UK visa customers can now fill the visa application form, book regular or priority appointments, self-upload documents prior to visiting the centre, or choose from a range of services, in a single online journey. The intuitive and simplified online visa application system, developed by VFS Global for UKVI, is part of UKVI’s continuing initiatives to transform the visa application journey for customers around the world.
David Ratcliffe, Regional Director South and South East Asia, UK Visas and Immigration, said: “By making better use of digital technology we can make the visa application process easier for the customer, giving them the opportunity to upload documents with their smartphone or tablet from the comfort of their home or office.”
“In addition, this move will make us much more efficient and resilient as we prepare for another busy year – so, as Indians travel to the UK for the Cricket World Cup, they can be confident that they won’t get caught out by the visa service,” he added.
Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, South Asia and China, VFS Global, said: “Customer comfort has always been at the forefront of our efforts, and the new UK visa online application system is a big step in that direction, as it essentially integrates access to convenient visa services in one seamless interface. The United Kingdom is an esteemed client government that VFS Global has served since 2003 in India, and with their support, we have continuously developed flexible solutions aimed at easing the application journey for customers.”
Shift To An Integrated Online System
Previously, Indian visa applicants applied for a visa via two separate websites – Gov.UK and VFS Glob-al. As part of the new customer journey, customers can access information about, or opt for, all visa services at the outset of their visa application journey. The new system can be accessed via www.gov.uk.
Added Choice And Convenience For The Indian Visa Customer
A range of optional services aimed at providing a stress-free application experience can now be opted for online, at the application stage. Services include:
Convenience: Customers can opt for the ‘Walk-in without appointment’ service (for customers seeking to submit applications urgently), or ‘Keep My Passport While Applying’ (enabling cus-tomers to apply for other visas during the processing of UK visa) at the application stage itself.
Comfort: Personalised services at the Premium Lounge.
Speed: Super Priority Service and Priority Service for fast-track turnaround times.
Peace of Mind: Document-scanning assistance for customers opting for self-upload.
Check and Verify: new service offers greater assurance on documents submitted VFS Global, in association with UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI), has also launched a new Check and Verify service for UK visa applicants across India.
How Check and Verify Works
For customers opting for the Check and Verify service, VFS Global staff will undertake the first level of scrutiny on the information /documents submitted – through designated checks on bank statements, income tax returns and employment. VFS Global will provide an independent validation of the documents and submit an official verification report directly to UK Visas and Immigration.
