Revised UK visa regulations - what's happening?

[Mister Fixit]

A month or so ago, a post was made (which seems to have disappeared) announcing that changes were being made to the UK visa application process, some from today (6th April - which I think is the NHS charge for settlement visas)

The others are to start on 24th April, but I haven't seen anything posted on here about them recently.

Anyone any ideas about what's going on?

Edited April 6, 2015 by Mister Fixit

[7by7]

Here is the topic on the health surcharge, which as you say comes into effect today.

There are also changes to the A1 English test for settlement coming into effect today; see this topic.

From this topic

The Home Office has announced that starting in March 2015 long term visas of over 6 months will no longer be issued. Instead a visa valid for 30 days will be issued along with a letter informing the applicant which post office in the UK they must collect their biometric residency permit at within 10 days of arriving in the UK. Failure to travel within the 30 days period will mean that a new paid for visa application must be made. This system will start in Delhi before being rolled out across the World by the end of July 2015. No date has yet been given for implementation in Bangkok

Major changes to visit visas have also come into effect today; but for most on this site they will not have much effect; see this topic.

Visa fees have increased, not sure of the effective date, but the fees page is showing the new ones. Table of new fees.

I think that's all; for now.

Many thanks to Tony M of Thai Visa Express who announced these changes in the topics I have linked to above.

[Mister Fixit]

Great stuff! Many thanks - I shall now have an hour or two to plough my way through it before a late dinner ...

Expect a number of questions regarding my own application for my wife fairly soon, dependant on the contents of what I am about to read.

I've made 2 successful applications in the past, one in 2011 and the other in 2013, the first granted in just 5 days, the other in 9. My younger brother did the sponsor letter.

However, due to a family 'situation' (I bollocked my younger brother up hill and down dale last year (as did his wife and son) after he flew into a drunken rant at me) my brother is refusing to provide a sponsor letter this time.

No probs, my number 2 son will do it but it's a bit of a complicated one this time ...

[7by7]

Not sure what you mean by a 'sponsor letter' as whether she is applying for a visit or a settlement visa you are your wife's sponsor.

If you mean a letter offering accommodation for a visit then as accommodation can be offered by anyone, anyone can write such a letter.