Few questions for UK Spouse visa from Manila

Discard that. The VFS Philippines website says you can send the documents even before you enroll your biometrics.

You find a lot of things in the google that will just confuse matters. The website in VFS itself says you can send it before biometrics.

I will brom thank you

Photo copy of my husband passport front page is enough? Or we really need to submit certified copy?

I have heard a lot of people who only submitted a scanned copy of passport and they have no problem with it. Although for me ours is certified by our solicitor.

I know people have different views on this, but I (UK sponsor) will submit plain photocopy of my passport's biodata page.

Ok that's good to know. We will do the same

1) Can I staple some pages in supporting documents to organise them? E.g. previous flight details confirmation is 3 pages, so it’s easier if they are stapled. Hotel confirmation emails are usually 3 pages, so it will be confusing if not stapled? Same with whatsapp messages, photos together etc.

2) Do I need to submit photocopy of each and every page of application packet? E.g. Visa form, Appendix2, Flight details, whatsapp messages, Wedding photos, sponsor letter etc?
Or, do I submit photocopy of only those documents that I need back? E.g. English test result, TB result, and Marriage certificate?

1. Yes you can staple that kind of documents just to keep them together.

2. It's your choice. You can send photocopies of the documents that you need back like you said English and TB certificate and other important documents.

@prolife Are you going to have them scanned by the VFS? If yes, they should just be loose pages. It says in one of their announcements that all documents should be free from clips, staples, pins, etc.

If you are going to have them scanned, there's no need to bring photocopies. Everything except for your passport and VAF4A printout will be returned to you right after they've been scanned.

I will send supporting documents to Sheffield. I guess I can then staple some pages to keep them together?

Yes you can.

@prolife Unfortunately, I have no experience with that but my guess is you can. The rule about the clips and staples is only regarding the scan service anyway. Also, I found something in my email that might be useful to you if you didn't already know:

"If you have made a Settlement application (except for applications lodged in USA and Canada): you must ensure that your UK sponsor has sent all relevant supporting documentation to the visa section in Sheffield. The documents should be arranged in this order: application form and relevant Appendix* (See below); English language evidence; relationship documents; maintenance documents; accommodation documents. If documents are not received a decision will be taken on the basis on the information that has been provided."

Good luck!

It's off topic, does anyone know how long it takes before DHL tracking information is available after giving the packet to DHL in Manila? It's been 12 hours but DHL website saying my tracking number not found

Just check you are submitting the correct reference/airways bill number into the website, there should be something showing on the site by now.

Try not to worry, you can always call them in the morning if nothing shows up.

VFS guidelines says: Ensure that GWF reference number, and location of the centre where application was lodged, are both marked clearly on the outside of the envelope.

When I (UK sponsor) send packet to Sheffield, the outside of envelope will have Sheffield PO Box address in TO field, so where do I exactly write GWF number and location i.e. Manila Philippines?

If I was you I would be sending the documents to your sponsor first in the UK so he can take a look at the application prior to forwarding the application to Sheffield. Then the sponsor can send the documents in (reference number top left of package, and reference number on top of the first page of the application just to play it safe).

I'm afraid you are our guinea pig here on the forum as this system is new, I'm just stating what I would be doing under the same circumstances.

I personally do not like this idea of scanning documents, I would feel better if I was submitting my original documents direct to Sheffield.

I was just thinking to myself, will the originals be sent back to you in the Philippines with the decision or to your sponsor in the UK, I have not read up on it, just a question that went through my mind while writing this?

I am sponsor in UK, so I will send packet to Sheffield. I will get back originals to me in UK as I will include self addressed prepaid envelope.

Timmers is suggesting write GWF and Manila PHL on left top of envelope.
Anyone else has other suggestions, please?

And on top of the first page of the application, sorry about the mix up prolife

It's ok, as I know it's confusing when I am posting questions on behalf of both (applicant and sponsor). Basically you can tell how caring husband I am