Stage 3: Supporting Evidence
This section explains the documents you should provide to support your application to Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker under the points-based system to work, train or study in the United Kingdom.
You must send the original document, not a copy. We will accept certified photocopies of the documents detailed below which are needed to validate your application, if your original document is unavailable at the time you apply. You must tell us when you will be able to provide the original document. It is unlikely your application will be approved until we have seen the original document, as we cannot award points to photocopied documentation. A certified photocopy is one that has been signed by either the issuing authority or by a notary as being an accurate copy of the original document.
If you do not provide us with all the documents we need when you make your application, the case may be refused on the grounds that insufficient evidence has been provided, and the fee will not be refunded.
Your documents will be returned to you by post to the address you provide on your application. If a representative makes an application on your behalf your documents will be returned to him or her. Your documents will be returned using recorded delivery. If you want your documents to be returned by special delivery, you should provide a prepaid special delivery envelope. You can also arrange for your documents to be collected by courier at your own cost. If you would like to arrange a courier, put a courier request in writing by fax to 0114 207 6555.
You must provide two recent passport photographs and your passport, along with proof of the following:
Other documentation
In certain circumstances you may be unable to supply the combination of documents above, for example, if you are still on maternity leave and no birth certificate has been issued. In this case, a full explanation should be given and alternative documentation should be supplied as evidence of your maternity or adoption-related absence for the period claimed. Alternative documentation must be from an official source and must be independently verifiable.
Acceptable documents include official adoption papers issued by the relevant authority or any relevant medical documentation that you are happy to reveal. If a relevant extract from a register of birth is provided, this must be accompanied by an original letter from the issuing authority.
Unacceptable documents include personal letters of confirmation, newspaper announcements and other unofficial documentation.
We will only accept alternative documentation as evidence of maternity or adoption-related absence where we are satisfied with the reason that the specified documentation cannot be provided.
