UK Visas and Immigration: Portsmouth

(asked on 2nd April 2019) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reasons the Government cancelled plans to open a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service Centre in Portsmouth.


Answered by
Caroline Nokes Portrait
Caroline Nokes
This question was answered on 8th April 2019

UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service Centres are run by Sopra Steria Ltd (SSL) on behalf of UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI). There are six core sites across the UK at which enrolment services must be offered and beyond that, SSL offer a range of enhanced services, expanding enrolment services to other locations in line with their assessment of customer demand.

SSL are finding a suitable location for the enhanced service in Portsmouth but in the interim, and in response to customer demand, SSL are planning to increase opening hours from two to five days a week at the Visa and Citizenship Application Service Centre in Southampton.

SSL aims to offer all customers an appointment at their chosen location within five working days. UKVI continue to work closely with Sopra Steria to review appointment availability across all locations.

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