Effective 1 May 2013, anyone applying for a UK settlement fiancee, marriage or partner visa in India will have the option of using their debit or credit card to make an online payment of the associated UK Border Agency (UKBA) fees.

Although applicants in India are already able to make their UK visa applications online, from May 1st this year they will have the added convenience of making an online payment using either a Visa or MasterCard. All previous methods of payment will continue to be available, including making payment in person at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). These existing methods include paying the UK marriage visa fee in cash or by using a demand draft at either the application centre itself or selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank.

These changes were unveiled by Home Office Regional Director, Thomas Greig, who said: ‘Customers in India can now benefit from the option to pay online, the latest improvement in the UK visa service. This is part of our on-going commitment to offer the best service to our Indian customers. It is also part of the Home Office’s programme of modernisation. This includes moving to an online application process where almost all customers around the world would apply and pay for their visas online. It will be a much more streamlined application process and is consistent with a wider global trend to online transactions and payments. It will also be a safer system for both customers and staff as it reduces the risk associated with cash payment.’

Additional payment options for UK settlement visa applications, including the UK marriage visa, UK partner visa and UK fiancee visa, are expected to become available in the near future, such as other widely accepted payment cards and also eWallets. Currently, all UK visa fees paid in India will be through the rupee currency; however, there are also plans in motion to introduce a new system which will give the option of using other major currencies, including Pound Sterling.