Modernised visa system 'at risk of being rushed through'

The announcement of the new system was welcomed by immigration law expert Hannah Eades of Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind Out-Law.com, but she warned that the implementation of the new centres and visa application process was at risk of being rushed.

“Service hubs and centres will only gradually become operational in November and the initial planned opening of the first locations today has already been put back to Friday 9 November,” Eades said.

“The information provided to users of the new system has been very limited and introducing the changes in the lead up to the busy Christmas and New Year travel period is not ideal for employees wishing to travel home and to have comfort that their application will be completed in time,” Eades said.

The first of the new centres is scheduled to open in Manchester on Friday, with other centres due to be launched in Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and Croydon. A further 50 “enhanced” service centres and a “premium lounge” in London will be opened, although applicants will have to pay a charge for their use.

The government is also planning to open seven ‘service and support’ centres for applicants who need more help or safeguarding. However these will not launch until January 2019.

The modernised service will mean that most people applying in the UK will be able to begin their application online and then submit their biometric information including photos, fingerprints, and signatures as well as supporting evidence at a single appointment.

The current system requires an individual to make an application and send their documents to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and enrol their biometrics separately.

Applicants will now be able to submit digital copies of evidence rather than having to hand over documents such as passports.

“The new system will be welcomed by most of our clients.  The dispensing with the need for applicants to provide passport size photographs, given that a new photo has in any event been required for the biometric card, is long overdue,” Eades said.

“The acceptance of copy documentation and a greater degree of evidential flexibility may also be helpful but we will need to see how far this relaxation will be applied in practice,” Eades said.

She said the plans to speed up the process for applicants would only work if UKVI was able to achieve its target processing times.

“The ability to obtain a level of different speed of outcome subject to the paying of premium fee levels will be welcome but only if it is made available across most visa categories and if the suggested one working day and 10 working day service times can be achieved,” Eades said.