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UK HOME ANNOUNCES FURTHER CHANGES FOR UK VISA APPLICANTS

The latest modification to the Immigration Rules shows that the UK Home Office is carrying on to digitise immigration services for more UK visa applicants.

As it became necessary for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens to apply for immigration credentials, it has been possible for them to do so utilizing an ID verification app on their mobile phones. Actually, so long as the visa applicant has a biometric passport, they can file their application through the internet, upload their biometric data utilizing the ID verification app and wait for a decision without appearing at an in-person appointment. The applicant is then provided with an e-visa.

From 30 November 2021, the UK Immigration Rules will modify to prolong the utilization of the ID verification app to more applicants, including non-EU citizens. More update is likely to be announced soon. On the other hand, in principle the new rules will first apply to in-country non-EU nationals applying under the Skilled Worker or Student category, who in the past possess a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This denotes that more individuals will be able to apply to switch their status or extend their visa without appearing at a biometric enrolment appointment. Applicants who utilize this service will also get an e-visa, in place of of a new BRP card.

It remains the scenario that UK visa applicants presently applying utilizing the ID verification mobile application do not have the option to obtain priority or super-priority visa processing. As UK Visa application processing times can vary rapidly, it may still be obligatory to utilise the in-person processing service where a faster decision is required.