Do I have to send my original passport?

[TheLearner2008]

Hi there,

I work as a Consultant and need to travel a lot so I need my passport.

All the documentation says I need to send my original passport to prove that I have been a resident for 5 years and to prove my identity.

What I don't understand is all the agencies say you can send a certified copy of your passport - I don't want to use the agency because its such a simple application (I thought).

1. Can I send a certified copy of my passport to prove my identity and to prove I was a resident for the last 5 years?
2. If yes, do I need to send copies of all the stamped visas and entries from the inside of my passport as well?

Best regards,
David

[CR001]

You need to send the original passport.

You can apply using NCS at the council and this way you get to keep your originals. NCS charges a small fee for the service.

Also, make sure that by the date+1 day that HO receives your application, that you were physically present in the UK exactly 5 years before in 2009 as if you were not physically present for either work or holiday, your application will be refused.

[TheLearner2008]

Fantastic thank you!

[TheLearner2008]

If I have a National Checking appointment on the 22nd of April. Will 22 April - 30 April be enough time for them to receive it, because I was out of the country 30 April>

[CR001]

It should be, you can ask NCS to send it immediately so as to reach HO by 23rd/24th as some NCS's only send applications off once a week.

[TheLearner2008]

Apologies for all the questions but if I am using the checking service - will they photocopy all the pages of my passport? Or do they just need the main page allowing the UKBA to 'lookup' my entry and exit records?

[CR001]

They will copy your whole passport, current and expired if this applies as you need to submit the passport you used to enter the UK, even if it is expired.