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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The U.K.’s visa contractor, VFS Global, is offering several new services to visa applicants in India for additional government fees.
What does the change mean? The new services include walk-in appointments for urgent travelers, “home-to-home” options such as chauffeur service, longer business hours, premium lounge and other personalized services, group appointment booking, a digital assistant, an online payment option, and a final application review.
Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
Who is affected: U.K. visa applicants in India; some services are limited to certain jurisdictions in India. The walk-in service is also available to Indian applicants applying for Irish visas.
Impact on processing times: The service options do not necessarily affect processing times but may expedite the overall process in completing the application steps.
Business impact: The additional services provide flexibility and convenience for those needing urgent service or personalized assistance.
Background: The new options are as follows. Government fees for the special services are on top of normal government visa fees.
BAL Analysis: The U.K. is expanding optional services to applicants in India that have proven popular in other countries. Applicants are reminded that use of these optional additional services does not guarantee a successful visa decision.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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