Indian nationals continue to lead as the largest group receiving UK visas across Visit, Study, and Work categories, a trend emphasized by HE Lindy Cameron CB OBE, the British High Commissioner to India. In an effort to support this increasing demand, Cameron inaugurated a new, state-of-the-art UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Delhi, managed by VFS Global. This advanced facility promises faster and more efficient visa processing, offering Indian applicants a streamlined approach.
The new centre in Delhi is part of an extensive enhancement in the UK’s visa services in India, which aims to simplify and speed up visa procedures for Indian applicants. “The UK-India partnership is built on millions of personal connections, shared dreams, and collective aspirations,” said Cameron. “This new centre in Delhi marks a significant improvement in our visa services, strengthening our commitment to the vast number of Indian nationals applying for United Kingdom visas.”
Streamlined Processes and Expanded Services
The expansion of United Kingdom visa services in India under the global contract awarded to VFS Global in December 2023 has led to a notable increase in permanent United KingdomUnited Kingdom Visa Application Centres, growing from 14 to 18. The addition of new centres in Lucknow, Jaipur, Gurugram, and Mysuru demonstrates the United Kingdom’s commitment to bringing visa services closer to more applicants across India.
The process at these VFS Global-operated centres is now more efficient, with a structured sequence beginning with biometrics collection and followed by document scanning for non-digital applicants. This sequence is carefully designed to reduce wait times and optimize applicant experience, reflecting the collaboration between the United Kingdom and VFS Global to make the visa process as seamless as possible.
VFS Global’s Chief Operating Officer for South Asia, Yummi Talwar, expressed enthusiasm about the advanced facilities, remarking, “Our partnership with UKVI and the British High Commission has grown from strength to strength over the last 21 years in India, allowing us to enhance the customer experience further.”
UK Visa Processing Standards and Future Digital Plans
Matt Heath, Deputy Director of the Visits & ETA Network at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), reaffirmed the UK’s dedication to delivering timely visa decisions. “Over the past two years, UKVI has consistently met its standards, delivering decisions within 15 working days for standard applications, 5 working days for priority applications, and 1 working day for super-priority applicants,” he stated.
Heath further highlighted that VFS Global has managed to schedule biometric appointments within 5 working days, with current wait times reduced to as little as 1-2 working days for applicants. Looking ahead, Heath shared that the UK government is aiming to transition to a “digital by default” immigration system by 2025, which will introduce eVisas to enhance security and user experience.
Expansion Across India for Comprehensive Access
Beyond the Delhi centre, VFS Global has relocated eight centres in cities like Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mysuru, and Kochi to larger premises, enabling more applicants to access services with ease. For those seeking an added level of service, there are now 13 Premium Application Centres across India, offering enhanced comfort and convenience.
This expansion not only reflects the increasing demand from Indian nationals but also strengthens the UK-India relationship by supporting the mobility of students, professionals, and tourists. As the UK government and VFS Global work towards future improvements, Indian nationals can expect continued enhancements that facilitate their travel, work, and study ambitions in the UK.
Also Read:Mandana Karimi: An Inspiring Story of Grit, Glamour, and Global Success