UKVI Digital Changes, No PEO/PSCs from October 2018?

[Shahno]

Thanks very much.

[shreehari]

Hi,
I have read through all the thread but there are few questions for which i haven't found an answer. Would be great to hear that from members

1) after we will in online application, do we still get an option for one day premium service ?

2) are these new opening center equivalent to premium centers or are they only place where documents will be scanned or biometric taken ?

3) do you still have to be in 28 days rule to submit online application or its the oppointment date that matter ?

Please let me know,
Thanks,

[michali]

As I understand it (and I am not sure what I understand!) is that the centres will merely be for enrolling biometrics and scanning documents if you have not done that at home. The option for a decision will be for next day, eight days ? or longer . Obviously the sooner you want a decision, the more you will pay! I don’t know about the 28 day rule yet but I think you can get an appointment next day or in a few days, again, I am sure you pay for that!

[loupiol]

Hi everyone,
I guess I am one of the first users of the new service operated by Sopria!
Given all the information I got from the forum (thanks everyone!), I want to share my experience.

I'll be using the new service this Monday in the Premium Lounge in Tower Hill, London.

Here's the process I've been through so far.
After multiple attempts trying to secure a PSC meeting, I had to re-do a new application on Nov 2.
On the new form, you are allowed to choose between the old process with the PSCs or the new one.
By the way, they have not been adding dates/appointments at PSCs as they are shifting to the new system. The only meetings you can secure are cancelled ones...
I chose the new system. The fee went up GBP19.
You first pay, then you can book your appointment on a different website operated by Sopria.
I could not wait for the opening of the new centers in London. So I went for what was available ASAP which was the Tower Hill premium center. Unfortunately, that costs an additional GBP200 or GBP260 depending on the time slot you choose (earlier/more convenient ones) are more expensive.

I will let you know how it goes on Monday!

Good luck to everyone. I hope my experience sheds a bit of light for others in the same situation.

[Ancestor]

Hi everyone,
I guess I am one of the first users of the new service operated by Sopria!
Given all the information I got from the forum (thanks everyone!), I want to share my experience.

I'll be using the new service this Monday in the Premium Lounge in Tower Hill, London.

Here's the process I've been through so far.
After multiple attempts trying to secure a PSC meeting, I had to re-do a new application on Nov 2.
On the new form, you are allowed to choose between the old process with the PSCs or the new one.
By the way, they have not been adding dates/appointments at PSCs as they are shifting to the new system. The only meetings you can secure are cancelled ones...
I chose the new system. The fee went up GBP19.
You first pay, then you can book your appointment on a different website operated by Sopria.
I could not wait for the opening of the new centers in London. So I went for what was available ASAP which was the Tower Hill premium center. Unfortunately, that costs an additional GBP200 or GBP260 depending on the time slot you choose (earlier/more convenient ones) are more expensive.

I will let you know how it goes on Monday!

Good luck to everyone. I hope my experience sheds a bit of light for others in the same situation.

Thanks loupiol, will be good to follow and track your updates for members and readers on the forum. Cheers.

[allyf]

Hi everyone,
I guess I am one of the first users of the new service operated by Sopria!
Given all the information I got from the forum (thanks everyone!), I want to share my experience.

I'll be using the new service this Monday in the Premium Lounge in Tower Hill, London.

Here's the process I've been through so far.
After multiple attempts trying to secure a PSC meeting, I had to re-do a new application on Nov 2.
On the new form, you are allowed to choose between the old process with the PSCs or the new one.
By the way, they have not been adding dates/appointments at PSCs as they are shifting to the new system. The only meetings you can secure are cancelled ones...
I chose the new system. The fee went up GBP19.
You first pay, then you can book your appointment on a different website operated by Sopria.
I could not wait for the opening of the new centers in London. So I went for what was available ASAP which was the Tower Hill premium center. Unfortunately, that costs an additional GBP200 or GBP260 depending on the time slot you choose (earlier/more convenient ones) are more expensive.

I will let you know how it goes on Monday!

Good luck to everyone. I hope my experience sheds a bit of light for others in the same situation.

Thank you loupiol for keeping us in the loop! I’m glad you were able to secure a date for priority service (even though it was rather pricey!) I was wondering if you can shed some light on the priority booking. I’ve been told that the 28 days prior to visa expiration still applies. So does that mean we should not start the online process until 28 days or can we start now so long as the priority appointment is 28 days within? Sorry hope this makes sense. Basically my 28 days starts 3rd week of December. So what i’d like to know is can I start the application now, pay now, but book appointment 3rd week of December....is that allowed?

[swskum]

Hey all - I'm new here - filling in the FLR(M) for my wife's extension of leave to remain (initial application completed in June 2016). Is there any news on when the FLR(M) online form will be updated to allow the Sopra Steria system? At the moment it just gives the option for standard and premium, with no premium appointments available at all (as usual!). I redid the form from scratch this eve to ensure it wasn't the case I was using an out of date online form - but still no luck with the new service choice. Wondering whether the new system applies for the FLR(M). It looked like it did from the list (any other leave to remain category), but I'm not sure. Cheers dudes

[bizman]

Hi everyone,
I guess I am one of the first users of the new service operated by Sopria!
Given all the information I got from the forum (thanks everyone!), I want to share my experience.

I'll be using the new service this Monday in the Premium Lounge in Tower Hill, London.

Here's the process I've been through so far.
After multiple attempts trying to secure a PSC meeting, I had to re-do a new application on Nov 2.
On the new form, you are allowed to choose between the old process with the PSCs or the new one.
By the way, they have not been adding dates/appointments at PSCs as they are shifting to the new system. The only meetings you can secure are cancelled ones...
I chose the new system. The fee went up GBP19.
You first pay, then you can book your appointment on a different website operated by Sopria.
I could not wait for the opening of the new centers in London. So I went for what was available ASAP which was the Tower Hill premium center. Unfortunately, that costs an additional GBP200 or GBP260 depending on the time slot you choose (earlier/more convenient ones) are more expensive.

I will let you know how it goes on Monday!

Good luck to everyone. I hope my experience sheds a bit of light for others in the same situation.

[bizman]

Many thanks mate. Good luck.

[michali]

That is helpful! So, you pay for the visa, then you pay to have an expedited decision (£477 or £610) then you pay (£200 or £260) for the Sopra Steria appointment? And if you want added services like document checking or digital assisted services, any idea what those cost? Please let us know how it goes for you and all the best! Have you uploaded your own documents or will you do that at the Centre?

[Snap2018]

It really isn't clear what the changes mean!

I had proactively set up a 14th November NDRS appointment for myself last month. I wanted to be sure I get a date within 10 days of submitting my online application.

Following the recent changes of the service centers, it seems like the only 2 options are either post office ("existing way" as referred to by HO) or Sopra Steria ("new way"). There is no mention of being able to use NDRS any longer. Or the mention of JCAP.

Does anyone know if NDRS can still be used? Perhaps, someone who has already filled a citizenship application online recently will be able to share what choices were given in the old form when it got to the Declaration, Pay steps of the application.

Much appreciate your help!

[johnhkg]

It really isn't clear what the changes mean!

I had proactively set up a 14th November NDRS appointment for myself last month. I wanted to be sure I get a date within 10 days of submitting my online application.

Following the recent changes of the service centers, it seems like the only 2 options are either post office ("existing way" as referred to by HO) or Sopra Steria ("new way"). There is no mention of being able to use NDRS any longer. Or the mention of JCAP.

Does anyone know if NDRS can still be used? Perhaps, someone who has already filled a citizenship application online recently will be able to share what choices were given in the old form when it got to the Declaration, Pay steps of the application.

Much appreciate your help!

According to HO you can use existing method(s) until 29 November (see link below). You are lucky to have the NDRS appointment (smart move), because most local authorities are not accepting new bookings for NDRS. If in any doubt I suggest you call your local authority and seek their advice. And ask about JCAP too, because once Sopra Steria takes over in toto it seems JCAP is no more

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... ed-to-know

[vinny]

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... ed-to-know

The link doesn't work.

[johnhkg]

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... ed-to-know

The link doesn't work.

Sorry, I'll try again,

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukvis-new-f ... ed-to-know

Relevant section from that link says:

Existing service
If you apply on or before 29 November 2018, you can choose to use the existing service and enrol your biometric information at the Post Office or a Premium Service Centre if you’re applying for one of these routes. You’ll be told how to do this as part of your application and in your biometrics enrolment letter.

[bhavgarg]

Hello,
Does anyone if we can travel while the application is being processed in the new system? The guideline states you may not need to submit passport and may not be able to travel?
My wife wants to visit India and come back on 15 Dec. Her visa expires on 17 Dec.
Thanks

[michali]

My understanding is that you cannot travel while the application is being processed. However, you could apply early, pay for an early appointment and a quick decision.

[bhavgarg]

My understanding is that you cannot travel while the application is being processed. However, you could apply early, pay for an early appointment and a quick decision.

Thanks, do you know if there is an option for premium service in the new system? It is my wife's sister's wedding and we would really like to go!

[michali]

Have you read the links in this thread? From what they say, you can pay extra to get an early decision.

[loupiol]

Thank you loupiol for keeping us in the loop! I’m glad you were able to secure a date for priority service (even though it was rather pricey!) I was wondering if you can shed some light on the priority booking. I’ve been told that the 28 days prior to visa expiration still applies. So does that mean we should not start the online process until 28 days or can we start now so long as the priority appointment is 28 days within? Sorry hope this makes sense. Basically my 28 days starts 3rd week of December. So what i’d like to know is can I start the application now, pay now, but book appointment 3rd week of December....is that allowed?

I think that's allowed.

As long as your appointment falls in the 28 days it should work.
What matters is the appointment date and not the date you start your application online.

[loupiol]

My understanding is that you cannot travel while the application is being processed. However, you could apply early, pay for an early appointment and a quick decision.

Thanks, do you know if there is an option for premium service in the new system? It is my wife's sister's wedding and we would really like to go!

To play it safe, I think you should wait until you receive the decision and the BRP itself.
You can't travel without a valid residency permit.

[loupiol]

That is helpful! So, you pay for the visa, then you pay to have an expedited decision (£477 or £610) then you pay (£200 or £260) for the Sopra Steria appointment? And if you want added services like document checking or digital assisted services, any idea what those cost? Please let us know how it goes for you and all the best! Have you uploaded your own documents or will you do that at the Centre?

Hi michali,

Yup, it all adds up...
I'll upload my documents at the center even though I have the option to do it online... Hope this is the right choice!

And yes, they have all these add-on services on top of the appointment themselves that are not free.
Document checking: GBP35 (online)
Immigration advice: price on demand (no clue what ball park price would be, I suspect: pricey)
Document translation: GBP75 per page
There is also a support line that costs £2.50 per minute plus your standard network rate and access charge.

[allyf]

Thank you loupiol for keeping us in the loop! I’m glad you were able to secure a date for priority service (even though it was rather pricey!) I was wondering if you can shed some light on the priority booking. I’ve been told that the 28 days prior to visa expiration still applies. So does that mean we should not start the online process until 28 days or can we start now so long as the priority appointment is 28 days within? Sorry hope this makes sense. Basically my 28 days starts 3rd week of December. So what i’d like to know is can I start the application now, pay now, but book appointment 3rd week of December....is that allowed?

I think that's allowed.

As long as your appointment falls in the 28 days it should work.
What matters is the appointment date and not the date you start your application online.

Thanks so much for your email loupiol. Best of luck for tomorrow and I’m sure everything will go smoothly. I’m sure this is the last thing you want to look at, at the end of tomorrow’s appointment but if you’re not too sick of us, please let us know how it goes All the best!

[michali]

That is helpful! So, you pay for the visa, then you pay to have an expedited decision (£477 or £610) then you pay (£200 or £260) for the Sopra Steria appointment? And if you want added services like document checking or digital assisted services, any idea what those cost? Please let us know how it goes for you and all the best! Have you uploaded your own documents or will you do that at the Centre?

Hi michali,

Yup, it all adds up...
I'll upload my documents at the center even though I have the option to do it online... Hope this is the right choice!

And yes, they have all these add-on services on top of the appointment themselves that are not free.
Document checking: GBP35 (online)
Immigration advice: price on demand (no clue what ball park price would be, I suspect: pricey)
Document translation: GBP75 per page
There is also a support line that costs £2.50 per minute plus your standard network rate and access charge.

I really appreciate your sharing your experience! I am very nervous about the whole thing, especially the uploading. So will you take your originals and both scan and upload at the Centre? And I guess the document checking would come after that is done? I just can’t visualize how it works. Do you have to scan complete passports? Sorry for all the questions! Good luck!

[boykingin]

Thanks Loupiol and good luck. I have booked an appointment for next Monday at the Premium Lounge in London.

One Q I have is - who do you address the letters (such as the letter from employer) to? In the past it was the PSC centre you were going to, such as Croydon. Do you now simply put the address of the Premium Lounge instead?

Any advice highly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone,
I guess I am one of the first users of the new service operated by Sopria!
Given all the information I got from the forum (thanks everyone!), I want to share my experience.

I'll be using the new service this Monday in the Premium Lounge in Tower Hill, London.

Here's the process I've been through so far.
After multiple attempts trying to secure a PSC meeting, I had to re-do a new application on Nov 2.
On the new form, you are allowed to choose between the old process with the PSCs or the new one.
By the way, they have not been adding dates/appointments at PSCs as they are shifting to the new system. The only meetings you can secure are cancelled ones...
I chose the new system. The fee went up GBP19.
You first pay, then you can book your appointment on a different website operated by Sopria.
I could not wait for the opening of the new centers in London. So I went for what was available ASAP which was the Tower Hill premium center. Unfortunately, that costs an additional GBP200 or GBP260 depending on the time slot you choose (earlier/more convenient ones) are more expensive.

I will let you know how it goes on Monday!

Good luck to everyone. I hope my experience sheds a bit of light for others in the same situation.

[michali]

I would not have thought it would be the Premium Lounge to where correspondence should be addressed. Unlike the PSC’s , this is not where a decision will be made. It is merely a facility for biometrics and scanning, etc will be done.