144: Home Office rolls out new UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service
Tim Hayes Partner
From 2 November 2018, changes have been introduced for migrants seeking leave to remain or to settle permanently in the UK under the new Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS).
Over the next few months, the majority of paper application forms will be withdrawn and most UK-based applicants will now need to apply and book an appointment online at a UKVCAS centre. 57 new UKVCAS centres have begun opening across the UK, with all locations due to be open by early January 2019.
As part of the new process, applicants will be able to purchase additional services for convenience or speed and retain their passports and other supporting evidence while their application is processed, rather than submitting them separately. Dedicated Service and Support Centres will also open from January 2019 to deal with applicants applying under more complex routes, such as statelessness or family reunion.