UK extends 24-hour visa service to Pune & Bengaluru

In what can be called a big relief to Indians, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has announced an extension of the Super Priority Visa service (SPV) to Pune and Bengaluru. The new announcement means more Indians would be able to get a decision on their visa in less than 24 hours.

SPV is an optional service for customers in India who need to travel to the UK urgently. The facility is available in five cities with Pune and Bengaluru adding to the already existing centres in Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai.

SPV applications are assessed to exactly the same high standard as all other applications but are handled by UKVI at the highest priority, with dedicated staff members processing cases at the front of the queue and an express courier service ensuring quick return to the customer.

“I am pleased that the Super Priority Visa service is being extended to even more Indian cities, giving many more UK visa customers the opportunity to receive a visa decision in 24 hours or less if needed. India was the first country in the world to receive this service in 2013 – and is once again leading the way as two more cities – Pune and Bengaluru – receive this first class visa service. This is further proof of the strength of the UK-India relationship and of the focus by UKVI on providing a convenient, world-class experience for Indian visa applicants,” said Immigration Minister, Caroline Nokes.

The extension of this service aims to support the UK-India Technology Partnership, which will include establishing ‘tech clusters’ in these strategically important cities. This brings the total number of locations Indian nationals can use the SPV service to five, supporting the ‘Living Bridge’ between our two countries and facilitating the movement of talent in key sectors.