New spouse visa application process confusion: self upload or scanning service?

[matt_murdoch]

Hi

So I have seen this matter discussed quite a few times here, and even the solicitor we are using has mentioned confusion around this, so hope someone can clarify as I am getting a lot of mixed messages.

Context: I am a British national with a Pakistani wife. My wife is back in Pakistan after a spouse visa extension refusal, and we are re-applying for Entry Clearance spouse visa. It is fair to say that the manner of applying has become a lot more confusing now.

As i can tell, there are a number of ways people are talking about applying, so a little confused

1. Self Scanning and uploading: In terms of self scanning/uploading, this seems to be a nightmare, and not fit for purpose. Correct?

2. Using paid scanning service: Who needs to utilise this service. me or my wife i.e. where will these based? Here in the UK (where I have to submit the docs) or in Pakistan (where i will need to send the scans to my wife to print and have scanned)?

3. There seems to be an option to send documents to a London address (no longer Sheffield), however this seem unnecessary given the above two option.

Would appreciate some clarification

[Jaune08]

1. Self Scanning and uploading: In terms of self scanning/uploading, this seems to be a nightmare, and not fit for purpose. Correct?

It's difficult to self scan/upload as the website crashes quite often, deletes the files, etc. I have applied recently and for this reason, I preferred to pay to get them scanned at the visa centre.

2. Using paid scanning service: Who needs to utilise this service. me or my wife i.e. where will these based? Here in the UK (where I have to submit the docs) or in Pakistan (where i will need to send the scans to my wife to print and have scanned)?

As far as I am aware, you can do it either in the UK or in Pakistan. You can upload them in the UK (by self scanning or paying for that) and afterward submit biometrics in Pakistan, or do everything in one go in Pakistan. It can be confusing. For this reason, my husband and I did the following to avoid any hassle and confusion to upload the documents: he posted all his documents to me, and once I got the complete application pack, I went to the VFS centre in my home country to submit the evidence and the biometrics. That worked well for us.

3. There seems to be an option to send documents to a London address (no longer Sheffield), however this seem unnecessary given the above two option.

I think you can't send them anymore. I'm not too sure to be honest, but I think that's why the system has been replaced with the online application.

[KristianDLloyd]

3. There seems to be an option to send documents to a London address (no longer Sheffield), however this seem unnecessary given the above two option.

I think you can't send them anymore. I'm not too sure to be honest, but I think that's why the system has been replaced with the online application.

If using VFS, you can send the supporting documents by post to VFS for them to upload. Previously, you could send direct to UKVI. This is no longer available.

The correct address for VFS is a Birmingham address. Are you using another provider?

[matt_murdoch]

Thank you all for the information.

I finally found the required information of the VFS site (which seems harder than it should be to find): https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/in/en/vacs/ ... -documents

In summary the four options it lays out are:

1. Self scan
2. Applicant takes documents for scan
3. Sponsor or representative takes documents for scan in a number of UK offices
4. Documents sent to Birmingham address for scan

All, except option 1, have varying fees.

[Jaune08]

I finally found the required information of the VFS site (which seems harder than it should be to find): https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/in/en/vacs/ ... -documents

Oh thank you. That's actually helpful for anyone who is applying soon. I couldn't find this exact page on the VFS' website of my home country.

1. Self scan
2. Applicant takes documents for scan
3. Sponsor or representative takes documents for scan in a number of UK offices
4. Documents sent to Birmingham address for scan

All, except option 1, have varying fees.

I chose no.2 when I applied, and I've paid 73 USD for "User Pay Service Fee" plus 40 USD for scanning assistance.