Supporting documents for forms NTL and TOC

This page describes the documents you should provide if you are applying to have your visa transferred to from an old passport to a new one using application form NTL or TOC.

You should send the original documents, not copies. In exceptional circumstances, we may accept a photocopy that is certified as an accurate copy by the body or authority that issued the original (for example, a copy of a savings book certified by the bank), or by a notary. You must include a letter explaining why you are providing a certified copy instead of the original document.

We will return your documents by post to the address you provide on your application. If a representative makes the application on your behalf, your documents will be returned to that representative. Your documents will normally be returned by recorded delivery - if you want them returned by special delivery, you should provide a prepaid special delivery envelope.

Photographs

You should provide 2 recent passport-sized photographs of yourself, and 2 of each dependant who is applying on the same form. On the back of each photograph, please write the name of the person in the picture.

The photographs should:

• measure 45mm high by 35mm wide;
• be in colour;
• be taken against a white background;
• be clear and of good quality;
• not be framed or backed; and
• show your full face, without sunglasses, hat or head covering (unless you wear this for religious reasons).

Passports

You should provide your current passport or other travel document, and the passport or travel document of all dependants who are applying on the same form. If anyone included in the application last entered the UK with a different passport or document, you should also send these documents if you have them.

If your passport or a dependant's previous passport or other document has been stolen, you should provide a police report confirming this, together with any UK Border Agency letter telling you or your dependant that you had been given limited or indefinite leave to remain.

Police registration certificates

If you are applying to transfer a stamp confirming limited leave to remain and you were asked to register with the police when you came to the UK, you should provide your police registration certificate. If any dependants included on your application were asked to register with the police, you should provide their police registration certificates.

Evidence of residence

If you are applying to transfer a stamp confirming indefinite leave to remain, you should provide evidence that you and any dependant included in the application have lived continuously in the UK since being given indefinite leave.

Indefinite leave to remain (often known as 'ILR' and 'settlement') is permission to remain in the UK without any time restrictions on the length of stay. It is not the same as naturalisation as a British citizen and may, in specific circumstances, be ceased or invalidated, for example, if a fraudulent application is uncovered, if the person resides outside of the UK for more than 2 years or as a result of a criminal conviction that results in a Deportation Order coming into force.Permission to stay in the United Kingdom temporarily, for the length of time stated on your visa.A notary is also known as a notary public. A notary is a public official who is legally authorised to witness the signing of documents and perform other formal duties.