Actually most visa offices DO require original degree transcripts, in University-stamped sealed envelopes.
Some people have "got away" with sending notarized copies, but it is certainly not something I would advise people risk. If the visa-office specific checklist asks for original transcripts in University sealed envelopes please do your very best to get this.
It would be a silly thing to fail an application on for the relatively small admin fee it would cost to get it.
As for degree certificates, these should not be originals but should be notarized copies.
Wayne.