Immigrationboards.com

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

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.

Fantastic thank you!

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>

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.

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?

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.