UK to introduce 'digital by default' immigration system by 2025, launch eVisas

The UK is moving towards a “digital by default” immigration system by 2025 and will introduce eVisas. It remains uncertain when this will be launched in India. The eVisa is expected to provide enhanced security and convenience for travelers, eliminating the need to wait for or collect a physical document after a visa decision is made.

Britain continues to issue the maximum number of visas to Indians, a trend that has been seen post Covid. British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said Tuesday “Indian nationals were the largest group to receive UK visas for visit, study and work categories in the year ending June 2024.”

To speed up the processing time for costly UK visas in India — with fees ranging from Rs 13,308 for a six-month visa to over Rs 1.1 lakh for a 10-year visa, plus an optional GBP 500 for priority service to receive a decision within five working days — biometrics will now be collected first, followed by document scanning for non-digital customers at VFS UK visa application centres.

The UK levies same visa application fees across the world. The fee quantum is for reducing the burden on UK taxpayers and ensuring it does not place a burden on vital public services in the UK, while giving a decent experience to applicants, said an official.

Matt Heath, visits & ETA network deputy director, UK Visas and Immigration, said: “Looking ahead, the UK government is moving towards a 'digital by default' immigration system by 2025, introducing eVisas to enhance the customer experience, deliver excellent value, and increase the security and efficiency of our immigration system. While we're excited about these innovations, we're also committed to ensuring the safety and security of all visa applicants. I urge everyone to stay vigilant against visa fraud. Remember, UKVI will never contact you through social media, ask for payment by email or into a personal bank account, or guarantee visa offers in exchange for payment to third parties.”

UK processed close to a million visa applications for Indian nationals in the year ending June 2024. “For the last two years, UKVI has consistently met our customer service standards, making visa decisions for visit, work or study routes within 15 working days for standard applications, 5 working days for priority applications, and an impressive 1 working day for super priority applicants. VFS consistently offer biometric appointments for UK visa applicants within 5 working days. In fact, the current waiting time is a mere 1 to 2 working days.… UKVI does not cap appointments at the front end. We consistently have appointments available for customers at our visa application centres, ensuring flexibility and convenience for all applicants,” Heath said.