More changes to the visa system are announced. This is taken from the Free Movement website :

The VISA system for visitors to Britain will be overhauled by Home Secretary Theresa May in an effort to make it easier for business people and performing artists to enter the country.

Under the changes — to be introduced in April — the existing range of 15 different visa categories will be scrapped and replaced by a system in which visitors will be given one of four types of visa.

Ministers say the reforms — which will also apply to tourists and those travelling to Britain to marry — will create a more “streamlined” application process and reduce the risk of visitors getting bogged down in bureaucracy.

More details here :

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/theresa-may-announces-sweeping-reform-to-visa-system-10035988.html

Tony M

On the face of it a sensible move which will be of benefit to business and entertainment visitors.

Very unlike this government!

But as ever, the devil is in the detail.

For example, I see no mention of student visitors. Does this mean someone with a general visit visa will in future be able to study in the UK? Or has Mrs May forgotten this important, and profitable, category?

Sounds sensible at first glance, and thanks for sharing.

But with my wedding in June and subsequent settlement visa application planned, any change in the rules makes me nervous. In the past, have changes like this caused the processing times to noticeably lengthen?