UK immigration announces changes to visa regime in North European countries

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The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has announced that it is to change its systems for dealing with visa applications from six European countries in January 2013.

The UKBA says that, between 7th January and 14th January 2013, the UKBA will change its systems for handling visa applications. In future, applications made at British Embassies and Consulates at these countries will be decided at the UKBA regional hub in Croydon, south London.

The countries are

Denmark
Norway
Iceland
Finland
Estonia
Sweden

'Minor disruption'

The UKBA warns that there may be some 'minor disruption' between 8th and 14th January while the changes are implemented but advises applicants that the visa application process in these countries remains the same.

All applicants must submit English translations of supporting documents but these need not be certified copies because 'translations are checked for accuracy by UKBA staff'.

After an applicant in any of the countries listed above submits his passport, application and supporting documents in any of the above countries, they will be transferred to Croydon by a secure courier. The decision will be made and the documents will be returned to the relevant visa application centre by secure courier.

There will be no increase in the cost of the service. The UKBA says that it intends to process at least 90% of applications within 15 working days.

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