Getting my declaration witnessed
Finding a solicitor, leaving the signature blank and getting the form signed and stamped.
Prefer the short version? Read the step-by-step checklist for the documents and official links.
Once I knew I needed the declaration, the next question was where to get it witnessed.
I used Brian Harris & Co, a solicitor’s firm in London. I took the form with my details filled in and the signature left blank. At the visit, I signed in front of the solicitor and the declaration was witnessed and stamped.
Knowing that sequence would have made this part much easier to prepare for. Filling in the form and signing it were separate steps.
Finding someone who could witness it
The High Commission’s declaration instructions (opens in a new tab) describe the form being signed and stamped by a solicitor, notary or commissioner for oaths. I went to a solicitor; I am not describing my appointment as a notarisation service.
Brian Harris & Co publishes a page about swears, affirmations and certification of documents (opens in a new tab). That is the firm I used, rather than a claim that it is the only place you can go.
Before arranging a visit now, I would ask whether the firm can witness this particular declaration, what identification and documents to bring, whether an appointment is needed and what the current fee is. I do not remember exactly what identification I was asked for at my own visit, so I would rather have that confirmed than give someone a guessed list.
Leaving the signature blank
I completed the information I could beforehand, but did not sign the declaration at home. I signed it with the solicitor present.
That is the practical detail I would underline for someone following my experience: check the witnessing arrangements before signing, and leave the witness’s section for the person doing it.
Afterwards, I had a signed and stamped declaration to take to the High Commission. Having it witnessed was one preparation step; the High Commission still needed to deal with the declaration itself.
The number of copies
I had one copy witnessed. However, the official form linked from the High Commission’s page says it must be completed in duplicate. My experience does not establish an exception to that instruction.
For a new application, I would confirm whether two separately witnessed originals are needed, then ask the solicitor about the cost of witnessing the required copies. That would save arranging a visit and only afterwards discovering that another original is needed.
I would also keep a scan or photocopy of the signed paperwork for my own records. A personal backup would not replace any original the application requires.
With the declaration witnessed, I could concentrate on the rest of the documents and the return envelope.