UK visa applications online from May 6
Rasika Somarathna
Applicants and dependants applying for a UK visa will need
to make their applications online from May 6, British High Commission sources
in Colombo said yesterday. The High Commission said from this date, manually
completed application forms will no longer be accepted.
Online applications and appointments will be mandated for
all applications under the points based system, visitor
and settlement routes. This means applicants will need to
complete and submit the application form by visiting https://apply.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/iapply.portal.
Applicants will then need to print off a hard copy of their application form
and make an online appointment to attend their nearest visa application centre
(VAC).
They should bring the application form printout to their
appointment at the VAC, along with the supporting documentation. Applicants
will need to give their biometrics (finger scans and digital photograph) at the
VAC in line with the current practice, the HC described.
According to a High Commission release, completing and
submitting a visa application online helps the customer save time than
attending for it at the visa application centre.
This is because information about the application has been
received and recorded. It is also possible for the relatives of applicants to
assist them to complete their application online, they added. Home Office
Regional Director, Thomas Greig, said: “We along with our commercial partner,
VFS Global, are committed to providing our customers with an efficient visa
service, and we introduce changes to our processes with this in mind. In this
case, completing and submitting applications online saves time.
“We have been introducing the use of online applications
gradually so that customers have been able to get used to the process.
Customers already need to make online applications for visas under the points
based system. We are now extending the requirement to all categories of UK visa
application.”
Customers have to go to: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk to
make an online application. Applicants may continue to make an appointment
separately to use the Premium Lounges to submit their applications, and should
refer to www.vfs-uk-lk.com for further guidance, the High Commission said.
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