UK settlement application processing from Jamaica has changed
3 September 2014
Anyone wishing to make an application for a UK settlement fiancee, partner or spousal visa from Jamaica and certain other Caribbean locations on or after 2 September 2014 will be required to send their documents to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) processing centre in Sheffield. This is an important change from the previous procedure for residents of Jamaica, as prior to that date the British High Commission in Kingston was involved in the decision-making process. Some things will not change, however. Passports will still not be sent to Sheffield with applications, but will remain throughout the process of deciding on an application at the British High Commission in Kingston. All other supporting documentation must be sent to the UKVI address directly by the applicant or their sponsor, making it more important than ever that all documents are present and all forms correctly filled in as delays in checking could be much longer. A settlement priority service will still be available and as with other applications, applicant’s passport will remain in Kingston but the process will be expedited, taking on average 3-5 working days. The accepted time windows of 15 working days for non-settlement applications and 60 working days for all applications from those wishing to settle permanently in the UK will still be followed, so no significant delays should be encountered.
