posted by Tshayne

I'm on a student as I am wrapping up my masters degree at the moment, so I don't believe it covers us. I really dont care to get the binder back, as its a not so appealing shade of yellow so it doesnt blend in with other applications (the vision of what I think an ECO's desk looks like I'm sure is a bit off) I've put all the copies from each section in an envelop that says copy, and on the Table of contents for each section I have put a bolded note asking kindly to return all original copies. Hoping that will be enough.

A bit off topic, but hoping to get some opinions. My husband's bank statement for June hasnt come out yet, so his statement ends on June 4th. Do you think that will be too long of a gap for evidence of income? I have added a note about it as well as an attached screen shot of the balances as of today. There are many months of statments and they can see that they all end on the 4th or 5th, so I'm hoping that is acceptable. He's also included a letter from his employer dated today verifying his employment. I hate rushing like this, as we planned to wait until after the new legislation anyways, but having to wait until close to the holidays to start looking for work has got me and my savings account bummed out.

Hopefully someone on a student visa, or someone who knows a lot more about getting an FLR on a student visa will be able to answer your questions on the bank statements-I really don't know anything about that category and I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction with incorrect info.