Changes to process for UK settlement visa applicants in Japan

04 Apr 2017

UK Visa & Immigration is changing the way UK settlement visa applicat in Japan submit the supporting documents.

From 20 March 2017, all supporting documents should be sent to the UK address below by the sponsor or applicant.

Settlement Applications, International Operations and Visas

PO Box 5852

Sheffield

United Kingdom

S11 0FX

Applicants can also choose the documents scanning service where the supporting documents will be scanned and submitted by VFS Global, for an additional fee.

The UKVI aims make a decision on a settlement visa within 60 working days. If the applicant has opted for the Settlement Priority Visa Service, the application will be put at the front of the queue and the decision expedited.

Preparing the application for submission

Supporting documents should be sent as soon as possible to the UK after the online application from has been completed, and should include the unique GWF number. The documents may be sent before the application and biometrics are submitted. The guidelines below will help for the application preparation.

• Where required, original documents should be provided. If photocopies are also submitted, they must be clear and legible. The UKVI also recommend the applicants provide photocopies of all the original documents.

• Where possible all documents should be A4 size. Any documents which are smaller or larger than A4 size should be photocopied onto A4 sized paper. This  includes the pages of any previous passports. All documents should be free from paper clips, pins or staples before they are submitted.

• Applicant who purchased for Premium or Priority Service will need to attach the receipt to the front of the bundle, to alert it is a priority application.

• Applicant also need to attach a photocopy of biometric page of the applicant's passport at the front of the bundle.

• Ensure that the GWF reference number (generated when the application is completed online). and the locaion of the centre where the application was lodged. are both marked clearly on the outside of the envelope and at the top right hand corner of the first page of the of enclosed documents.

• Torn, crumpled or heavily creased documents cannot be scanned the therefore should be photocopied onto A4 paper before they are submitted

• Documets should not be laniated

Once the applicant has prepared the documents, submit them along with a suitably sized pre-paid, self addressed envelope for return, either to an address in the UK or in Japan.

Please note that supporting documents may be returned before the applicant receives a decision on the application. This is a normal part of the process and thre is no need to contact UKVI.

What will happen to the passport?

The passport will not be sent to the UK but will remain with UK Visas & Immigration thoughout the process.

What does the sponsor need to do?

For any applications made on or after 20 March 2017, all the supporting documents for the application should be sent directly to Sheffield at the address above.

What will happen to the documents?

Supporting documents will be returned directly from the Sheffield decision making centre to the address the applicant provides on the enclosed return envelope.

The sponsor sent the documents to UKVI in Manila, will I get refused?

The UKVI accepts that there may be a small number of errors initially. For a transition period of one month, supporting documents sent in error to Manila will be forwarded to Sheffield, After that period, documents will be returned to the sender for re-submission to Sheffield.

Will it take longer for the visa to be processed?

No, UKVI will continue to processes visa application in line with its global customer service standard, which is 60 working days for a standard settlment application. A Settlement Priority Visa Service is also available to eligible applicants, which guarantees the application will be processed at the front of the queue. This expedited service will begin when both the application and supporting documents are received by UKVI rather than when they are submitted. Where UKVI are unbale to resolve an application within its service standards, UKVI will contine to write to applicants to explain why.

Please visit VFS for more information.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us