Countersign/Certification of documents for British passport.

Saltex

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Ok So I am having a hard time here with the documents, as for the counter signature I am aware that it can be a friend with eu citizenship or british citizenship that can sign, but does this mean if they an EU passport this makes them eligible to sign?

Now when it comes to certifying my documents, my mothers birth certificate etc., I understand that it has to be someone that is a part of the commonwealth that is only allowed to certify these documents, because from my understanding I can't just go to my local police station and get the documents certified?

Also I am very nervous in sending all the original documents via courier, is there no other way? Because it says online they no longer accept physical application at the embassy in Pretoria.
 

gregmcc

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Are you applying for a visa? It needs to be original documents - if they dont get the originals then you could be declined. If you are not able to submit originals then it needs to be signed by a notary. A notary is internationally recognized but its going to cost you.

Oh - for a passport :)
 

poffle

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Yes, to have a passport means you have to be a citizen of that particular country.

I got my dads friend (born in zambia, mother was british and got his passport through her eons ago) to do my countersign.
Yes originals only, sorry.
I sent mine via DHL yesterday.
Cant believe its R2200 for a renewal :(
Cant answer you on birth certificates, i am re-newing so luckly didn't need it this time.
 

Saltex

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Yes, to have a passport means you have to be a citizen of that particular country.

I got my dads friend (born in zambia, mother was british and got his passport through her eons ago) to do my countersign.
Yes originals only, sorry.
I sent mine via DHL yesterday.
Cant believe its R2200 for a renewal :(
Cant answer you on birth certificates, i am re-newing so luckly didn't need it this time.

How did you get all your documents certified?
 

poffle

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I didn't get any docs certified, in the notes it says its not needed when re-newing your passport, if its for a 1st time issue then originals hey.

I had to send in my old passport with my printed forms. Countersign - just got dads friend to sign the back of the photo to say he knows me and confirms its me.
 

Saltex

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I didn't get any docs certified, in the notes it says its not needed when re-newing your passport, if its for a 1st time issue then originals hey.

I had to send in my old passport with my printed forms. Countersign - just got dads friend to sign the back of the photo to say he knows me and confirms its me.
Sorry for all my questions here, did you even send through your ID book
 

zippy

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Try R13k for a spousal visa! :sick:

That's cheap. I paid £3000 for my perm residence visa. And that's after paying for original highly skilled visa(can't remember what it cost), and then the extension after 2 years, I think that was at least £1500
 

zippy

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Sorry for all my questions here, did you even send through your ID book

You should have got a guideline document which states exactly what documents you need. You can get them off the Home Office site.
 
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ORIGINALS only... I gave you all the information in your previous thread having done this exact thing 2 months ago, seems you weren't paying attention
 

InvisibleJim

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Ok So I am having a hard time here with the documents, as for the counter signature I am aware that it can be a friend with eu citizenship or british citizenship that can sign, but does this mean if they an EU passport this makes them eligible to sign?

Now when it comes to certifying my documents, my mothers birth certificate etc., I understand that it has to be someone that is a part of the commonwealth that is only allowed to certify these documents, because from my understanding I can't just go to my local police station and get the documents certified?

Also I am very nervous in sending all the original documents via courier, is there no other way? Because it says online they no longer accept physical application at the embassy in Pretoria.

I just renewed my UK passport a few weeks ago. I think if you look on the countersignature, it includes citizen of a Commonwealth country as being OK, so I got my boss, who is an SA citizen to countersign and it was fine. Should be a professional person though who has known you for a certain amount of time as per the notes on the application

Edit: Supporting docs have to be originals. The certifying bit is for the countersignature on the form and your photos

I was also worried about the courier thing but I used the one they recommend and it all went smoothly. They send two packages, one with the new passport and one with the supporting docs (in my case just my old passport) so don't panic if your passport arrives without your docs - they should be along in a few days.
 
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