Official certified copies prepared by qualified UK immigration solicitors
Key Takeaways
- Barar & Associates provides official certification of documents for UK visa and immigration purposes.
- Certification confirms a true copy of an original, signed and stamped by a qualified solicitor regulated by the SRA.
- Widely accepted by the Home Office, embassies, and UKVI for visa, citizenship, and sponsorship applications.
- Same-day appointments available in person or remotely (scan verification).
- Fixed-fee service with a stamped letter of confirmation included.
What does “certifying documents” mean?
When a document must be sent to the Home Office or UKVI, you usually send a certified copy instead of the original.
Certification proves that the copy is genuine, accurate, and unchanged, and that the solicitor has personally seen the original.
This step is often required for:
- Visa and immigration applications (Skilled Worker, Spouse, ILR, British citizenship)
- Sponsor licence and compliance files
- Overseas clients sending documents to the UK
- Embassy submissions or document legalisation
- Court and university verifications
Who can certify your documents?
According to GOV.UK guidance, the following professionals can certify copies in the UK:
- Solicitors or notaries public
- Chartered accountants
- Certain authorised officials or government officers
However, for immigration and Home Office matters, it’s strongly recommended that certification be done by a qualified solicitor—as certification from a non-legal professional may be rejected in some visa categories.
Barar & Associates’ immigration solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and have over 25 years of experience assisting UK visa applicants and sponsors.
What certification includes
Each certified document copy bears:
- Certification statement — “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document.”
- Solicitor’s signature and full name
- Firm name, address, and SRA number
- Date of certification
- Stamp and embossed seal (if required)
We can also issue a Letter of Confirmation on firm letterhead, referencing each certified document by title and date.
How much does it cost?
|
Service |
Fee (starting from) |
Description |
|
Standard certification (in person) |
£25 per document |
Same-day service at our London office |
|
Remote verification (scanned copy review) |
£35 per document |
Solicitor review via secure email, signed confirmation PDF |
|
Certification + Letter of Confirmation |
£45 total |
Certified copies + solicitor letter on headed paper |
|
Bundle (5+ documents) |
£20 per document |
Discounted for larger visa files |
All prices include VAT and a signed solicitor’s stamp. Apostille or notarisation (if required) are separate services.
When is certification required by the Home Office?
You’ll usually need certified copies when:
- Applying for a visa from overseas (sending copies instead of originals)
- Submitting a Sponsor Licence application (Appendix A documents)
- Proving relationship evidence (birth/marriage certificates)
- Sending bank statements or proof of funds by scan
- Filing appeals or administrative reviews
Frequently Asked Questions (Voice Search–Ready)
Who can certify documents for UK visa applications?
A solicitor regulated by the SRA is the most reliable certifier for Home Office and UKVI submissions.
Can a photocopy be certified remotely?
Yes, we can verify and certify scanned copies where originals are later inspected or already held on file.
Is a notary the same as a solicitor?
No — a notary is often needed for overseas legalisation (e.g. Apostille), but most visa and UK immigration casesaccept solicitor certification.
How long does certification take?
Usually same-day if all documents are ready; urgent 1-hour appointments are possible.
Will the Home Office accept my certified copies?
Yes — provided the solicitor’s details and SRA number are clearly displayed and match the firm’s regulated profile.
Why choose Barar & Associates
- Established London immigration firm — trusted by individuals, sponsors, and global companies for 25+ years.
- Fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
- Approved by major embassies and Home Office departments.
- Transparent pricing and clear turnaround times.
Book your same-day certification
Call 020 7487 8370 or email info@bararassociates.com to arrange your appointment.
Same-day walk-ins available at our central London office (near Oxford Circus).
Related services
- Document Legalisation & Apostille Services
- Visa Application Assistance
- British Citizenship Applications
