Don't Submit your Spouse Visa Application until you Know How to Submit your Supporting Documents

Supporting Documents are the most important items in any UK visa/settlement application, more so than the information you enter on the application form.  This is because your documents are what proves you meet all the requirements and what the UKVI will really assess to make their decision.  

For UK Spouse and Partner Visas (Entry clearance as a spouse/partner to the UK), the process for submitting documents varies depending on the country you are applying from.  Gone are the days where all of your supporting documents would be sent to the UKVI in Sheffield after you attended your Biometric appointment.

The Biometric process and document submission process is now outsourced to third party companies, VFSGlobal and TLS Contact for applications made outside the UK, and Sopra Steria (also branded as UKVCAS) for applications made inside the UK.  So how (and where) you can submit your documents is governed by these companies.

Each company offers different services and options to applicants for submitting supporting documents which include:

Scanning Service at the Visa Centre:

Applicants can bring all of their documents with them to their Biometric appointment and have them scanned at the Visa centre by a member of staff. In some cased this entails a fee.  The problem with this option is that the applicant must have all the documents physically with them which is not always practical especially given the fact that a lot of the documents must be provided by the UK Sponsor, so such documents would need to be sent over the applicant before hand i.e. in advance of the applicant attending there biometric appointment.

Self Upload Service on the Companies Platform:

Documents can also be electronically uploaded to the companies' portal.  This can be very convenient especially if you have already scanned all of your documents and have them stored on your device (computer,phone etc).  It is Important to note, that this service can only be used BEFORE the applicant attends their biometric appointment so you would need to ensure you have all of your documents ready to be uploaded.

Walk In Scanning Service:

Depending on the country you are applying from, you may have the option for you, your partner or legal representative to go to a visa centre/office in your country or the UK to have your documents scanned. In such cases, you will need to pay a fee for this service.

Postal Scanning Service:

Again, depending on the country the application is being made from, you may have the option to send your documents to be scanned. Again this service will entail a fee.

Looking at the pros and cons of all these options, you can see it is better to know what the submission process (and options) are available for you in advance of making your application. Knowing what you can (or can't) do will avoid unnecessary stress or anxiety, because you can plan, prepare and put together your documents in good time and in accordance to the submission process well in advance.

What if I need to Send Extra Documents after my Biometric Appointment?

If you have already submitted your documents, attended your Biometric Appointment and then realise you forgot to include some items, there is currently no 'official' provision to send additional documents, it is only really if the UKVI contact you/your legal representative directly to do so when they are assessing your application, and this is not always guaranteed to happen.  If you are ever concerned that you will be submitting all the correct documents to support your application, it is always recommended you seek professional Immigration advice.