is the British Parent required at certificate of entitlement appointment for an infant child ?

[Mihir001]

I am naturalized British Father to an India born infant child for which I have applied Certificate of Entitlement. I got British citizenship before child's birth.

I have paid the fees and looked at this https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... h_2026.pdf to understand what is needed at child's appointment.

I am in UK at the moment with Certificate of Naturalisation and British Passport with me. I don't want to travel due to personal commitments OR send these documents in post because of heavy fees and delays if they get lost. Child's mother will be attending the appointment with the child.

Is there any other option available ? I have researched following but I am not sure

1. Consent Letter with both parent's signature
2. Notarised copies of Certificate of Naturalisation and British Passport
2a. UK Post Office notarized (seems very cost effective if accepted)
2b. Solicitor notarized (more cost)
3. Self Attested copies of Certificate of Naturalisation and British Passport

As I understand, all this will be done at VFS centre.

Any advice on this ?

I was able to get Indian Passport for child without going or sending these documents by post.

Thanks in advance!

[alterhase58]

Are you not applying online?
Documents are normally scanned and uploaded by the applicant- the appointment is normally for biometrics. Not the actual application.
Can you clarify.
If certified copies are allowed they would have stated that in the guidance.

[contorted_svy]

You can't apply from the UK if your child is abroad. You must apply from India and send originals as advised.

[Mihir001]

The application is outside UK application from India indeed. The checklist of documents explicitly states that

"If we require passports, you must take the originals to your appointment. If you have self-uploaded copies on our commercial
partner's website you must still take your original passports, but will not be charged for scanning."

The documents from checklist are :

1. Consent Letter signed by both parents
2. Child's Indian Passport.

Both of these are fine as they can be provided in original.

There is a link in the checklist, but it is broken. The latest guidance link https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... h_2026.pdf I posted advices on

1. Parent's Certificate of naturalization
2. Parent's British Passport

@alterhase58 Yes it is online application, the docs can be scanned and uploaded. I just don't know if VFS requires them at the time of appointment in original.