[SMC] When CO asks for extra evidence...

[Nzdream89]

I have finally lodged our SMC application! Yay! Now the long wait begins...

It was initially this on my online status: (after 2 business days)

eoi -- application received
residence -- pending --- no lodgement date

now it is showing a lodgement date and my application fee is deducted from my bank (after 4 business days). Does that mean the supporting officer had an initial check of my documents, and confirmed every required docs are there? I should expect an acknowledgement of receipt letter and my original documents soon in the mail. Is this correct?

I am anticipating that once we are assigned a CO in a few months time, we will be asked more evidence to cover the gap between application lodgement and CO assignment. Question: Do they usually ask to mail the originals/true copies or they prefer e-mailing? I am collecting evidence in anticipation of this. (For on-going partnership and work evidence)

oops forgot to add: application sent to manukau branch to get sorted.

[JandM]

The first official that has a look over your documents isn't in a position to say, because they don't do a detailed investigation, that everything required is there. It's just that what you have sent appears to support what you have said about yourself on the form. Probably, you will get some documents back shortly. You don't necessarily get any explanatory letter with them.

For most other evidence, INZ accept either originals or certified copies. If you send in an original, send a photocopy of it too.

[Nzdream89]

Ok, I will prepare for them accordingly. Thank you JandM.

Do you know how often they ask to see originals when certified copies are sent?

[JandM]

Not specifically 'how often', no. I know that in some cases, INZ have been aware of forged certificates supposedly from certain institutions, which have shown up in previous cases, so when an applicant was a genuine graduate of that place, they asked to see the original to inspect it closely.