New Delhi: International students – who are planning to study in the United Kingdom (UK) should not book a ticket until approval of a VISA from the UK immigration authorities. The Britain High Commissioner to India – Alex Ellis on Friday apologized for the delay in the VISA process and advised people against buying air tickets till they get their VISAs.
Ellis said, “The UK is expecting an unprecedented number of Indian students to join its colleges this fall, and the HC is doing everything we can to ensure they get their visas on time.”
“A lot of you have been in touch about visa delays. Many apologies, as I know this is causing a lot of problems… I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected by this and the distress which it gives you,” Ellis said on Friday.
“Why is this (delays) happening? Firstly, because of an unprecedented surge in a demand for UK visas post-Covid. Secondly, because of global events, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine. What are we doing about it? We are putting more resources into this. We are training more people and we are keeping open the priority visa service, which many of you can use. You can help us by making sure you have the paperwork right,” he added.
“And my advice is don’t commit to your air tickets until you have got your visa to be on the safe side. We want to see an unprecedented number of Indian students coming to the UK this year and we will do everything we can to make sure that you get your visa on time. But again, follow the guide to the letter,” the teacher-turned-diplomat said in a message on SM.
According to the agents, the average processing time for a UK visa currently is about two months. “If someone wants to get their visa quickly by using a fast track, that costs about Rs 23,000 more.
(Vinayak)