DRMumbai: Indian customers for UK visas can now experience a more modern, digital visa service as a result of improvements developed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and VFS Global.
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.
Shift to an integrated online system
Previously, Indian visa applicants applied for a visa via two separate websites – Gov.UK and VFS Global. 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.
Customers now have the option to digitally upload documentation prior to visiting the Visa Application Centre using their smartphone, tablet or other camera/computing device. Customers who opt for the self-upload option can visit the centre with just their passport – meaning less need to carry original documents with them.
A scanning service will still be offered by VFS Global, for a fee of Rs.500, however this will be free to customers for a short period.
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 customers 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.
Using this service, customers can opt to run their documentation past trained VFS Global professionals for independent authentication, and have the verification report sent directly to UKVI. This service provides customers with a higher degree of assurance about the documents / information submitted, while giving greater confidence to UKVI about the genuineness of the document.
In view of rising UK visa application volumes, the service will also strengthen the integrity and security of the visa process, by mitigating the influence of touts and risks of fraudulent applications.
