The UK is moving toward a “digital default” immigration system and will introduce electronic visas by 2025. It is not yet known when this will be launched in India. The eVisa will offer travellers more security and convenience, such as eliminating the need to collect or wait for a physical document once a visa decision has been made.
The UK continues to issue a large number of visas for Indians. This trend has been observed since Covid. British high commissioner in India Lindy Cameron stated Tuesday that “Indian nationals constituted the largest group of visa holders for the UK’s visit, study and employment categories during the year ending June 20,24.”
In a bid to reduce processing time for the expensive UK visas in India — fees ranging from INR 13,308 for a six-month visa to over INR 1.1 lakh for a 10-year visa with an optional additional GBP 500 priority service fees to get a decision within five working days — biometrics will be enrolled first, followed by document scanning for non-digital customers at VFS UK visa application centres.
The UK charges the same visa application fee around the world. An official said that the fee is to reduce the burden on UK taxpayers, and ensure it does not burden vital public services in the UK while giving a decent application experience to applicants.
Cameron, who opened a new UK Visa Application Facility in Delhi, operated by VFS Global on Tuesday, said: “The UK India partnership is built upon millions of personal connections and shared dreams. I am delighted to announce the opening of the renovated VFS visa application center (VAC) in Delhi for UK visa and passport requests. We are introducing significant improvements to our visa services in India, further strengthening the already excellent visa offer for Indian nationals. The vast majority (over 90%) of the visit, work and student visa applications we receive will be processed within three to four weeks. Visa appointments are not limited.
The roll-out is part of a global contract awarded to VFS Global last year, which was appointed to deliver UK passport and visa services in 142 different countries.
VFS says:
“UK visa customers in India will now have a smoother experience.”
In VFS Global UK’s VACs, biometrics are enrolled first and then document scanning is done for customers without digital IDs. This change reduces waiting times and enhances the service under VFS Global’s global UK visa services contract, which was secured in December 2023. Many VACs in India have also been relocated or upgraded into state-of-the art facilities.”
Matt Heath, visits & ETA network deputy director, UK Visas and Immigration, said: “Looking ahead, the UK government is moving towards a ‘By 2025, we will have a digital-by-default immigration system. We will introduce eVisas in order to improve the customer experience, provide excellent value, and increase security and efficiency. We’re excited by these innovations, but we’re also committed in ensuring the safety of all visa applicants.
I urge everyone to be vigilant against visa fraud. Remember that UKVI will not contact you via social media, request payment through email or a personal account, or offer visas in exchange for payment.
The UK processed over a half-million visa applications for Indian citizens in the year ended June 2024. “UKVI has consistently met the customer service standards we set for the past two years. We have received visa decisions within 15 days of standard applications for work, study or visit routes, 5 days for priority applications and 1 day for super priority applications.
VFS consistently offers biometric appointments to UK visa applicants in 5 working days. In fact, the current waiting time is a mere 1 to 2 working days.… UKVI does not cap appointments at the front end. Heath stated that we always have appointments available at our visa application centers, ensuring flexibility for all applicants.
VFS Global COO South Asia Yummi Talwar stated: “We are deeply humbled by UKVI’s continuing faith and support, and are excited about welcoming travellers to the UK to this new facility. Our partnership with UKVI, the British High Commission and our association in India has grown stronger and stronger over our 21-year association. Their steadfast support encourages us to continue providing UK visa services in all of our locations.
VFS Global’s UK Visa Application Centres in eight cities across India have relocated to new, larger premises – Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mysuru and Kochi. Also, travellers can visit any of the 13 premium application centre locations in India: Amritsar (Bhopal), Calicut (Coimbatore), Guwahati (Indore), Ludhiana (Mangalore), Mohali, Noida, Shimla, Vizag, Shimla-Nasik and Vizag.
