Hi - we put in a date 6 weeks after the application for travel - it was issued within 2 weeks and the visa was valid from the day he collected it, so he is travelling (one day) before the date we requested....
For passport - I scanned a copy and printed it in colour - it wasn't notarised, they only ask for a copy of the passport - but bank stuff and housing papers should be originals, you will also need to submit photocopies (separatley) in order to get your originals back.
Good luck
