Certified Passport Copy for Visa, Residency or Citizenship Applications

Visa authorities, immigration lawyers and relocation agents sometimes ask applicants for certified identity documents. The request may cover a passport, national identity card, residence permit or proof of address.

A certified passport copy for a visa application confirms that the copy matches the original passport shown to the solicitor. Where required, the solicitor may also confirm that the passport photograph matches the person seen.

Ginkgo Advisory provides a same-day express remote solicitor certification and certified copy service for suitable applicants. We assist clients in the United Kingdom and overseas.

However, immigration rules vary by country and application route. Some online visa systems accept ordinary scans. Others require certified copies, notarised documents, original certificates or an apostille.

Therefore, please send us the exact application checklist before the solicitor prepares your documents.

Quick answer: Can a UK solicitor certify documents for a visa application?

Yes. A UK solicitor can certify passport copies and other suitable documents when the receiving immigration authority accepts certification from a solicitor or lawyer.

GOV.UK lists solicitors and notaries among the professionals who may certify documents. The solicitor should compare the copy with the original. Next, they add the certification wording, signature, date and professional details.

Still, the receiving authority makes the final decision. You must check whether it requires:

• A solicitor-certified copy
• A lawyer-certified copy
• A notarised copy
• An original document
• A scanned copy without certification
• A paper apostille
• An e-Apostille
• Embassy or consular legalisation

A correctly certified copy may still fail if the authority asked for a different service.

Same-day visa document certification at a glance

Requirement	Our service
Certified passport copy	Available for suitable documents
Certified national identity card	Available where accepted
Certified residence permit	Available where accepted
Certified driving licence	Available where accepted
Certified proof of address	Available for suitable statements, bills and official letters
True-likeness wording	Available after the solicitor sees the holder
Live remote appointment	Available for suitable applicants
Same-day certified PDF	Available after all checks and payment
Wet-ink certified copy	Available by post or courier
Direct delivery to an adviser	Available with the client’s authority
Apostille support	Available when the receiving authority requires legalisation

Same-day service covers our certification work. It does not mean that the immigration authority will process the application on the same day.

What is a certified passport copy?

A certified passport copy is a copy that an authorised professional has compared with the original passport.

The solicitor checks the original document and the proposed copy. They then add a statement confirming that the copy matches the original seen.

Basic copy certification does not decide whether an immigration authority will grant a visa. It also does not replace checks carried out by a passport office, embassy or border authority.

Instead, the certification answers one limited question:

Does this copy match the original document that the solicitor inspected?

Why do visa and residency applications request certified copies?

Immigration authorities need reliable evidence about an applicant’s identity, nationality, family relationships, qualifications and personal history.

A certified copy allows the authority to review a document without keeping the applicant’s original passport or certificate.

For example, Immigration New Zealand’s residence guidance asks for a current passport or certified copy. It also accepts original or certified copies of birth certificates and other supporting documents.

Some Canadian immigration guides also include detailed requirements for certified true copies. The certifier must compare the original with the copy and add the required wording and professional details.

However, certification rules differ between immigration routes. Therefore, always use the checklist for your exact visa or residence category.

Not every visa application needs certified documents

Applicants often assume that every immigration document needs solicitor certification. That assumption can lead to unnecessary costs.

Many online systems now accept clear scans or photographs. For example, several Australian online visa routes state that applicants do not need to certify uploaded documents. By contrast, Australian paper applications generally require certified copies of supporting records.

As a result, you should check:

1. The destination country
2. The exact visa or residence category
3. Whether you will apply online or on paper
4. The document checklist
5. Any later request from the case officer
6. The rules for documents issued outside the destination country

Do not arrange certification only because another applicant needed it for a different route.

Which applications may require certified documents?

Certified copies commonly appear in document requests for:

• Work visa applications
• Residence permit applications
• Permanent residence applications
• Family reunification applications
• Spouse or partner visas
• Dependant visas
• Parent visas
• Child visas
• Student and study permit applications
• Skilled migration applications
• Investor residence applications
• Entrepreneur visas
• Retirement residence applications
• Digital nomad visas
• Golden Visa applications
• Citizenship applications
• Registration with a local municipality
• Foreign national identity applications
• Residence card renewals
• Replacement immigration documents
• Immigration appeals
• Requests for further evidence

Nevertheless, the exact requirement depends on the relevant programme. An online skilled visa may accept a normal scan, while a paper residence application may require a certified copy.

Which documents can a UK solicitor certify?

A solicitor may certify many documents used in immigration matters. However, the recipient must accept solicitor certification for that item.

Identity documents

Common identity records include:

• Passport photograph pages
• National identity cards
• Residence permits
• Biometric residence cards
• Photocard driving licences
• Refugee travel documents
• Certificates of identity

The recipient may ask for the front and back of a card. In addition, it may request every relevant passport page.

Civil-status documents

Applicants may need:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Civil partnership certificates
• Divorce orders
• Adoption documents
• Change-of-name documents
• Deed polls
• Death certificates
• Parental responsibility orders

However, some immigration authorities require an original registry-issued certificate rather than a certified photocopy. Therefore, check the wording carefully.

Education and employment records

A work, study or skilled migration application may require:

• Degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Professional qualifications
• Training certificates
• Employment references
• Employer letters
• Contracts
• Payslips
• Professional registration certificates
• Trade or skills certificates

Some authorities also require direct verification from the university, employer or professional body.

Police and character documents

Possible documents include:

• ACRO Police Certificates
• DBS certificates
• Foreign police clearance certificates
• Criminal record extracts
• Court records
• Military service records
• Good-conduct certificates

Police certificates often follow special rules. Some authorities want the original rather than a certified copy.

For that reason, do not certify a police certificate unless the application checklist allows it.

Financial and address documents

Investor, retirement and family applications may request:

• Bank statements
• Investment statements
• Pension statements
• Tax records
• Mortgage statements
• Utility bills
• Council tax bills
• Tenancy agreements
• Government letters
• Evidence of income
• Evidence of savings

Certification confirms that the copy matches the document shown. It does not confirm the source, ownership or continued availability of the money.

Which passport pages need certification?

Most applicants only need the passport photograph page.

However, the immigration authority may also request:

• The signature page
• Visa pages
• Residence endorsements
• Entry and exit stamps
• Previous visa labels
• Observation pages
• Every used page
• A full copy of the passport
• The front and back cover

Therefore, send the full document checklist before certification.

Do not crop the passport image. The finished copy should normally show:

• Every edge of the relevant page
• The photograph
• Full name
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Issue date
• Expiry date
• Issuing authority
• Machine-readable zone
• Signature, where present

Glare, shadows and blurred text can make the copy unsuitable.

Can a UK solicitor certify a foreign passport?

Yes, in suitable cases.

A solicitor in England and Wales may inspect a foreign passport and certify that the proposed copy matches the original shown.

However, three separate questions still matter:

1. Does the immigration authority accept a UK solicitor?
2. Does the authority require a notary instead?
3. Does the authority permit remote inspection?

The passport holder’s nationality does not automatically prevent certification. Still, unfamiliar, damaged or unclear documents may require extra checks.

Does the solicitor need to see the original passport?

Yes.

The solicitor cannot certify a true copy without inspecting the original document through a suitable process.

GOV.UK tells applicants to take both the original and the copy to the professional providing certification. The certifier should then compare them before signing.

An ordinary scan sent by email does not prove that the sender holds the original passport.

Therefore, our solicitor may ask you to:

• Show the original passport during a live video call
• Hold the passport beside your face
• Show the front cover
• Open the photograph page
• Tilt the document under the light
• Move the document towards the camera
• Show the complete page edges
• Display the machine-readable zone
• Confirm selected personal information
• Provide a second identity document
• Complete an electronic identity check

The solicitor will only sign after completing enough checks to support the certification statement.

Can passport certification take place remotely?

Remote solicitor certification may work for suitable applicants and documents.

During the appointment, the solicitor sees the applicant and original document through a live video call. The solicitor then compares the original with the clear copy supplied in advance.

However, video alone may not always provide enough evidence. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned solicitors about identity fraud and deepfake technology. It advises firms to consider the higher risks of relying on remote video checks.

Therefore, our process may include:

• Live document inspection
• Facial comparison
• Electronic identity verification
• Document authenticity checks
• Proof-of-address review
• A second identity document
• Security questions
• Live movement instructions
• Review of the immigration request
• Further checks where the risk appears higher

The receiving immigration authority must also accept the remote process. We cannot guarantee acceptance without reviewing its requirements.

What wording does a UK solicitor use?

GOV.UK provides the following standard wording:

“Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me.”

The solicitor should also:

• Sign the copy
• Date the certification
• Print their name
• Add their occupation
• Add their professional address
• Add their telephone number

These details allow the recipient to identify and contact the certifier.

For immigration use, the authority may ask for more information. For example, it may request:

• The name of the original document
• The solicitor’s email address
• The solicitor’s SRA number
• A professional stamp
• The number of pages
• A true-likeness statement
• Confirmation of how the solicitor saw the holder
• Wording from an official form

We follow the recipient’s wording where it remains suitable and accurate.

Sample certification wording for a visa application

Where the immigration authority accepts remote solicitor certification, suitable wording may read:

I certify that this is a true copy of the original passport seen and checked by me. I further certify that the photograph is a true likeness of the passport holder, whom I saw by live video call on the date stated below.

The solicitor may then add:

• Their signature
• The certification date
• Their full professional name
• Solicitor, England and Wales
• Professional address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• SRA details
• Professional stamp

This wording is an example. It does not replace the receiving authority’s official instructions.

What is true-likeness certification?

True-copy and true-likeness statements serve different purposes.

A true-copy statement confirms that the copy matches the original document.

By contrast, a true-likeness statement confirms that the passport photograph resembles the person whom the solicitor saw.

An immigration lawyer may request both statements. For example, the instructions may ask the solicitor to confirm that:

• The copy matches the original passport
• The original appeared current on the inspection date
• The passport photograph matches the applicant
• The solicitor saw the applicant personally or by live video

The applicant must attend the appointment. Another person cannot show the passport on their behalf.

Does the certification need a solicitor’s stamp?

Not always.

GOV.UK focuses on the certification wording, signature, date, printed name, occupation and contact details. A professional stamp does not replace those items.

However, foreign authorities often ask for a stamp or professional registration number. These details can help them check the solicitor’s status.

Ginkgo Advisory can include KH LAM’s professional details and SRA information where appropriate.

How recent should the certification be?

No universal validity period applies to every visa or citizenship application.

One authority may accept a certification completed within the previous six months. Another may ask for documents certified during the previous three months.

In addition, the underlying document may have its own date rule. For example, proof of address may need to come from the previous three months.

Therefore, check both dates:

• The document’s issue date
• The solicitor’s certification date

Arrange certification close to the planned submission date where possible.

Can a solicitor certify proof of address?

Yes, where the immigration authority accepts the proposed document.

Common proof-of-address records include:

• Bank statements
• Credit card statements
• Utility bills
• Council tax bills
• Mortgage statements
• Government correspondence
• Tax documents
• Current driving licences
• Tenancy agreements
• Residence registration documents

GOV.UK lists bank statements, utility bills and council tax bills among documents that a professional may certify.

However, the immigration authority chooses the acceptable documents and date limit.

Can a solicitor certify an online bank statement?

Yes, in a suitable case.

First, download the complete PDF directly from your bank. The file should show:

• Your full name
• Your current address
• The bank’s name or logo
• The statement date
• Relevant account details
• Every page

Next, provide evidence about the source of the file. For example, we may ask you to display the statement within your online banking account during the video call.

Do not send only a mobile screenshot. Likewise, avoid cropped, edited or password-protected files.

Still, some immigration authorities insist on a posted statement, bank-stamped document or original letter. Their instructions control acceptance.

Can a solicitor certify a birth or marriage certificate?

A solicitor may certify a copy after inspecting the original certificate.

However, many immigration authorities ask for the original certificate or an official copy from the civil registry. A solicitor-certified photocopy may not replace that requirement.

Therefore, identify which wording the authority uses:

• “Original certificate”
• “Official copy”
• “Registry-issued copy”
• “Certified true copy”
• “Notarised copy”
• “Legalised certificate”
• “Apostilled certificate”

These terms do not mean the same thing.

For UK birth, marriage and death certificates, applicants can usually order official copies from the relevant registry. A foreign authority may then request an apostille on that official copy.

Can a solicitor certify a police certificate?

Possibly, but the receiving authority must allow it.

Some immigration routes accept a copy. Others need the original police certificate.

In addition, certain UK police and disclosure certificates cannot use the e-Apostille route. Current FCDO guidance excludes ACRO Police Certificates, DBS certificates and several other disclosure documents from e-Apostille eligibility.

Therefore, send the exact police-certificate instructions before ordering certification or legalisation.

Do non-English documents need translations?

Usually, the immigration authority requires a translation into one of its accepted languages.

A certified copy and a certified translation perform different functions.

The solicitor confirms that the copy matches the original document. Meanwhile, the translator confirms that the translated text accurately reflects the original language.

GOV.UK advises translators to state that the translation is true and accurate. It also says they should add the date, full name and contact details.

Immigration authorities may add further rules. For example, New Zealand residence guidance requires English translations to accompany the original or certified copy. It also sets requirements for the translator and translation format.

Canada may require the original-language document, a translation and, in some cases, an affidavit or certified photocopy.

Therefore, confirm:

• Who may translate the document
• Whether the translator needs accreditation
• Whether the translator must swear an affidavit
• Whether the original document also needs certification
• Whether the translation needs notarisation
• Whether the apostille comes before or after translation

Do not translate your own document unless the authority expressly permits it.

Are solicitor certification rules the same in every country?

No.

Each immigration authority sets its own rules. Different visa categories within the same country may also follow different procedures.

New Zealand immigration applications

Immigration New Zealand’s residence guidance accepts original documents or certified copies. It identifies lawyers, notaries, Justices of the Peace and court officials as examples of people who may certify copies. However, immigration officers may still request the originals later.

This route may therefore accept certification from an England and Wales solicitor. Still, the applicant should check the current form and visa category.

Canadian immigration applications

Canada shows why applicants must check the exact guide.

Some IRCC instructions explain the wording and details required on a certified true copy. However, certain application guides state that applicants outside Canada should use a notary public.

Therefore, do not assume that a UK solicitor will meet every Canadian immigration request. We review the precise IRCC checklist before confirming the service.

Australian immigration applications

Australian requirements can depend on the submission method.

Paper applications generally require certified copies. However, several online visa categories tell applicants that uploaded documents do not need certification.

Consequently, applicants should follow their ImmiAccount document list and the instructions for the specific visa subclass.

Can one certification cover several documents?

Usually, the solicitor should certify each separate document clearly.

For example, a passport, bank statement and marriage certificate serve different purposes. One general statement may create uncertainty about which original the solicitor inspected.

Multi-page documents need careful handling. The recipient may require:

• Certification on every page
• Initials on each page
• Page numbers
• A statement covering the full document
• Secure attachment
• One combined PDF
• Separate files for each document

Therefore, send the complete document before the solicitor begins.

Can I use a digital certified copy?

A digital certified copy may work where the immigration authority accepts a PDF upload.

There are several possible formats:

• A scan of a wet-ink certified copy
• An electronically signed PDF
• A digitally signed certification page
• A certified document uploaded through a portal
• A paper original sent by courier

These formats are not always interchangeable.

For example, an immigration lawyer may accept a scan for initial review but later request the wet-ink original. Another authority may only accept an electronically signed PDF.

We can provide the format that the recipient has approved.

Is solicitor certification the same as notarisation?

No.

Solicitors and notaries provide different professional services.

Service	Main purpose
Solicitor-certified copy	Confirms that a copy matches the original shown
True-likeness certification	Confirms that the photograph resembles the person seen
Identity verification	Uses wider checks to establish identity
Notarised copy	A notary completes a notarial act or certificate
Apostille	The FCDO checks the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal
Embassy legalisation	A diplomatic mission completes an additional country-specific step

A request for a solicitor-certified copy, lawyer-certified copy or certified true copy may allow an England and Wales solicitor.

By contrast, use a notary where the instructions expressly require:

• A notary public
• A notarised copy
• A notarial certificate
• A notarial act
• Notarial execution

Always follow the receiving authority’s exact wording.

Does a certified passport copy need an apostille?

Not always.

Many immigration applications only need a certified copy. Others require legalisation because the applicant will use the document before a foreign public authority.

The FCDO Legalisation Office can legalise eligible UK documents. It can also legalise certain documents after a UK solicitor or notary has certified them. Examples include passport and driving-licence copies.

An apostille does not approve a visa application. Instead, it confirms that the relevant UK signature, seal or stamp matches official records.

Before ordering legalisation, ask:

• Does the authority require an apostille?
• Will it accept a solicitor’s certification?
• Does it require a notary?
• Does it want a paper apostille?
• Will it accept an e-Apostille?
• Does each document need a separate apostille?
• Does the country require embassy legalisation after the apostille?

These questions can prevent delays and duplicate fees.

What is the difference between a paper apostille and an e-Apostille?

The UK Legalisation Office offers two types of apostille.

A paper apostille attaches to a physical document. Therefore, the applicant normally sends the document through a paper process.

By contrast, an e-Apostille attaches to an eligible PDF that a UK solicitor or notary has electronically signed.

However, not every document qualifies for an e-Apostille. Current FCDO exclusions include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Civil partnership certificates
• Adoption certificates
• ACRO Police Certificates
• DBS certificates
• Certain other police and disclosure documents

In addition, the receiving authority may insist on paper even when the document qualifies for an e-Apostille.

Therefore, confirm the format before certification.

Can the FCDO legalise documents issued outside the UK?

The FCDO does not legalise foreign-issued documents as documents of the foreign country.

Normally, you must arrange legalisation in the country that issued the document.

For example, a Spanish birth certificate normally follows the Spanish legalisation route. A UK solicitor’s certification does not turn it into a UK civil record.

However, an overseas authority may accept a UK solicitor-certified copy for a limited purpose. That process remains separate from legalising the underlying foreign certificate.

Same-day express remote solicitor certification

Ginkgo Advisory provides a same-day express remote solicitor certification service for suitable visa, residence and citizenship documents.

Our service may cover:

• Passport certification
• National identity card certification
• Residence permit certification
• Driving licence certification
• Proof-of-address certification
• Bank statement certification
• Degree certificate certification
• Academic transcript certification
• Marriage certificate certification
• Birth certificate copy certification
• Name-change document certification
• True-copy wording
• True-likeness wording
• Live remote original-document inspection
• Electronic identity checks where required
• Same-day certified PDF delivery
• Wet-ink hard copies
• Direct delivery to an immigration adviser
• Apostille support where required
• International courier delivery

A straightforward case may finish on the same UK business day when:

• The receiving authority accepts a UK solicitor
• It accepts remote inspection
• You provide the complete instructions
• Your documents remain clear and suitable
• You attend the video appointment
• The solicitor completes all checks
• You make payment
• No additional issue requires investigation

Same-day service normally covers the certified PDF. Postal delivery, apostille processing and embassy legalisation require additional time.

How our remote certification service works

1. Send the immigration instructions

First, send the official checklist, email, form or request from the immigration authority or adviser.

We review whether it asks for:

• Certification
• Notarisation
• Original documents
• True-likeness wording
• Wet-ink copies
• Electronic copies
• An apostille
• Embassy legalisation
• A particular certifier

This step helps prevent you from ordering the wrong service.

2. Provide clear document scans

Next, send full colour scans of the documents.

Every edge should remain visible. In addition, include reverse pages, stamps, seals, signatures and document numbers.

Please avoid:

• Cropped images
• Glare
• Dark photographs
• Blurred text
• Screenshots
• Edited PDFs
• Missing pages
• Password-protected files

3. Complete the initial review

The solicitor checks the documents and instructions.

At this stage, we may identify:

• An expired passport
• An unclear photograph
• An address mismatch
• Different names
• Missing pages
• Old proof of address
• A notary requirement
• An apostille requirement
• A translation issue
• A need for the original certificate
• An application route that does not require certification

Correcting these issues early can save time.

4. Attend the live video appointment

During the appointment, show your face and original documents clearly.

The solicitor may ask you to:

• Hold the passport beside your face
• Move the document closer
• Tilt it under the light
• Show the front and back
• Confirm selected details
• Display another identity document
• Show the source of a digital statement

Please use a stable internet connection and good lighting.

5. Complete any extra checks

Some applicants need additional identity or document checks.

For example, the solicitor may request:

• A second identity document
• Electronic identity verification
• Extra address evidence
• A university verification link
• Confirmation from the document issuer
• Better-quality scans
• Physical inspection by post

The solicitor must remain satisfied that every certification statement is accurate.

6. Prepare the certified copies

After completing the checks, the solicitor adds the approved wording and professional details.

We normally certify each document separately. However, we can follow a recipient-approved multi-page format where appropriate.

7. Receive the certified PDF

Where the authority accepts digital submission, we provide a clear PDF.

You may then upload it to the immigration portal or send it to your adviser.

With your permission, we can also send the certified copy directly to the named recipient.

8. Receive wet-ink copies where required

Some authorities need original wet-ink certification.

In that case, we prepare the hard copies and return them by tracked post or international courier.

Common visa document certification mistakes

Small document errors can delay an immigration application.

Common problems include:

• Certifying documents that did not need certification
• Sending only a passport scan
• Failing to show the original document
• Using an expired passport
• Cropping the passport page
• Hiding the machine-readable zone
• Providing unclear copies
• Omitting the certification date
• Leaving out the professional title
• Using the wrong certification wording
• Missing true-likeness wording
• Using a solicitor when the authority requires a notary
• Using a notary when the authority requires another official
• Uploading a scan when the authority wants wet ink
• Sending a paper apostille when the authority wants an e-Apostille
• Sending an e-Apostille when paper is mandatory
• Using proof of address that is too old
• Providing incomplete bank statements
• Ignoring differences between names
• Using an informal translation
• Certifying a police certificate when the original is required
• Submitting a certified copy when the authority wants an official registry copy
• Assuming one country’s rules apply to another
• Assuming remote certification guarantees acceptance
• Assuming same-day certification means same-day visa approval

A document review before certification can prevent many of these issues.

Frequently asked questions

Can a UK solicitor certify my passport for a visa application?

Yes, where the receiving authority accepts an England and Wales solicitor.

The solicitor must inspect the original passport before certifying the copy.

Can KH LAM certify my passport remotely?

Yes, in a suitable case.

You must attend a live video appointment and show the original document clearly. Additional identity checks may also apply.

Can you provide same-day certification?

Yes, subject to the receiving requirements, document quality, appointment availability, payment and completion of all checks.

Same-day service usually covers the certified PDF.

Can you certify a non-UK passport?

Yes, where the foreign immigration authority accepts UK solicitor certification.

The passport must remain clear, complete and suitable for inspection.

Do I need to post my original passport?

Not always.

A remote inspection may work for suitable documents. However, some cases require physical inspection or a notary appointment.

Can you certify documents for my spouse and children?

Yes, in suitable cases.

Each adult must complete the required identity process. The parent or guardian should provide the child’s original documents and any supporting relationship evidence.

Can you certify a child’s passport?

Yes, where the receiving authority accepts solicitor certification.

We may also need the parent’s identity document and evidence of parental responsibility.

Can you certify my national identity card?

Yes, in a suitable case.

Please provide clear copies of both sides and show the original card during the appointment.

Can you certify a residence permit?

Yes, where the receiving organisation accepts it.

Again, the solicitor must inspect the original document.

Can you certify my proof of address?

Yes. Suitable documents may include bank statements, utility bills, council tax bills and government correspondence.

However, the immigration authority controls the document list and age limit.

Can you certify an online bank statement?

Yes, in a suitable case.

We may ask you to show the source of the PDF during the video appointment.

Can you certify a mobile banking screenshot?

A screenshot may not show enough information.

A full PDF statement normally provides stronger evidence. Still, the recipient decides what it accepts.

Can you certify my birth certificate?

Yes, where the immigration authority accepts a solicitor-certified copy.

However, some applications require an original or registry-issued certificate instead.

Can you certify my marriage certificate?

Yes, subject to the receiving requirements.

The authority may also require an apostille or official translation.

Can you certify my degree certificate?

Yes. The solicitor can certify a suitable degree or qualification copy after inspecting the original or reliable digital record.

Can you certify my police certificate?

Possibly.

However, many immigration routes require the original. Please send the exact instructions before certification.

Does the certification need true-likeness wording?

Only where the immigration authority asks for it or the required statement includes identity confirmation.

The applicant must attend the appointment personally.

Does the solicitor need to use a stamp?

A stamp may help the authority identify the certifier.

However, it does not replace the wording, signature, date and professional details.

Can a relative who is a solicitor certify my documents?

GOV.UK advises applicants not to use someone who is related to them, lives at the same address or has a personal relationship with them.

Therefore, use an independent solicitor.

Can I certify my own passport copy?

No.

Self-certification does not provide independent confirmation.

Is remote certification accepted worldwide?

No universal rule applies.

The receiving authority must accept the certifier, inspection method and final document format.

Does Canada accept a UK solicitor-certified copy?

Some Canadian immigration routes apply specific certifier rules. Certain guides state that applicants outside Canada should use a notary public.

Therefore, we must review the exact Canadian application guide before confirming the service.

Does New Zealand accept a lawyer-certified copy?

Current Immigration New Zealand residence guidance lists lawyers among the people who may certify copies. However, the authority may still request the originals later.

Does Australia require certified visa documents?

It depends on the application route.

Paper applications generally require certified copies. However, many online visa categories accept ordinary scans without certification.

Do I need a notary?

Use a notary when the instructions expressly require notarisation, a notarial certificate or a notary public.

Do not assume that solicitor certification and notarisation mean the same thing.

Do I need an apostille?

Only when the immigration authority asks for legalisation.

Many visa applications do not require an apostille on a passport copy.

Can you arrange an apostille?

Yes, where the document qualifies and the receiving authority accepts the proposed route.

We can support paper apostille and e-Apostille applications.

Can I use an e-Apostille for a passport copy?

Possibly.

The PDF must meet the FCDO’s requirements, and the immigration authority must accept an e-Apostille.

Can I get an e-Apostille for a birth or marriage certificate?

No. Current FCDO rules exclude General Register Office birth, marriage, death, civil partnership and adoption certificates from the e-Apostille route.

Can you send the documents directly to my immigration lawyer?

Yes, with your written authority.

We can send the certified PDF or hard copy to the named lawyer, agent or relocation adviser.

Does solicitor certification guarantee visa approval?

No.

Certification only confirms the document copy. The immigration authority separately assesses the full application.

Arrange a certified passport copy for a visa application

Ginkgo Advisory provides a same-day express remote solicitor certification and certified copy service for suitable visa, residency and citizenship documents.

Our service may include:

• Passport certification
• National identity card certification
• Residence permit certification
• Driving licence certification
• Proof-of-address certification
• Bank statement certification
• Degree and transcript certification
• Civil-status document certification
• True-copy wording
• True-likeness wording
• Live remote document inspection
• Electronic identity checks where required
• Same-day certified PDF delivery
• Wet-ink certified copies
• Direct delivery to an immigration adviser
• Paper apostille support
• e-Apostille support
• International courier delivery

KH LAM completes the certification as a practising Solicitor, England and Wales.

We assist applicants based in the UK and overseas. A remote appointment may remove the need to post an original passport in suitable cases.

However, the immigration authority controls final acceptance. Therefore, please send its latest written requirements before the solicitor prepares the documents.

Ginkgo Advisory provides independent document certification and legalisation support. We do not represent any embassy, consulate, visa centre or immigration authority unless expressly agreed.

We also do not guarantee visa, residence or citizenship approval.