UK Announces Changes to Visa Service
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Contact: Chris Satney
Tuesday, 29 January 2008 – The British Government is seeking to further modernise its visa service to customers in St Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean, as part of a worldwide programme to meet the ever-increasing demand for visas for the United Kingdom.
As such UK visas, as of today, will be processed by the British Consulate in New York under a new “Hub and Spoke” arrangement.
Applicants are being asked to continue to lodge their applications on-line and arrange an appointment at the British High Commission in St Lucia. Executive officer of the British High Commission Debbie Worrell says this is important in order to have their finger scans taken.
“It is important to note that from 30 January 2008, customers will also have to make their payment on-line. When attending for finger scans, applicants should present their application form, passport, original supporting documents with copies and—where necessary—English translations. Documents will then be forwarded to a new dedicated regional visa centre at the British Embassy in New York, where the application will be processed and a decision taken,” she said.
Miss Worrell says once a decision has been taken on whether a visa should be issued, an applicant's passport and documents will be returned to the British High Commission in St Lucia for collection by the applicant.
Alternatively, she says, applicants can pay an additional US$20 at the time of application to have the documents returned directly to them.
“The expected processing time between an applicant having finger scans taken and documents being ready again for collection at the British High Commission, will be 15-20 working days in most cases. If an applicant needs to be interviewed, arrangements will be made for them to return to the British High Commission. Interviews will be arranged as quickly as possible, and certainly within 10 working days. Applicants will not be required to travel to New York,” said Miss Worrell.
Travellers who require a visa to enter the United Kingdom must submit all applications via the internet at www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk. |
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