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PRD Version 6.11.0_b1 Date: 2023-10-18 10:03

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Canada has a plan in the works to fast track some visitor visas.

Canada intends to prioritize the processing of certain visitor visas, particularly those related to tourism, major conferences, and events. The move is geared towards facilitating the entry of individuals attending such gatherings in Canada, as long as they are registered with IRCC.

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2021-07-13T03:59:30

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Canada has just announced that 7 new countries will be eligible for fast-tracked visa processing in just 3 weeks! Keep reading to see if you qualify.

7 New Countries Eligible for Fast-tracked Visa Processing!

Have you always wanted to further your studies abroad or gain an internationally recognized qualification to help boost your career? Canada has the highest number of educated adults in the world, with universities ranked in the top global 100!

To study in Canada, however, you will need a Canadian study permit which can take up to seven weeks to process. But what if there was a faster way to get your study visa for Canada ?

Well, there is and it’s a program called the Student Direct Stream (SDS) , which processes visas in as little as three weeks.

Previously, only seven countries were eligible to apply through the program but, in a recent announcement by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) , seven new countries were listed as eligible to apply through the SDS.

This is a part of Canada’s economic recovery plan, and now international students from the following South and Central American countries can apply for fast-tracked visa processing:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

“Our country’s diverse and inclusive society, high-quality educational institutions, and opportunities to work or immigrate after graduation have made Canada a leading destination of choice for students from around the world. The global pandemic has caused disruptions and distress for everyone, including international students. By expanding the Student Direct Stream to a more diverse range of prospective students, we have great optimism that international education will recover, and indeed flourish, as Canada emerges from the pandemic.”

– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship

Almost 16,000 Canada study permits were issued to international students from the seven new SDS eligible countries in 2019 , and with faster processing now available, getting a study visa for Canada will take you half the time than applying through the regular student visa program would.

Keep reading to find out more about the program, its requirements, and how to start the application process.

What is the Student Direct Stream?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an initiative created by the Canadian Government in 2018 to help process student visa applications faster and help welcome more international students from all over the world. Its main aim is to help support the growth of the economy as well as those seeking new opportunities to not only study in Canada but stay and gain valuable work experience, possibly even permanent residency.

Who is Eligible for SDS?

To be considered eligible for fast-tracked processing via the Student Direct Stream, you first have to be a resident of one of the 14 countries listed below:

• Antigua and Barbuda 
• Brazil 
• China 
• Colombia 
• Costa Rica 
• India 
• Morocco 
• Pakistan 
• Philippines 
• Senegal 
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 
• Trinidad and Tobago 

You will also need to meet the following requirements:

• have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution 
• live outside of Canada when you apply have proof you 
• have paid your tuition for your first year of study eg. receipt from the DLI or your bank, an official letter from your DLI confirming payment 
• have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000 
• have a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
• This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec 
• get a medical exam before you apply (if you need one) 
• get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one) 
• have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s) 
• have a language test result that shows either:
• an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), or
• a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, and listening)

You may be asked to submit additional supporting documents depending on where you’re applying from.

When should I apply for SDS?

The sooner you apply the better. Canada is a popular destination among international students and spots are filling up fast. In the first quarter of 2021, IRCC issued 21,000 study permits alone, an impressive 44 percent increase, while the Post Graduate Worker Permit Program (PGWPP) saw a 160 percent increase, issuing 24,000 work permits to international graduate students in Canada.

How long does it take to get a Canada study permit under the SDS?

Most SDS study permits are processed in 20 calendar days , which could take longer if the IRCC is still waiting for your biometrics, supporting documents or there is an indication that you don't meet all the requirements. It’s best to make sure that you have all the required documents at hand when starting the application process.

How to Apply

Before you start the application process you need to be accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) . There are over 300 to choose from nationwide, each offering a wide variety of top academic programs.

Once you have been accepted to the DLI of your choice and have all the required supporting documentation in place, you can start with the online application process .

After you have submitted your application and paid the application fee, you will get a letter requesting that you submit your biometrics . You will have 30 days to submit them so it's best not to leave this to the last minute.

If your application is approved, you will receive a port of entry letter of introduction (you’ll need this when you arrive in Canada) as well as your Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) or visitors visa.

Ready to start studying in Canada?

As an international student in Canada, you’ll find that you’ll not only be able to gain a world-class education but you will meet people from all across the globe and will even have the opportunity to stay and work in Canada. With enough Candian work experience, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the CEC or various provincial graduate programs.

Not sure where to study in Canada? No problem. We work with experienced academic advisors who can not only help you find the best DLI for you but assist you with your motivation letter too.

If you are a resident of one of the 14 eligible countries and meet all the requirements of the SDS, now is your opportunity to take your future into your own hands.

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Canada is a diverse country that welcomes people from all walks of life. It has various fast-track immigration programs that cater to skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and family members who want to immigrate to Canada more quickly than through standard methods. These fast-track visa application programs aim to attract skilled workers who can aid in the growth of the Canadian economy and reunite families.

Benefits of fast-track Canada immigration:

Quick immigration to Canada compared to traditional methods.

Qualify for a work or study permit while your application is processed.

You can bring your family members with you to Canada.

Quick access to Canadian government services, such as healthcare and education.

To apply for the fast-track immigration program, you must fulfill specific criteria related to your education, work experience, and language skills. Additionally, you may need to show a job offer  from a Canadian employer or prove your ability to support yourself and your family in Canada financially.

Fast-Track Work Permit:

The Canada fast-track work permit program allows eligible foreign workers to get their work permits processed within two weeks. To be eligible for the fast-track program, you must meet the following requirements:

You must apply from outside Canada.

To qualify, your occupation/job must fall under either Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0 or in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system 1.

 Your employer must have submitted an offer of Employment through the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee.

Advantages:

You can get your work permit processed within two weeks.

You can work in Canada for up to two years.

Disadvantage:

Before hiring you, your potential Canadian employer may need to prove that they attempted to hire Canadian residents for your desired role but were unsuccessful.

Arranged Employment:

Arranged Employment is when you receive a Canadian job offer that is permanent and without a fixed duration. You cannot start working in Canada until you have been granted your Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa.

Your Canadian employer is not required to prove that they could not find a Canadian resident for the position you are interested in.

We can help prioritize processing your Permanent Residence application in Canada through the Express Entry System at all Canadian Immigration Visa Offices.

Under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Federal Skilled Trades (FST) category of Canada immigration, you may be eligible to receive up to 600 points.

Obtaining a temporary work permit is the fastest option. You can be in Canada within a few weeks of submitting your application, if not sooner.

None that needs to be discussed or mentioned.

Provincial Nomination:

If you are a skilled worker aiming to immigrate to Canada quickly, you may be interested in the Provincial Nomination (PNP) program. Every province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, each with its own eligibility requirements.

There are nomination programs offered by most Canadian provinces and one territory that can lead to a Canada Immigration Visa. These programs are similar to Arranged Employment and Work Permits and usually require a permanent job offer from an employer in a specific province.

 Once a province has nominated you, you can typically obtain a work permit to start working in Canada immediately, even before you receive your Canada Immigration Visa.

 Your Permanent Residence application in Canada will be prioritized, and you can expect to receive your visa in less than a year.

 It is possible to be eligible for Provincial Nomination even if you work in occupations not categorized as “ high-skilled .”

 Although it may take longer than obtaining a work permit, traveling to Canada using this method is still relatively fast.

 Typically, your potential employer in the province must show that they tried to hire Canadian residents before considering you for the job. They must prove that these efforts were without success.

Begin your Canadian visa application process today:

Being a Canadian immigration specialist, ICS is committed to providing the best Canadian visa or immigration service for your requirements. To get your application started, fill out our Initial Consultation Form and schedule a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys. It’s easy and can be done today.

Once we evaluate your credentials, we will let you know if you meet the requirements. Suppose you qualify to apply for a permanent resident visa as a Federal Business Immigrant . In that case, we will open your file and process your application for a permanent resident visa.

It’s important to know that ICS respects your privacy and will not disclose your personal information to any third party. The information you submit will solely be used to determine if you are eligible for a visa.

ASK AN EXPERT

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is there any visa priority processing for canada.

Yes, there are a few ways to get priority processing for a Canada fast-track visa: Global Skills Strategy (GSS) Super Priority Visa Express Entry

Is a Priority visa guaranteed?

No, a Priority visa is not guaranteed. Priority visa processing is a service that allows eligible customers to decide on their visa application within a shorter timeframe than the standard processing time. However, many crucial factors can affect the processing time of a visa application, including the complexity of the application, the volume of applications being processed at the time, and any additional information that may be required from the applicant.

What is the minimum time to get a visa after biometrics?

The minimum time to get a visa after biometrics is 12-15 days. However, the actual processing time may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the country you are applying from, and the current workload of the Canadian immigration authorities.

ICS is a private immigration service provider for individuals wishing to immigrate to Canada. Our services include but are not limited to application review, document preparation and submission, and immigration consultation.

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Canada Plans To Fast-Track Some Visitor Visa

• Post author By Uday Chopra
• November 13, 2023

Canada Plans To Fast-Track Some Visitor Visa: According to a recent announcement made by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), Canada is set to expedite certain visitor visa processing as part of its strategic immigration initiatives. 

The commitment “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future” is outlined in the immigration department’s report.  

Under this new initiative, Canada plans to prioritize the processing of some visitor visas, especially those related to significant conferences, tourism, and events. 

This latest action seeks to reduce the number of people attending some gatherings in Canada as long as they are all registered with IRCC. 

The presented action plan and insights from Canadian stakeholder consultations highlight efforts to align the immigration system with economic and demographic needs.

IRCC’s primary goals include reducing visa processing wait times and improving service standards. This goal aims to create a more welcoming experience for those who want to enter the country for different purposes. 

It is not the first step in Canada’s efforts to enhance visitor visa services for this visa applicants. 

In June 2023, IRCC also expanded the “partial visa-exempt countries” list by adding 13 more countries to the list, bringing the total to 67 nations. 

It allows visitors from these 67 countries to apply for an eTA (electronic travel authorization) card rather than a standard visitor visa. 

Notably, eTA applications are generally approved much faster than others, often within minutes, offering a more efficient process for eligible travelers.

While much attention is usually directed toward long-term immigration and permanent residence, IRCC highlights that all temporary citizens, including tourist visa applicants, are an essential part of the immigration system in Canada. 

In November 2022, IRCC processed more than 2,60,000 tourist visas, exceeding the monthly average of about 180,000 visa applications in 2019.

So, it is all about Canada Plans To Fast-Track Some Visitor Visa. 

For more information, keep visiting Course Mentor .

Source:- economictimes.indiatimes.com

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Fast-Track Your Canadian Visa with Our Urgent Application Guide

Welcome to the ultimate guide for anyone looking to fast-track their Canadian visa application process! Whether you’re planning on studying, working, or simply enjoying a holiday in Canada, getting your visa approved quickly and efficiently can be a daunting task. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with our urgent application guide that will help you breeze through the entire process without any hassle. So get ready to pack your bags and start exploring all that Canada has to offer!  Visitor Visa for Canada

Introduction to Urgent Visas for Canada

An urgent visa is a document that allows you to enter Canada on short notice. It is issued by the Government of Canada and is valid for six months. You can apply for an urgent visa online or at a Canadian consulate. The processing time for an urgent visa is two weeks.

If you need to travel to Canada urgently, you may be eligible for an urgent visa. An urgent visa is a document that allows you to enter Canada on short notice. It is issued by the Government of Canada and is valid for six months. You can apply for an urgent visa online or at a Canadian consulate. The processing time for an urgent visa is two weeks.

If you are eligible for an urgent visa, you must complete the following steps:

1) Complete the online application form and pay the application fee.

2) Schedule an interview at a Canadian consulate.

3) Attend your interview and provide all required documents.

4) Wait for your visa to be processed.  Urgent Visa for Canada

5) Pick up your passport with your new visa from the consulate or have it mailed to you.

Requirements for an Urgent Visa

There are a few requirements you’ll need to meet in order to qualify for an urgent visa. First, you’ll need to have a valid passport. Second, you must have a reason for needing an urgent visa. Common reasons include business travel, medical emergencies, or family emergencies. Third, you must be able to show that you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay in Canada. And finally, you must be able to provide evidence of your ties to your home country, such as a job or family ties. If you can meet all of these requirements, then you should be able to get an urgent visa without any problems.

Eligibility Criteria for an Urgent Visa

To be eligible for an Urgent Visa, you must:

– Be a citizen of Canada or a permanent resident of Canada

– Be applying for a visa to enter Canada ( tourist visa, business visa, student visa, etc.)

– Have all required documentation and fees

– Meet the eligibility requirements for the specific type of visa you are applying for

– Show that you will be in Canada for a temporary stay

How to Apply for an Urgent Visa

If you need to travel to Canada on short notice, you may be able to apply for an urgent visa. To be eligible, you must have a valid reason for your urgency and meet all other requirements for a regular visa.

If you are eligible, you can begin the application process online. You will need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of your travel plans and a letter from your employer. Once your application is submitted, a decision will be made within 48 hours. If approved, you will receive your visa electronically and can travel to Canada immediately.

If you are not eligible for an urgent visa or if your application is unsuccessful, you may still be able to apply for a regular visa. The processing time for regular visas is typically around four weeks.

Timeline of the Application Process

The application process for a Canadian visa can be daunting, but with our Urgent Application Guide, you can fast-track your way to approval. Here is a timeline of the process so you know what to expect:

1. Application Submission: Submit your visa application form along with all required documentation.

2. Application Processing: Your application will be reviewed by a visa officer. If additional information is required, you will be contacted. Otherwise, your application will move on to the next stage.

3. Interview: You may be required to attend an interview with a visa officer. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your application and reasons for wanting to visit Canada.

4. Decision: The visa officer will make a decision on your application based on all the information collected during the process. If approved, you will receive your Canadian visa!

Benefits and Drawbacks of an Urgent Visa

There are both benefits and drawbacks to requesting an urgent visa. The main benefit is that you will receive a decision on your application much faster than if you had not requested an urgent visa. The main drawback is that there is an additional fee for requesting an urgent visa, which can range from $50-$200 depending on the country.

Another potential benefit of requesting an urgent visa is that you may be able to schedule an interview sooner than if you had not requested an urgent visa. However, this is not always the case and it depends on the embassy or consulate processing your application. If you are granted an interview, it is important to remember that you will need to be prepared to answer questions about your application and why you are requesting an urgent visa.

Some drawbacks of requesting an urgent visa include the possibility of your application being denied if the embassy or consulate does not believe your reason for needing an urgent visa is valid. Additionally, even if your application is approved, there may be delays in receiving your actual passport and visa due to the increased demand for urgency visas.

Alternative Options to Urgent Visas

There are several alternative options to an urgent visa. If you are not in a rush, you can apply for a regular tourist visa. The processing time is usually between 4-6 weeks. You can also apply for an eTA, which is an electronic travel authorization. The processing time for this is usually between 2-3 days. If you are a citizen of a country that has a visa-waiver agreement with Canada, you do not need a visa and can enter the country with just your passport.

We hope our guide has provided clarity and insight into the Canadian visa application process, including how to fast-track your visa if you are in a rush. Whether you need a permanent residence or an eTA, we have gone over all the steps necessary for a successful application. With this knowledge at hand, you should now be able to confidently apply for your Canadian visa without any fear of rejection. Good luck!

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Visitor Visa Fast-Track

• Thread starter dsuk9
• Start date Jun 1, 2016

Hi guys, I applied for a visitor visa from Australia on June 1st and the processing time is stated to be 22 days. Is there any way that I can fast-track the application process because I have an airline ticket which departs on June 24th? Can I visit the consulate or something? Thanks.  

No - there is no fast track process. Note that the posted processing time is just an estimate - it's quite possible for processing to take quite a bit longer. Generally we don't recommend that people book airline tickets until the TRV is approved.  

I found out that applying from my home country Indonesia is way faster. Can I submit a new application in Indonesia? Or do I have to first cancel my previous visa application in Australia? How can I cancel my application? Thank you.  

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dsuk9 said: I found out that applying from my home country Indonesia is way faster. Can I submit a new application in Indonesia? Or do I have to first cancel my previous visa application in Australia? How can I cancel my application? Thank you. Click to expand...

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After you receive your renewed passport, if you change your name or find an error, you will need to get an updated one to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you have had your current passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.

If you are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to request a passport while outside the U.S.

If you need help with your passport application

If you have questions about your U.S. passport, the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) can help. Get contact information for NPIC and find out when to contact them based on when you are traveling.

Be aware of passport expiration rules for your destination

Some countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months. 

Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the  Department of State's country information page .

• On the left, search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box.
• On that country's page, look for "passport validity."

LAST UPDATED: May 15, 2024

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The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé(e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.

Visa applicants must submit a completed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for all nonimmigrant visa categories, including applicants applying for K visas. ( Note:   For K visa cases in process at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate prior to October 7, 2013, review the limited exceptions explained in the FAQs below.) 

Review the Frequently Asked Questions for instructions about using the DS-160.

Access the online DS-160 by clicking: Consular Electronic Application Center website .

Important Notice to Visa Applicants: After you have completed the DS-160, you must take these next steps below:

• Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)
• You must schedule a visa interview appointment.  (The U.S. Embassy or Consulate does not schedule an appointment for you.) Visit the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  website where you will be interviewed for country-specific instructions.;
• Pay the visa application processing fee . Review country-specific instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  website.

More Information

A-Z Index Latest News What is a U.S. Visa? Diversity Visa Program Visa Waiver Program Fraud Warning Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Straight Facts on U.S. Visas

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Student visa

You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

• have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
• have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
• can speak, read, write and understand English
• have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply

If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

When to apply

When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

Applying from outside the UK

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.

You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Applying from inside the UK

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK.

If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

Read the guidance to find out exactly how long you can stay .

Staying longer in the UK

You may be able to:

• extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK
• switch to a Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK
• switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course

When you can travel to the UK

You can arrive before your course starts. This can be either:

• up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
• up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months

You must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa, no matter when your course starts.

• £490 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK
• £490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK

You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

How much you pay depends on how long your visa lasts. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Your partner and children

You may be able to bring your partner and children (‘dependants’) .

What you can and cannot do

• work as a student union sabbatical officer

You may be able to work - how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term-time.

You cannot:

• claim public funds (benefits) and pensions
• work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
• be self-employed
• study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)

If your application is successful, you’ll be told what you can and cannot do on a Student visa.

Part of Study in the UK on a Student visa

Step 1 : check if this visa is right for you.

You can apply for a Student visa if you’re 16 or over and want to study on a further or higher education course in the UK.

• You are currently viewing: Check what you can and cannot do on this visa
• Check what courses you can study on this visa
• Check if you can bring your partner or children ('dependants') with you

If you're under 18 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

• Check which visas you're eligible for

Step 2 : Prepare the evidence you need

• Check what documents you can use as evidence
• Prove your knowledge of the English language
• Check if you need a tuberculosis (TB) test

If you're doing a masters degree or above, you may need to apply for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

• Check if you need to apply for ATAS

Step 3 : Apply from outside the UK

• Apply from outside the UK £490

You'll need to prove your identity as part of your application.

You'll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

• Find out if you can pay more to get a faster decision

or Apply from inside the UK

• Apply to extend if you're already in the UK on Student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) visa) £490
• Apply to switch to this visa if you're already in the UK £490

You'll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

• You may be able to pay more to get a faster decision you’ll be told if you can when you apply

Step 4 : Check what you can bring into the UK with you

• Check what you can bring in your hand luggage
• Check what to do if you're bringing cash with you
• Check what goods you can bring with you
• Check what food, animals or plants you can bring into the UK

Step 5 : Check what you need to show at the UK border

• Check what you need to show at the UK border

Step 6 : After you arrive in the UK

• Find out how to get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied

You might be able to extend your visa to stay longer in the UK.

• Check if you can extend your visa

If you break the conditions of your visa you may not be able to come to the UK again.

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US Attack Sub, Canada Navy Patrol Ship Arrive in Cuba on Heels of Russian Warships

The crew of the Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine Kazan watch the Canadian navy patrol boat HMCS Margaret Brooke passing by as it enters Havana’s bay, Cuba, June 14, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer

By Dave Sherwood

HAVANA (Reuters) -A Canadian navy patrol ship sailed into Havana early on Friday, just hours after the United States announced a fast-attack submarine had docked at its Guantanamo naval base in Cuba, both vessels on the heels of Russian warships that arrived on the island earlier this week.

The confluence of Russian, Canadian and U.S. vessels in Cuba - a Communist-run island nation just 145 km (90 miles) south of Florida - was a reminder of old Cold War tensions and fraught ties between Russia and Western nations over the Ukraine war.

However, both the U.S. and Cuba have said the Russian warships pose no threat to the region. Russia has also characterized the arrival of its warships in allied Cuba as routine.

The Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, half submerged with its crew on deck, sailed into Havana harbor on Wednesday after conducting "high-precision missile weapons" training in the Atlantic Ocean, Russia's defence ministry said.

Canada`s Margaret Brooke patrol vessel began maneuvers early on Friday to enter Havana harbor, part of what the Canadian Joint Operations Command called "a port visit ... in recognition of the long-standing bilateral relationship between Canada and Cuba."

Hours earlier, the U.S. Southern Command said the fast-attack submarine Helena had arrived on a routine port visit to Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. naval base on the tip of the island around 850 km (530 miles) southeast of Havana.

"The vessel's location and transit were previously planned," Southern Command said on X.

Cuba`s foreign ministry said it had been informed of the arrival of the U.S. submarine but was not happy about it.

"Naval visits to a country are usually the result of an invitation, and this was not the case," said Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío.

"Obviously we do not like the presence in our territory (of a submarine) belonging to a power that maintains an official and practical policy that is hostile against Cuba."

A Canadian diplomat characterized the Margaret Brooke`s arrival as "routine and part of long-standing cooperation between our two countries", adding it was "unrelated to the presence of the Russian ships."

Russia and Cuba were close allies under the former Soviet Union, and tensions with Washington over communism in its "backyard" peaked with the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Moscow has maintained ties with Havana.

When asked what message Moscow was sending, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday the West never appeared to take notice when Russia sent signals through diplomatic channels.

"As soon as it comes to exercises or sea voyages, we immediately hear questions and a desire to know what these messages are about," Zakharova said. "Why do only signals related only to our army and navy reach the West?"

The Russian warships are expected to remain in Havana harbor until Monday.

(Reporting by Dave Sherwood; Additional reporting by Marc Frank; Editing by Frances Kerry and Cynthia Osterman)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Photos You Should See - June 2024

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