New online application service for UK visit visas launches in Russia
As part of a global rollout, Access UK was launched in Russia on 31 March for customers applying for a UK visit visa.
Following the success of Access UK in mainland China, UKVI is rolling out the service globally to customers applying for a Standard Visitor visa, Visitor (Marriage & Civil Partnership), or Visitor (Permitted Paid Engagement) visa.
Customers will be able to use Access UK to apply, book an appointment and pay for their application using the standard and priority visa service.
The global rollout commenced in February 2016, with the launch of Access UK in India. Over 7000 applicants in India have already used the new Service.
The application form will be available in Russian and English. By the end of the global rollout, the Service will be translated into a number of other key languages.
In 2015, the UK issued 122,000 visas to Russians and 96% of applications were successful.
97% of visit visas were processed within 15 working days. The average processing time in 2015 was 7 working days.
The Home Office is committed to improving the UK Visa and Immigration Service, by making it more convenient, quicker and easier for applicants to apply for their visas.
Visit Access UK on www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa.