Below is an extract from an email, received today, from the UKBA at the British Embassy in Bangkok. It is definitive about the new requirements for the translation of documents accompanying visa applications.

Regarding the requirement for documents to be translated, the UKBA state:

“It has now been incorporated into the immigration rules that applicants must provide original documents. The Appendix FM – SE, does specify that any documentary evidence must be original unless otherwise stated. We would therefore expect the applicants to produce original documents with their applications, along with a full set of photocopies. In addition we would also expect to see translations in the format specified in Appendix FM. Further details of these requirements may be found in paragraph 1 sections (h) and (j) ( my bold type)

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/appendix-fmse/

I appreciate that we have shown some flexibility on this in the past, but these conditions are now specified in the Immigration Rules rather than just guidelines. Where possible, we will defer applications to request further documents, but as I am sure you will appreciate this will add to delays in the processing of applications.

………………………. and as the immigration rules now specify that original documents and translations are required we will be expecting visa applications to comply with these criteria.”

With reference to “paragraph 1 sections (h) an (j) referred to in my bold type, section (j) refers to the translation of documents, and states :

(j) Where a document is not in English or Welsh, the original must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator. This translation must include details of the translator's credentials and confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original document. It must also be dated and include the original signature of the translator.

I would be very grateful to learn of any instances where applications have been refused or deferred because translations have not been submitted

Where a document is not in English or Welsh

really wonder how they would cope in Bangkok if someone did submit an application is welsh !