All visa applications to the United Kingdom will be made online in an attempt to improve the visa application process further, the British High Commission in Dhaka announced on Sunday. From May 19, all applications under the UK’s points-based system will go online, including those for dependents, with all other applications online from June 2, said a press release issued by the High Commission.
From these dates manually completed application forms will no longer be accepted.
To make an application, applicants are needed to visit www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk and submit their application online, following the guidance available in both Bangla and English. This will mean spending less time at the visa application centre as their information will have already been received and recorded before their visit. It also allows relatives to assist them when they complete their application form online.
Clients will then print out a copy of their completed application form and bring this with supporting documents to their nearest visa application centre in Dhaka or Sylhet. No appointment is needed unless using a premium service. As before, the centre will take applicants’ biometric details (finger scans and digital photograph). Clients can either pay the application fee during this visit or prepay at one of the designated branches of BRAC Bank, in which case the centre will ask for proof of payment.
Applicants without access to a computer connected to the internet and printer can arrange in advance to use equipment provided at the centre by the UK’s commercial partner, VFS Global, for a small fee. They can submit their application and supporting documents at the same time, avoiding the need to visit the centre twice. Full instructions on how to access the website and submit an application form will be on display. Applicants wishing to use this IT service can contact VFS at: Dhaka: dhakakiosk@vfshelpline.com, telephone +8802 9885132, Sylhet: sylhetkiosk@vfshelpline.com, telephone +880821 717570.
The IT service will cost Tk 160 for the first 30 minutes and then Tk 80 for each subsequent 15 minutes, with printing charged at Tk 30 per page. Customers may continue to make an appointment separately to use the Premium Lounges, Fast Track and Prime Time services to submit their applications. Further information on these services can be found at www.vfs-uk-bd.com.
-With The Independent input
