The British High Commission in Colombo yesterday said that from Monday May 6, 2013, applicants and their dependents who are applying for a UK visa will need to make their applications online. From this date, manually completed application forms will no longer be accepted.

Online applications and appointments will be mandated for all applications under the points based system, visitor and settlement routes. This means applicants will need to complete and submit the application form by visiting https://apply.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/iapply.portal.

Applicants will then need to print off a hard copy of their application form and make an online appointment to attend their nearest visa application centre (VAC).

They should bring the application form printout to their appointment at the VAC, along with the necessary supporting documentation. Applicants will need to give their biometrics (finger scans and digital photograph) at the VAC in line with the current practice.

By completing and submitting a visa application online, the customer saves time when attending the visa application centre. This is because information about the application has been received and recorded. It is also possible for the relatives of applicants to assist them to complete their application online.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)