1 hour ago, sandyf said:

If supporting documentation is required, such as an employer's letter, for visa holders to gain entry to the UK then it should be made clear during the visa application, not when it becomes a problem.

Advice is actually given on the Gov.UK website to have supporting documentation to hand when arriving at the UK Border, though the advice is pretty vague and not where you might expect it to be. I thoroughly agree that advice should be given either at the application stage or when the passport is returned with a visa inside. I seem to recall that some, if not all, Schengen countries do include a note advising people to carry supporting documentation with them when they travel. 

 

Gov.UK said:

 Keep documents that show the reason for your visit in your hand luggage, so you can show them if asked, eg your travel itinerary work permit or university letter.

 

https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/at-border-control

2 hours ago, theoldgit said:

Advice is actually given on the Gov.UK website to have supporting documentation to hand when arriving at the UK Border, though the advice is pretty vague and not where you might expect it to be. I thoroughly agree that advice should be given either at the application stage or when the passport is returned with a visa inside. I seem to recall that some, if not all, Schengen countries do include a note advising people to carry supporting documentation with them when they travel. 

 

 

https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/at-border-control

Not easy when they don't return the supporting documents to the applicant with the visa, all my GF had was the letter from me (sponsors letter) which I had translated into Thai for her so she was clear about what I had said. IF they want to keep documents on record they should copy them and return the documents that were submitted.

41 minutes ago, darren1971 said:

Not easy when they don't return the supporting documents to the applicant with the visa, all my GF had was the letter from me (sponsors letter) which I had translated into Thai for her so she was clear about what I had said. IF they want to keep documents on record they should copy them and return the documents that were submitted.

great post Darren you have highlited a lot of pitfalls, the Oldgit should pin these 

to his list of do,s and dont,s 

35 minutes ago, darren1971 said:

IF they want to keep documents on record they should copy them and return the documents that were submitted.

Actually the UKVI used to say that if you want documents returned, you should copy them and include the copies with the application, I'll think you'll find that's what most applicants still do, however they now say "Any original documents you submit as part of your application will be sent back to you" which I agree isn't very helpful.

17 minutes ago, theoldgit said:

Actually the UKVI used to say that if you want documents returned, you should copy them and include the copies with the application, I'll think you'll find that's what most applicants still do, however they now say "Any original documents you submit as part of your application will be sent back to you" which I agree isn't very helpful.

Our first application that was refused we got all the documents back par 1 letter, the second application just the passport back, seems they're unsure about the policy themselves.

All of the documentation was returned to us on all four visa applications but I do remember supplying copies of some things. Maybe the policy has changed in the last couple of years?