Looking at the Sydney PR Application Checklist (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/E37038.pdf), at the start it says to include photocopies of all documents. Later on, under the Work Experience section, it asks for "Original and up-to-date" references.

I'm nervous about sending off my original references for what could be more than a year. I've got high quality colour photocopies, will these be ok, should I get them notarized too ? Will they ask for the originals to be sent, causing a delay ?

Thanks in advance

A specific request for an original document should be considered to supercede a general request for copies of documents. If the visa office is seeking originals of your reference letters and copies are provided instead, even notarized copies, that could result in delays in the application associated with the need to make a request or schedule an interview.

Thanks David, appreciate your response !