People applying for UK visas through the Tier 2 or Tier 5 routes will soon have the option to do so online.
Changes to the UK immigration rules have recently been put before parliament to allow both applicants and their dependants to apply online for further leave to remain in the country.
For the time being, things will continue as they are, but from next month (February 14th 2012) the online service will be launched.
In practice this means that people will be able to complete an online application form for their UK visa, make an online payment and, if they are looking to use the premium service, make an online booking for an appointment at a public enquiry service.
Meanwhile, anybody who is applying under the non-premium postal route must submit any required supporting documents as required within 15 working days, as well as booking and attending an appointment at a public enquiry office to provide biometric information.
Those that follow the premium route will also be required to attend such a meeting to deliver any required supporting documents and provide the biometric information, although they will have 45 working days to do so.