As of 01 November 2021, UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) confirmed changes to their service to allow for a better user experience.
UKVCAS is the predominant system that is used to process immigration applications that are made within the UK. UKVCAS is responsible for confirming identification, enrolling biometrics, and providing the platform to submit relevant supporting documents for one’s immigration application with the Home Office.
UKVCAS service improvements will include:
- Optimization of the website to allow users to book appointments quicker and more easily;
- Implementing a chatbot facility on the website to allow for common queries;
- Increasing the number of free appointments at all UKVCAS service points (excluding premium lounge sites);
- Allowing for a simplified pricing structure for chargeable appointments. The aim is that there will be only a single price for all chargeable appointments with no additional costs for same day, out of hours or next day appointments; and
- Introducing longer time slots for family group bookings at specific service points.
These changes will continue to be ongoing, although the features of booking an appointment and uploading supporting documents will remain intact during the upgrade process.
UKVCAS has also announced that students who have paid for the Super Priority Service will be able to book an appointment immediately after submitting their immigration application. As for other student applicants, they should wait for an email from UKVCAS to confirm the next steps.
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