How to Apply for Biometric Appointment for UK?

Biometric Information Documents (BID)

A BID is a document introduced by the Immigration (Biometric Registration) Regulations in 2008 as a secure and easily verified proof of permission to be in the UK. BIDs are commonly referred to as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), which are physical documents. As of 2021, however, they can also be issued in the electronic form (eVisas).

Biometric Residence Permit

Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are issued in the UK to people who are subject to immigration control and have not been granted status under the Withdrawal Agreement to confirm their permission to stay for a period exceeding six months.

eVisa

An eVisa is a digital form of Biometric Immigration Document that provides the individual with online evidence of their immigration status. It also contains the individual’s facial image and full name.

What Is a Biometrics Appointment?

In essence, biometrics is a term that contributes to automatic recognition of an individual.

The core of a biometrics appointment is ensuring that the individual applying for a UK visa does not have a criminal record or is associated with relevant prior immigration violations.

This is a relatively straightforward visit, during which the individual applying for a UK visa will have their photo and fingerprints taken, and will be asked to sign their name. The goal of the biometric appointment UK is to crosscheck the individual’s fingerprints, photograph, and signature.

Most visa applicants are required to book an appointment to enrol their personal biometric information.

How to Apply for a Biometric Appointment?

The following information explains the biometric appointment within your UK visa application.

Citizenship Application Services

No matter whether someone is applying for a visa, or a citizenship in the UK, applicants will be required to use the UKVCAS, that is, the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services.

This entails:

• Your biometric information (fingerprints and photo)
• Supporting documents for your application (You can provide your supporting documents in two ways: upload documents or have them scanned when you arrive at your UKVCAS appointment)

You will be told whether you will be required to use UKVCAS when you apply.

It’s important to note that providing optional documents allows the applicant to provide evidence for several categories that might help them choose the best immigration route.

Booking Your Appointment

In order to complete your application, you are required to attend a UKVCAS Service Point to have the following:

• Your identity confirmed
• Any required biometric information enrolled
• Any required supporting documents digitised and verified
• Confirmed that you are satisfied to send your application to UKVI

Essentially, there are two ways in which you can book your biometric appointment:

• Online: By clicking the link from your account, or by clicking the link in the setup account email that you have been sent. If you submit your application online, you must upload your receipt showing that you have paid the fee.
• By phone: By calling the Support Line on. (Calls will cost £0.04 per minute) plus your provider’s access charge.

Individuals applying through the EU Settlement Scheme who wish to book an appointment by phone should follow the guidelines within their biometric enrolment letter issued by UKVI.

Please note all appointments must be pre-booked before you attend a Service Point.

When booking an appointment, individuals will be required to:

• Choose a location by inputting a postcode
• Choose a date and time for currently available appointments

Applicants can book an appointment for themselves or a group of people where they all hold a Lead Applicant/ Dependent relationship. If your application process involves family members, you must go together to the Visa Application Centre.

Children under 16 must arrive at the appointment with a person that is named the ‘responsible adult‘ on their application.

It is recommended that individuals arrive at the Service Point 10-15 minutes before their appointment to avoid any lengthy wait or delay

Cancelling Your Appointment

If you wish to rearrange or cancel the appointment, you can do so by logging onto the account on the UKVCAS website and following the steps provided.

Individuals who wish to rearrange or cancel their appointment should notify the authorities as soon as possible.

If the individual cancels their appointment within 48 hours or fails to attend the appointment, they will have to pay the full price.

How Much Does The Appointment Cost?

The cost of biometric appointments varies depending on your selected service and location.

Appointments at core service points are free appointments, but other locations, known as ‘enhanced service points’, will cost you. Individuals can also pay extra for urgent or out-of-hours appointments or additional services, such as using a premium lounge to make their visit easier. If you are extending your UK visa or switching to a different visa while already in the UK, a biometric fee of £19.20 will be charged as part of your application.

Applicants can also pay for extra services such as document translation, interpreter, and so on.

A range of chargeable appointments as well as non-chargeable appointments are available to clients (except at the Premium Lounge).

Instances Where You Do Not Have To Give Biometrics

There are instances where an applicant may not need to book a biometrics appointment. They are as follows:

• If you are applying for a replacement Biometric Residence Card or Biometric Residence Permit.
•  If you’re applying for nationality, citizenship or indefinite leave.

In these instances, you must also be:

• Currently in the UK
• Have already given your fingerprints

Provided that you do not need to make an appointment, you will receive an email explaining the next steps.

Giving Your Fingerprints And Photo (Biometrics): The Steps Explained

Here are the necessary steps an applicant needs to take in order to give their biometrics.

1. Paying the Biometrics Fee

Firstly, individuals are required to pay for the biometric fee upon submitting their application.

Important: There is no fee for a transit visa.

2. Receiving The Instruction Letter

After paying a fee, individuals will receive a letter confirming that they need to give their biometrics. Applicants should bring a printed copy of the letter to the appointment. They might also need to bring their valid passport with them.

The time of receiving a letter mainly depends on the way you wish to apply and when you have paid the fee.

3. Going To The Official Collection Site

Individuals are required to give their biometrics in person. They should bring a copy of the printed appointment confirmation letter and a QR code of their passport. Due to the current high-demand for these appointments in Europe, some deadlines will be extended.

4. The Decision

Applicants will not get a decision upon completing the appointment. Instead, the decision depends on the type of application.

For emergency cases, the super-priority service (£800) will provide you with a decision within 24 hours of the appointment.

How To Get High-Quality Photos and Fingerprints

• Keep your hands henna-free for your appointment.
• Let temporary injuries, cuts, cracks on your fingers heal before giving your biometrics.
• Avoid wearing light colour clothing or head gear. Wear bright colours instead.
• Head gear is allowed for religious purposes only. However, when you have your photo taken, your whole face must be clearly visible.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers Can Help?

At the IAS, our expert lawyers represent clients in various successful, complex and high-profile cases. Our experts are skilled to provide you with the needed immigration advice, practical assistance and professional representation that will help guide you through the entire process.

Our professionals are here to help you with any immigration service.

Our clients will be assigned an immigration lawyer who perfectly matches their individual and professional needs.

Call us on 0330 311 6351 for immediate help & assistance with your situation.

We’re here to help you in person, via the phone or online.