Renewing South African Passport issues

[Sparmita]

Hi,

My wife's South African passport is due to expire in Feb 09. It is also her her maiden name so we need to renew it and get the name changed at the same time. I am british and she has a Spousal VISA which expires in July this year. She qualifies for ILR and also after this British Citizenship (as she has been here for 5 years and married to me for more than 2 years. She was previously on an Ancestral VISA for 4 years).

The issues that we have are:-

1. Looking at the South African House website we need certified copies of our Wedding Certificate. Currently we have run out of certified copies and we were married in South Africa. Can we get them certified in the UK?

2. It mentions about obtaining the letter from British National Division stating that she has British citizenship (which she hasn't) for those living in the UK for more than 4 years. Do we still need that letter?

Any help would be appreciated

Stuart

[Mr Rusty]

Don't know the answer to Q1

Re Q2, I think you'll find that the letter your sister requires from the British Nationality Division is to confirm she hasn't taken British citizenship. As you probably know, South Africa doesn't automatically accept dual citizenship, and if she acquires British nationality without asking the South African authorities she may forfeit her right to a SA passport. If she's still South African only, and has lived in the UK for the period of time you state, it looks like she needs that letter.

[Siggi]

Sparmita,

No big deal to certify your SA Marriage Certificate, any Lawyer will certifty copies at a costs.

Yes, if your wife has been in the UK longer than four years, she will need a letter from the Home Office confirming that she has not gain UK Nationality .

Remeber to book a appointment with SA High Commission in London.
Good Luck

[Sparmita]

Do the certified copies have to be notarised by a notary or can we just get the solictor to certify them?