FLR question about documents

[Rob180]

Could someone help with this query please? The FLR (M) guidance notes state that where original birth or divorce certificates are not available, they may accept copies if they are certified then translated into English. Does this mean the certified copies need to be sent from Thailand to UK in the post, or could they be scanned and emailed and printed out? The print would be in colour so it would look exactly the same and they can check the authenticity easily. Would they accept this though? 

 

I've already been waiting 2 weeks for them coming in the post as I thought they might not accept scanned/emailed printouts but I'm thinking now about options in case they don't appear.

 

Can anyone explain why this statement from the guidance notes contradicts itself? It says they may accept certified copies............then it says they are unlikely to grant the application without the originals?

 

 

 

10. Documents

Documents provided with the application must be originals. Copies of any kind are not acceptable unless there are valid reasons for not being able to provide the original document. In such circumstances, we may accept a copy certified by the body or authority which issued the original (for example, a copy of a savings book certified by the building society or bank), or by a notary. The reasons for not being able to provide the original document must be explained in a covering letter. We are unlikely to grant your application without the original document. From 28 October 2013, if you are making your application by post you can send a complete and full copy of your partner’s current passport or travel document with your application. Every page of the passport must be copied including any blank pages. The copy does not need to be certified; your partner must sign the declaration at section 14 of the application form to confirm it is a complete and true copy of their current passport or travel document. Any documents which are not in English must be accompanied by a reliable English translation. Make sure passports or travel documents are signed.

Edited August 22, 2016 by Rob180

[chaz2]

My USA Bank will not recognize emailed documents but will accept ones sent by FAX

[magicroundabout]

Just my opinion but I think its the definition of copies that is confusing....They seem to refer to a copy as a "replacement issued" document. i.e. If you lost an original birth certificate you would get a copy from the issuing office which in essence would be a certified replacement acting as an original. If its in Thai then a translation document would be needed in addition to either the original document or the replacement document.

 

Although its a pain I've always supplied original documents for both "never a scanned copy" but other may have a different view on this.  

[Rob180]

Thanks folks. That's the problem, the guidance notes don't specify if a scanned copy is acceptable. In fact 'guidance notes' is quite an amusing title for them. They are in fact just a little part of the real rules which are hidden in a myriad of undecipherable appendices. They even contradict themselves within the same paragraph as shown above. Would it really be difficult to actually provide 1 heading in these notes on 1 page which actually details everything that's required and explains what form of copies if any are acceptable?  I'm just keeping my fingers crossed the originals arrive from Thailand soon to avoid all this hassle with copies etc. 

Edited August 23, 2016 by Rob180