LS Legal News Bulletin
UKVI's new front end services
Tuesday 22nd January 2019
From 2 November 2018, the way you make an application for settlement, citizenship or to stay in the UK for study or work will change for some applicants. Customers seeking leave to remain in the UK or to settle permanently on the following routes will have a choice between using the existing service or the new UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS). Over the next few months the majority of paper application forms will be withdrawn and most UK-based customers applying for leave to remain in the UK or to settle permanently will need to apply online. From January 2019, UKVI will begin to open dedicated Service and Support Centres (SSCs) for some visa and citizenship customers applying under certain routes. You will be directed to use the new dedicated SCCs if you are:
● applying for a fee waiver or fee exemption;
● applying under the domestic violence route;
● applying based on your statelessness;
● making further submissions following a refused asylum/ protection; and
● not making an application but you need to give your biometrics.
You may be directed to use a SCC if you are applying:
● based on your family life or private life in the UK;
● on the basis of long residence;
● based on human rights or for a reason not covered by the immigration rules; and
● to extend your stay or settle in the UK and you have been refused asylum and granted discretionary leave.
During the transition period you can choose to use the existing service and enrol your biometric information at the Post Office or a Premium Service Centre. If you are applying for leave to remain, or indefinite leave to remain, you should not leave the UK until you have received a decision on your application. UKVI's PSCs closed on 29 November 2018. In the meantime, there are only a limited number of appointments available at PSCs. You will be able to return and view the other services available to you before making your final confirmation.
LS Legal Solicitors may assist you with any type of immigration application. Please contact our firm on 02081445588, via email on info@LSLegaLUK.com or use the contact box to discuss your matter or make an appointment.
