UK unveils ‘Fast Track’ visa service for Lankans

From 24 June 2013, Sri Lankans who apply for a UK visitor visa can request a brand new ‘Fast Track’ service, the British High Commission said yesterday.

For an additional fee of Rs. 10,000 (including taxes), the Home Office will expedite the visa application and return the documents in five working days.

Customers may request this service if they are applying for a visitor visa (excluding student visas) and have travelled without difficulty in the last five years to one of the following countries: UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or a Schengen country.

Customers can book an appointment online by visiting: www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk.

Customers are advised to schedule an appointment in advance as there is a limited allocation of ‘Fast Track’ slots each day. Customers with a normal online appointment may avail a ‘Fast Track’ service without a separate appointment only if there are unallocated slots available.

The High Commission said using the ‘Fast Track’ service does not guarantee that the visa application will be successful. All applicants must meet the requirements of the UK’s Immigration Rules.

If a customer has been refused a visa for any one of the countries mentioned above or overstayed their visa to the UK or been removed or otherwise been required to leave the UK, the processing of the application is likely to take longer than five working days.

For further information about ‘Fast Track,’ including terms and conditions and guaranteed processing time, log on to: www.vfs-uk-lk.com.