According to a recent announcement from the UK Border Agency (UKBA), the British Consulate General in New York will soon begin processing all settlement and non-settlement visa applications made in Canada. The British High Commission in Ottawa will no longer have jurisdiction over UK marriage visa, UK fiance(e) visa, and UK partner visa applications submitted by Canadian citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Effective 31 August 2011, all settlement and non-settlement visa applications made in Canada will be forwarded to the regional British Consulate in New York for processing. Biometric information will continue to be collected at the Visa Application Centres in Canada (Toronto, Halifax, Vancouver, Ottawa or Edmonton).

Once the UK Border Agency team in New York has made a decision on a visa application, original documents will be returned to the Visa Application Centre that will advise the applicant of the outcome of their case.

According to the UKBA, these changes will not affect visa processing times.