Latest changes to visa application services
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has just announced that it is introducing new, streamlined services, ‘which will allow customers in the UK to submit all necessary evidence and personal information to support their application quickly and securely through a joined up journey’.
The UKVI’s new application service for visas will include:
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A streamlined online journey for most application types, with an intuitive easy-to-use form making it easier to apply and the option to purchase additional services for convenience or speed;
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A modernised, digital and more secure process to submit key evidence and personal information, with most customers able to retain their passports and other valuable evidence rather than sending them separately to UKVI;
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Fast and convenient self service with the ability to make applications and upload evidence from home;
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More flexible on-demand, mobile application services, for example at university campuses, employers’ offices or individual customers’ homes; and
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Enhanced support for vulnerable customers through a range of financial support for travel costs and mobile services.
The front-end of this service will be operated by Sopra Steria and will begin to be rolled out from next month.
UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services centres will be available across the country, with six core centres in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and Croydon as well as a premium lounge in London. These will be supported by an additional 50 enhanced service points providing coverage across the UK.
The primary purpose of these centres will to enable visa applicants to transfer data, such as supporting evidence and biometric information, to UKVI digitally.
Word of caution:
Given the scale of these changes to the Home Office’s existing postal and premium visa application routes, we anticipate some fallout surrounding the UKVI’s service delivery in the short-term. Customers should therefore be braced for teething problems with the new system and, wherever possible, try to afford greater lead times for the UKVI to process any upcoming UK visa applications.
Smith Stone Walters takes pride in our ability to manage the UK immigration process professionally for businesses and thoughtfully for each assignee. For more information on how we can assist you, please contact us here.
