[jess]

I got the following from the London branch's "Tips for Lodging Skilled Migrant Applications":

You must provide either originals or certified copies of all documents submitted. We are unable to accept photocopies without the original document. Copies may be certified by notary public in the UK (Justices of the Peace in New Zealand) Lawyers or solicitors.

I think I'm being obtuse here, but I want to be absolutely sure I understand... A certified copy would just be a photocopy that I take to a notary to get stamped, correct? I assume the notary looks at the original, and then their stamp indicates that the photocopy is a true copy.

I ask because of the wording, "unable to accept photocopies without the original." By that they just mean photocopies that have not been notarized, right?

Thank you for relieving my neurotic concerns! There are just so many things to get exactly right. I will be glad when all this is done (unless it doesn't go our way)!

Jessica

[RoadRunner]

Jessica,
I ask because of the wording, "unable to accept photocopies without the original." By that they just mean photocopies that have not been notarized, right?
That's my understanding. Either you provide the original with a photocopy (that they keep) or you provide a certified copy of the original.

Someone more knowledgeable than I can hopefully confirm this.

RoadRunner

[MB]

Yep. I think someone here once mentioned that they took in originals and plain photocopies actually in person, and they observed that the case officer rubber-stamped the plain copies with "Original Sighted" before handing the originals back.

And that's probabaly what happens if you mail originals and plain copies, too, rather than hand them over in person.

Remember: no need to copy medical forms or police checks.
:nice1

Also: take a look at enclosing a paid envelope or courier bag or whatever it is they call it. We didn't because we didn't want to get into the whole cross-Atlantic postage thing (lazy), but as you may have seen from my copy-and-paste of our acceptance e-mail from CO they're charging us 34 pounds for DHL bag . That's fine with us, but you may want to see if you can do something cheaper (if such a rate exists).


Matt.

[jess]

Thanks RoadRunner, and thank you again Matt!

Remember: no need to copy medical forms or police checks.

Matt - So even though you are sending the originals, you don't have to also include a photocopy of the meds and police check?

Jessica

[jess]

Our instructions are from the SM Team in London, and say "If you are providing originals rather than ceritifed copies please provide a photocopy behind each item. This does not include the application form, medical certificates or police certificates".

Sorry Matt, did a search, which I should have done to begin with, and found that quote above in your post on another thread. We didn't get anything about London in our blue letter, since our (ex)case-worker thought at first that we were sending to DC. So, I'm just figuring out online what the London branch wants.

Thanks,
Jessica

[MB]

Hi, Jess! No worries!

If you're sending to London (or, indeed, to any NZIS office elsewhere, probably) just send a plain, non-notarized photocopy of every original that you send. The exception is medical forms -- including x-ray forms -- and police certificates. In those cases, send nothing except the originals.

The alternative (again, probably true of any NZIS destination) is that you send a notarized photocopy of anything and everything for which you include no originals. The exception is the meds, x-rays and police certs (in which cases you always just send originals without any copies whatsoever).

Hint: if you possess any unrequested paperwork that you think might significantly enhance your case -- e.g., evidence of travel in NZ or membership card of any relevant professional organization -- you should probably include it as long as you refer to it in your covering letter with your reason for including it. Again, if you enclose the original, include a non-notarized copy. If you don't send an original, send a notarized copy only.

Phew. I now feel a bit like John Cleese in the schoolroom sketch in 'Meaning Of Life' ('if you're in blue house put your coats on the blue peg next to the lower school', etc.) :laugh

Mind you, I have had three pints of Dick's Imperial Stout.
:cheers

Cheers,
Matt.

[KD17]

We agree with all of the above, but when you get your docs certified / notarized do call a few places. We needed 3 passports certified and were quoted £45 each certified document; extra for notarized.

Second lawyer charged £25 certified, £30 notarized (with wax company seal) but I finally managed to get this done for £5 each notarized copy - it pays to shop around.

I think the lawyer pocketed the £15 quid, but hey, not my problem :no

By the way - if you are copying documents yourself it may be worth noting that, technially, colour passport copies are not acceptable as they can be considered for fraud.

Good luck
:cheers

Keith & Debby

[jess]

Thanks for the extra details, Matt. I have read on the forum that people include extra information. We could include some bank records to show that we have the funds to get by for a while. I see some people also include something in addition to the marriage certificate to show they are together.

Thanks for taking the time to offer all this information. We really do appreciate it.


Kieth & Debby -

One of my co-workers is a registered notary public. Usually we all just get things notarized by her. And my bank offers free notary services for its customers. Maybe a difference in the US?

Thanks very much for the info about the passport copies. I'll be sure to keep them black and white!

Thanks,
Jessica