Expanded 24-hour visa service coming in New York

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? Responding to high demand, the U.K. Consulate in New York is making more appointments available for visa applicants opting for same-day “Super Priority” service.

What does the change mean? The increased number of appointment slots per day is intended to relieve the wait times to book an appointment, currently four weeks.

• Implementation time frame: Approximately Aug. 19.
• Visas/permits affected: Super-Priority visa service is available to tourists, short-stay visa applicants and some long-term visa applicants who are residents of the U.S. Exclusions apply.
• Who is affected: Individuals applying for visas at the U.K. Consulate in New York.
• Impact on processing: The consulate will offer eight appointment slots instead of five, Monday through Thursday.
• Business impact: Urgent travelers who are eligible for the service should be able to book an appointment on shorter notice than previously.
• Next steps: BAL can assist in scheduling appointments through the online system.

Background: Since its launch in New York in March, the flexible but pricey 24-hour Super Priority visa service has proven popular. For additional government fees, travelers can appear in person in New York, complete their biometrics at the consulate and receive visa service within 24 hours.

BAL Analysis: The additional time slots should help relieve the logjam, but appointments are likely to fill quickly and applicants selecting this service should consider the lead time needed to book an appointment.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.

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