UK Visas and Immigration Introduces new ‘Customer Journey’ for Visas and Citizenship
The new service aims to offer a more ‘streamlined digital journey’
This newly improved service will apply to those looking to remain in the UK via the Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4 and Tier 5 routes as from the 5 November, offering a ‘digitalised and accessible’ service, that is more ‘streamlined’, enabling people to ‘customise their application journey’ to one that is convenient for them, at the same time retaining their original documents upon submission, albeit offering them security and peace of mind and enhancing their customer experience, according to UKVI information.
The new service aims to offer a more ‘streamlined digital journey’, with clear instructions and more options aims, practical, clear form filling instructions and guidance on supporting documentation necessary. Customers will be ‘intuitively led’ through their application step by step, with additional clear information as to where they need to go to submit their application in person via the Sopra Steria website, with a choice of 57 service points in the UK, enabling customers to choose a location most convenient to them, creating the capacity to process multiple applications at once, up to 440 full or 1800 biometric enrolment appointments daily.
Services offered are both free and add on optional chargeable services including extended working hours, walk in appointments, document checking service, guaranteed next-day appointment option, translation services and use of Premium Lounge whilst waiting to be seen.
The new online digital service will be:
• Modernised, digital and secure process, enabling customers to submit key documentation online in a secure way, avoiding the inconvenience of sending documentation separately and insecurely
• Easy to use and streamlined online application process
• Convenient and fast service from the comfort of customers’ home
• With more flexible on demand mobile services (formerly known as Super Premium Service) will be made available from employers’ offices, university campuses or customer’s homes
• Enhanced services for vulnerable adults with financial assistance with mobile services and travel costs
Launch of the Service will be as follows:
2 November – Sopra Steria online booking system will go live
5 November – New UK VCAS will start to open country wide
29 November – Opening of every UK VCAS will be complete and all old style Premium Service Centres will close. Between 5-9 November it will be the customer’s choice as to which service to access, whether it be the new or old service.
January 2019 – Service and Support Centres will open for customers requiring additional support and assistance with their applications. Such customers will use the current service until the new service is in place in January.
The new service will also not be available to those applicants who are dependants joining a family member, (outside of those on the points based system), or applicants applying for UK Citizenship. Such customers will continue using the existing service until January 2019.
This newly digitalised and improved and accessible service aims to surpass all customer expectations and meet the UKVI’s goal to be recognised as a world leading immigration service.
Astons Law has over 30 years’ experience in UK Immigration. An SRA regulated firm, with highly specialised Solicitors, Astons Law can assist clients with legal services in Tier 1 Investor Immigration, Entrepreneur and Exceptional talent/Promise Services, Urgent processing and extension of UK visas and permanent residence in the United Kingdom. Services also extend to legal support for business and litigation and dispute and resolution, resolving disputes and avoiding costly legal proceedings. For further advice or to book a consultation with a Solicitor please contact info@astonslaw.com
