ESC

Click the "allow" button if you want to receive important news and updates from immigrationboards.com


Immigrationboards.com: Immigration, work visa and work permit discussion board

Welcome to immigrationboards.com!

Login Register Do not show

**** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

A section for posts relating to applications for Naturalisation or Registration as a British Citizen. Naturalisation

Moderators: Casa, push, JAJ, ca.funke, Amber, zimba, vinny, Obie, EUsmileWEallsmile, batleykhan, meself2, geriatrix, John, ChetanOjha, archigabe

User avatar
CULLINAN
Respected Guru
Posts: 11124
Joined: Wed Sep 13, 2017 9:51 pm
Pakistan

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by CULLINAN » Thu Feb 25, 2021 1:59 pm

Timeline (delays due to corona):
1) Decision can take up to 6 months (sent via email/or post). But majority are decided in 3-4 months.

2) Ceremony invitation can take up to 3 months after Approval (sent via email/or post).

3) After you receive ceremony invitation from HO: Ceremony date depending on council availability/modes of ceremony conducted via the particular council.

Note: Adults become British only on date of ceremony (not approval).

You are free to travel before ceremony on ILR BRP. After ceremony you become a British Citizen and need British Passport to travel.

You apply for British Passport separately after ceremony and once you have naturalisation certificate in hand.
Personal opinion only, not to be mistaken for legal advice. Please DO NOT PM me for immigration advice. Love for All, Hatred for None.

Luluu
Newly Registered
Posts: 8
Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2018 12:21 pm
New Zealand

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Luluu » Thu Feb 25, 2021 4:16 pm

herrrr wrote:
Wed Feb 10, 2021 8:39 pm

Does this mean the documents will be checked at the backstage and still get submitted before my appointment- the thing is, now I can’t tell if they are submitted or not. Don’t think the staff will let me know before my appointment.

@CULLINAN suggested patience at this stage - obviously patience didn’t last very long in me!
@herrrr or anyone else - Did you ever find out the answer to this?

I am booked for an enhanced service.

a) I have uploaded all of my documents but am not sure whether to press Submit now or wait for the docs to be checked and have the service provider do this.

b) My visa expires the day before my appointment. It's not clear whether submitting the documents now will have any bearing on whether my application will move any faster, e.g. will my application will be reviewed in the backend now or will it only be reviewed once biometrics and documents are submitted?

herrrr
Junior Member
Posts: 76
Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 9:23 pm

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by herrrr » Thu Feb 25, 2021 6:49 pm

Luluu wrote:
Thu Feb 25, 2021 4:16 pm
herrrr wrote:
Wed Feb 10, 2021 8:39 pm

Does this mean the documents will be checked at the backstage and still get submitted before my appointment- the thing is, now I can’t tell if they are submitted or not. Don’t think the staff will let me know before my appointment.

@CULLINAN suggested patience at this stage - obviously patience didn’t last very long in me!
@herrrr or anyone else - Did you ever find out the answer to this?

I am booked for an enhanced service.

a) I have uploaded all of my documents but am not sure whether to press Submit now or wait for the docs to be checked and have the service provider do this.

b) My visa expires the day before my appointment. It's not clear whether submitting the documents now will have any bearing on whether my application will move any faster, e.g. will my application will be reviewed in the backend now or will it only be reviewed once biometrics and documents are submitted?
Luluu wrote:
Thu Feb 25, 2021 4:16 pm
herrrr wrote:
Wed Feb 10, 2021 8:39 pm

Does this mean the documents will be checked at the backstage and still get submitted before my appointment- the thing is, now I can’t tell if they are submitted or not. Don’t think the staff will let me know before my appointment.

@CULLINAN suggested patience at this stage - obviously patience didn’t last very long in me!
@herrrr or anyone else - Did you ever find out the answer to this?

I am booked for an enhanced service.

a) I have uploaded all of my documents but am not sure whether to press Submit now or wait for the docs to be checked and have the service provider do this.

b) My visa expires the day before my appointment. It's not clear whether submitting the documents now will have any bearing on whether my application will move any faster, e.g. will my application will be reviewed in the backend now or will it only be reviewed once biometrics and documents are submitted?
a) My experience is they check these documents quite late, almost near towards the appointment time. I still don’t know when they check it and submit it. The thing is if you want to make use of the document checking service you have to upload your documents at least 48 hours before your appointment day. I don’t think pressing submit button yourself in this scenario makes much difference. Unless you have something that you want to remove once submitted - I don’t think you can remove anything.

b) your application date is your application form submission date - assume your have already submitted your application form, you’re fine.

Luluu
Newly Registered
Posts: 8
Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2018 12:21 pm
New Zealand

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Luluu » Fri Feb 26, 2021 12:36 pm

herrrr wrote:
Thu Feb 25, 2021 6:49 pm
Luluu wrote:
Thu Feb 25, 2021 4:16 pm

@herrrr or anyone else - Did you ever find out the answer to this?

I am booked for an enhanced service.

a) I have uploaded all of my documents but am not sure whether to press Submit now or wait for the docs to be checked and have the service provider do this.

b) My visa expires the day before my appointment. It's not clear whether submitting the documents now will have any bearing on whether my application will move any faster, e.g. will my application will be reviewed in the backend now or will it only be reviewed once biometrics and documents are submitted?
a) My experience is they check these documents quite late, almost near towards the appointment time. I still don’t know when they check it and submit it. The thing is if you want to make use of the document checking service you have to upload your documents at least 48 hours before your appointment day. I don’t think pressing submit button yourself in this scenario makes much difference. Unless you have something that you want to remove once submitted - I don’t think you can remove anything.

b) your application date is your application form submission date - assume your have already submitted your application form, you’re fine.
Thanks for your input.

It would be ideal if HO and UKVCAS would release a basic workflow of their processes for transparency and clarity. We are paying thousands of pounds for this 'service' after all. I suppose they would have to provide a consistent service if they did so I won't hold out for that!

ezroda
Newly Registered
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2021 5:09 pm
Mood:
Bulgaria

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by ezroda » Fri Feb 26, 2021 4:50 pm

Thanks for your input.

It would be ideal if HO and UKVCAS would release a basic workflow of their processes for transparency and clarity. We are paying thousands of pounds for this 'service' after all. I suppose they would have to provide a consistent service if they did so I won't hold out for that!
Hahaha - best joke I've heard all day! What next - you'd want their Service Level Agreement made official and ability to get rebates for when they fail achieve them?

That would be the day!

User avatar
CULLINAN
Respected Guru
Posts: 11124
Joined: Wed Sep 13, 2017 9:51 pm
Pakistan

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by CULLINAN » Fri Feb 26, 2021 6:53 pm

Luluu wrote:
Fri Feb 26, 2021 12:36 pm
Thanks for your input.
It would be ideal if HO and UKVCAS would release a basic workflow of their processes for transparency and clarity. We are paying thousands of pounds for this 'service' after all. I suppose they would have to provide a consistent service if they did so I won't hold out for that!
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistic ... ember-2020

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistic ... itizenship
Personal opinion only, not to be mistaken for legal advice. Please DO NOT PM me for immigration advice. Love for All, Hatred for None.

Mrsdoc
inactive
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2019 10:30 pm

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Mrsdoc » Sat Feb 27, 2021 9:34 pm

ezroda wrote:
Fri Feb 19, 2021 2:00 pm
After playing cat/mouse with the appointments availability 28 days ago, today completed my biometrics/submission.
My appointment at the Mecca of the Passport Offices : London – Her Majesty’s Passport Office Globe House, 89 Eccleston Square, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1PN was for 12:30.
Was there 12:05. Was told to wait a bit and then invited to enter @12:20.
Couldn't understand what exactly the lady that was supposed to be my guide was trying to tell me through the mask, but as she looked tired and bored already, despite her not doing much to help me, decided not to make fuss about it and take my cues from the directions she dispatched by her hand movements.

After my appointment confirmation printout and passport were reviewed/checked and my hands sanitised, had to go through airport-like scan of my bag (keys, belt et al.)
Up on the second floor there was another airport similarity: there were seats for waiting just like at the airport gates. Those were empty, of course as the number of appointments just trickles steadily due to Covid.
Since I have mentioned the virus - everyone wears masks inside, politely steps 2 m away from you etc. & there are many 'sanitation stations' available too. A person from the cleaning team sanitises each cubicle/seat after the appointee leaves.

Since I have submitted my AN, I have discovered this forum - and reading the info here I have discovered few potential issues with my answers to some of the questions. I have uploaded and submitted my documents roughly 3 weeks ago, but decided to upload a second cover letter (regarding potentially confused answer). The uploading was no longer an option, but after my appointment finished, I saw both cover letters listed as UPLOADED.
There was another omission discovered by the guy at the other side of the booth's perspex: on one of the referee letters I have forgottent to put my name! The Horror!

So the guy asked me to fill that one in, then scanned it again and said there shouldn't be a problem. Phew!
Then a picture (by his own admission, the chap could barely fit my Covid-long beard in the frame)  + fingerprints scan + signing on a signature capturing device (until we were both happy with the result) - and I was free to go.

Beginning to end - 15 minutes - so less than a pound a minute for the service.

Omg! Thank you for your post! Upon reading it I have just realised that I actually didn’t put my name on neither of the referee forms! It’s just so easy to overlook on the form. Unfortunately, I have self uploaded and submitted all my documents and my biometrics are booked for the 25th of March.
Will I be able to resubmit those forms on the day of my appointment? Or can I submit it again through the sopra account ?
I knew I’d mess something up 😔.

RWBordeaux
Newly Registered
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Dec 17, 2020 7:07 pm
Canada

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by RWBordeaux » Sun Feb 28, 2021 9:00 pm

Does anyone know how much leeway is given on referee declaration forms? Both my referee declaration forms have been signed but neither of my referees wrote my name in the Name of applicant field (it’s really not an intuitive form at all, is it?) so just wanted to see if anyone knows whether I can just write my own name in myself?

From some of the posts above it seems like this may be ok, but wondering if anyone has received a decision (or a request for new referee declaration forms) after being in a similar position.

User avatar
bizman
Diamond Member
Posts: 1100
Joined: Tue May 30, 2017 8:15 pm
Location: UK
Mood:

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by bizman » Sun Feb 28, 2021 11:56 pm

Of course you can write your name in the name area. What is important for the referee to write is their details and signature.
Bizman

RWBordeaux
Newly Registered
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Dec 17, 2020 7:07 pm
Canada

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by RWBordeaux » Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:25 am

bizman wrote:
Sun Feb 28, 2021 11:56 pm
Of course you can write your name in the name area. What is important for the referee to write is their details and signature.
Thank you, that is reassuring.

Mrsdoc
inactive
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2019 10:30 pm

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Mrsdoc » Mon Mar 01, 2021 10:15 am

RWBordeaux wrote:
Sun Feb 28, 2021 9:00 pm
Does anyone know how much leeway is given on referee declaration forms? Both my referee declaration forms have been signed but neither of my referees wrote my name in the Name of applicant field (it’s really not an intuitive form at all, is it?) so just wanted to see if anyone knows whether I can just write my own name in myself?

From some of the posts above it seems like this may be ok, but wondering if anyone has received a decision (or a request for new referee declaration forms) after being in a similar position.
I was wondering the same thing. The form is so unclear in that sense. I basically put my own name where it says “ Name of applicant” after I realised it’d been submitted without my name on both forms.
I still don’t know whether I should wait till my biometrics day and resubmit it with the staff there or if upload is still an option I could submit the forms again.
Anyone has any idea on it?

Thanks.

ezroda
Newly Registered
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2021 5:09 pm
Mood:
Bulgaria

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by ezroda » Mon Mar 01, 2021 11:13 am

RWBordeaux wrote:
Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:25 am
bizman wrote:
Sun Feb 28, 2021 11:56 pm
Of course you can write your name in the name area. What is important for the referee to write is their details and signature.
Thank you, that is reassuring.
I also don't think it would be a big deal.

But no worries, can happen to the best of us :) - you can now:
1. Write the name on the forms
2. Upload(but not Submit) the revised versions
3. The Sopra Steria employee will submit the revised versions during the appointment

or, alternatively perform all of the above on 25th of march.
Good luck!

ezroda
Newly Registered
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2021 5:09 pm
Mood:
Bulgaria

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by ezroda » Mon Mar 01, 2021 11:29 am

Mrsdoc wrote:
Mon Mar 01, 2021 10:15 am
RWBordeaux wrote:
Sun Feb 28, 2021 9:00 pm
Does anyone know how much leeway is given on referee declaration forms? Both my referee declaration forms have been signed but neither of my referees wrote my name in the Name of applicant field (it’s really not an intuitive form at all, is it?) so just wanted to see if anyone knows whether I can just write my own name in myself?

From some of the posts above it seems like this may be ok, but wondering if anyone has received a decision (or a request for new referee declaration forms) after being in a similar position.
I was wondering the same thing. The form is so unclear in that sense. I basically put my own name where it says “ Name of applicant” after I realised it’d been submitted without my name on both forms.
I still don’t know whether I should wait till my biometrics day and resubmit it with the staff there or if upload is still an option I could submit the forms again.
Anyone has any idea on it?

Thanks.
If you think about it, you have added/changed info on an already signed document (same way I did on one of mine) . Technically a no-no. But given that the person behind the desk at my appointment himself suggested: 'Just write it there and I will re-scan and submit', I think we might dodge the bullet. Hopefully will find out soon either way.
I will post here as soon as that happens.

Mrsdoc
inactive
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2019 10:30 pm

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Mrsdoc » Mon Mar 01, 2021 1:35 pm

I just can’t believe I didn’t notice that part in the form. How frustrating. I just hope I can rectify this on the day 🤞. I’ll take all of my documents with me anyway.
Thank you.

Luluu
Newly Registered
Posts: 8
Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2018 12:21 pm
New Zealand

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Luluu » Mon Mar 01, 2021 4:12 pm

Has anyone who uploaded their documents online also had to take their original documents with them to the appointment?

On the UKVCAS site, once you have booked your appointment it reads:

Upload your documents:
  • You must upload your supporting documents online before your appointment, and you must bring your original supporting documents with you to your appointment.

However, in the UKVCAS appointment confirmation email the instructions are:

You must bring the following to your UKVCAS appointment:
  • The attached confirmation notice containing the QR code for each group member. If you don’t bring this, we will not be able to process your application.
  • A passport/travel document for each applicant. (If you don’t have one of these, you must bring alternative ID). You will need to show this for entry to the Service Point. (‘Offline Applicants’ must bring the letter from UKVI).
  • All your supporting documents. You do not need to bring these if you have already uploaded copies online. (‘Offline Applicants’ see information below).

ezroda
Newly Registered
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2021 5:09 pm
Mood:
Bulgaria

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by ezroda » Mon Mar 01, 2021 4:30 pm

Luluu wrote:
Mon Mar 01, 2021 4:12 pm
Has anyone who uploaded their documents online also had to take their original documents with them to the appointment?

On the UKVCAS site, once you have booked your appointment it reads:

Upload your documents:
  • You must upload your supporting documents online before your appointment, and you must bring your original supporting documents with you to your appointment.

However, in the UKVCAS appointment confirmation email the instructions are:

You must bring the following to your UKVCAS appointment:
  • The attached confirmation notice containing the QR code for each group member. If you don’t bring this, we will not be able to process your application.
  • A passport/travel document for each applicant. (If you don’t have one of these, you must bring alternative ID). You will need to show this for entry to the Service Point. (‘Offline Applicants’ must bring the letter from UKVI).
  • All your supporting documents. You do not need to bring these if you have already uploaded copies online. (‘Offline Applicants’ see information below).
if you read my posts above, you will get an idea how happy was I with my decision to take my two reference letters with me.

stella123
Newly Registered
Posts: 20
Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2020 3:10 pm
Mood:
Singapore

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by stella123 » Mon Mar 01, 2021 8:54 pm

Hi dear friends, can someone advise how long you tried before you managed to get a FOC appointment? Is there any special tactic to get a free appointment?
thank you in advance

Mrsdoc
inactive
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2019 10:30 pm

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Mrsdoc » Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:13 pm

stella123 wrote:
Mon Mar 01, 2021 8:54 pm
Hi dear friends, can someone advise how long you tried before you managed to get a FOC appointment? Is there any special tactic to get a free appointment?
thank you in advance
Please read the first post of this page by Cullinan. It’s very helpful.

Mrsdoc
inactive
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2019 10:30 pm

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Mrsdoc » Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:32 pm

ezroda wrote:
Mon Mar 01, 2021 11:13 am
RWBordeaux wrote:
Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:25 am
bizman wrote:
Sun Feb 28, 2021 11:56 pm
Of course you can write your name in the name area. What is important for the referee to write is their details and signature.
Thank you, that is reassuring.
I also don't think it would be a big deal.

But no worries, can happen to the best of us :) - you can now:
1. Write the name on the forms
2. Upload(but not Submit) the revised versions
3. The Sopra Steria employee will submit the revised versions during the appointment

or, alternatively perform all of the above on 25th of march.
Good luck!
Thanks a lot ezroda!

Alisaa
Newbie
Posts: 32
Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2020 9:26 pm
Iran

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Alisaa » Tue Mar 02, 2021 10:51 pm

phetherweyt wrote:
Wed Feb 17, 2021 1:29 pm
Alisaa wrote:
Wed Feb 17, 2021 1:21 pm

I have sent an email in 11/02/2021 and asked HO for an update on my application. I have not received a reply yet. It is over 8 months that I am waiting for my decision.
I believe I need to get my MP involve. :|


Do it!

The more MPs hear about it the more pressure we can put on the home office to progress those applications. Whatever the reason for the delays is, it needs to be cleared. All applicants should get the same level of service. We all paid the same fees and unless you lied in your application or the HO require clarity, our applications should get approved in the order they were received.
I did and finally I received my approval today . :D Made my application in early June 2020 now it is the time to wait for the invitation letter.

stella123
Newly Registered
Posts: 20
Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2020 3:10 pm
Mood:
Singapore

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by stella123 » Wed Mar 03, 2021 12:09 am

I have tried to log on to the UKVCAS website at 00 GMT time for 4 consecutive days, but i have never seen any free slot, can anyone advice me, did you manage to get a free slot / how long did you wait before you managed to get a free slot / gave up and paid for an appointment?

phetherweyt
Newbie
Posts: 30
Joined: Thu Nov 26, 2020 10:31 am
Sudan

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by phetherweyt » Wed Mar 03, 2021 8:22 am

Alisaa wrote:
Tue Mar 02, 2021 10:51 pm


I did and finally I received my approval today . :D Made my application in early June 2020 now it is the time to wait for the invitation letter.
Awesome. Happy for you. I on the other hand have yet to receive a positive response.

Hansi89
Newbie
Posts: 30
Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2016 11:32 am
Mood:
Sri Lanka

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Hansi89 » Wed Mar 03, 2021 10:07 am

Alisaa wrote:
Tue Mar 02, 2021 10:51 pm
phetherweyt wrote:
Wed Feb 17, 2021 1:29 pm
Alisaa wrote:
Wed Feb 17, 2021 1:21 pm

I have sent an email in 11/02/2021 and asked HO for an update on my application. I have not received a reply yet. It is over 8 months that I am waiting for my decision.
I believe I need to get my MP involve. :|


Do it!

The more MPs hear about it the more pressure we can put on the home office to progress those applications. Whatever the reason for the delays is, it needs to be cleared. All applicants should get the same level of service. We all paid the same fees and unless you lied in your application or the HO require clarity, our applications should get approved in the order they were received.
I did and finally I received my approval today . :D Made my application in early June 2020 now it is the time to wait for the invitation letter.
congrats!

Alisaa
Newbie
Posts: 32
Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2020 9:26 pm
Iran

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Alisaa » Wed Mar 03, 2021 10:25 am

phetherweyt wrote:
Wed Mar 03, 2021 8:22 am
Alisaa wrote:
Tue Mar 02, 2021 10:51 pm


I did and finally I received my approval today . :D Made my application in early June 2020 now it is the time to wait for the invitation letter.
Awesome. Happy for you. I on the other hand have yet to receive a positive response.
Get your MP involved . I did it and in my case It was positive.

Alisaa
Newbie
Posts: 32
Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2020 9:26 pm
Iran

Re: **** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

Post by Alisaa » Wed Mar 03, 2021 10:34 am

Hi 🙋🏻‍♂️ ,
I need to move from my current address to another.
Since I have just received my approval and waiting for my invitation letter, does anyone know what I need to do?
Do I need to inform HO that I changed my address ?
I thought that might be better to buy redirection service from post office rather than updating my address. I can not trust HO. :?

Locked
cron