COVID19 and UKVCAS Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

amrotab123 · Post by **amrotab123** » Mon May 11, 2020 2:38 pm

underfire222 wrote: ↑
Mon May 11, 2020 2:35 pm

amrotab123 wrote: ↑
Sun May 10, 2020 8:01 pm
Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?
Hi Amro,

I hope that based on this phased unlock plan appointments should start by phase 2 planed for beginning of June. So hopefully if things stay in control we might go for our appointment in June.

Let’s watch and patiently wait

May I ask what was your submission date of your application ? I still have norms received any email from hone office asking for documents

Hi My application Set(O) submission date was March 25th, my appointment was initially on March 30th (super priority/ premium lounge) . HO told me that they will ask for further documents if needed but we still need to wait for UKVCAS to reopen.

t2momodu · Post by **t2momodu** » Mon May 11, 2020 2:53 pm

amrotab123 wrote: ↑
Mon May 11, 2020 2:38 pm

underfire222 wrote: ↑
Mon May 11, 2020 2:35 pm

amrotab123 wrote: ↑
Sun May 10, 2020 8:01 pm
Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?
Hi Amro,

I hope that based on this phased unlock plan appointments should start by phase 2 planed for beginning of June. So hopefully if things stay in control we might go for our appointment in June.

Let’s watch and patiently wait

May I ask what was your submission date of your application ? I still have norms received any email from hone office asking for documents
Hi My application Set(O) submission date was March 25th, my appointment was initially on March 30th (super priority/ premium lounge) . HO told me that they will ask for further documents if needed but we still need to wait for UKVCAS to reopen.

I even submitted before you (on 23rd March with super priority service, set M) but it seems HO only contacted Set O applicants requesting for docs.

@underfire, look at the post "covid-19for life in the UK test" someone posted, couple of people posted that they rang the life in the auk helpline and their reps stated possible test can be taken mid may to early June. If that's the case I believe for those of us that has had our biometric apps rescheduled up to 4 times to June 15th might end up finally attending it.
At this time, I'm wondering if the HO will refund me my £800...just wishful thinking....

Post by **zimba** » Mon May 11, 2020 2:53 pm

amrotab123 wrote: ↑
Mon May 11, 2020 9:35 am

Zimba wrote: ↑
Sun May 10, 2020 11:58 pm

amrotab123 wrote: ↑
Sun May 10, 2020 8:01 pm
Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?
Nope they remain closed. Why don't you check their website ?!??
https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/flash-message- ... sageId=950
Thanks Zimba that wasn't really my question and clearly I'm checking their website which hasn't been updated since the closure. I'm not the only one who feels that all your replies tend to be a bit sarcastic and don't really address the question asked. Thank you for your useful moderation !!!!

If they did not update their website or updated the applicants, it means their centers remain closed. No one can predict what happens and when it happens, so your question was frivolous.

lavinia85 · Post by **lavinia85** » Mon May 11, 2020 2:59 pm

UKVI told me today on the phone that the latest info they had from UKVCAS was that the centres remain closed until lockdown is lifted.. Who knows when that is going to be? June earliest.. if lucky.

underfire222 · Post by **underfire222** » Mon May 11, 2020 3:29 pm

t2momodu wrote: ↑
Mon May 11, 2020 2:53 pm

amrotab123 wrote: ↑
Mon May 11, 2020 2:38 pm

underfire222 wrote: ↑
Mon May 11, 2020 2:35 pm

amrotab123 wrote: ↑
Sun May 10, 2020 8:01 pm
Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?
Hi Amro,

I hope that based on this phased unlock plan appointments should start by phase 2 planed for beginning of June. So hopefully if things stay in control we might go for our appointment in June.

Let’s watch and patiently wait

May I ask what was your submission date of your application ? I still have norms received any email from hone office asking for documents
Hi My application Set(O) submission date was March 25th, my appointment was initially on March 30th (super priority/ premium lounge) . HO told me that they will ask for further documents if needed but we still need to wait for UKVCAS to reopen.
I even submitted before you (on 23rd March with super priority service, set M) but it seems HO only contacted Set O applicants requesting for docs.

@underfire, look at the post "covid-19for life in the UK test" someone posted, couple of people posted that they rang the life in the auk helpline and their reps stated possible test can be taken mid may to early June. If that's the case I believe for those of us that has had our biometric apps rescheduled up to 4 times to June 15th might end up finally attending it.
At this time, I'm wondering if the HO will refund me my £800...just wishful thinking....

Hi,

My application is SET-O and my date of submission was 20/3 (super priority )yet I have not received any email from home office yet asking for documents. Not sure why...

I am worried about the reopening of the centers . If they keep waiting until lockdown is lifted completely rather than taking social distancing measures for opening then we will have to wait for a lot of further months

I really hope HO takes some measures to prevent that rather than rely on a private company.

As regards super priority fee u can ask for a refund if no decision is taken with in 24 hours of your biometrics appointment

lavinia85 · Post by **lavinia85** » Mon May 11, 2020 11:00 pm

Just saw one of the managing directors at Sopra Steria UK post this in response to a UKVCAS tagged tweet that was asking for appointments to resume:

Hi, we are working with The Home Office and will announce any changes in due course. Thanks for your patience.

Sandeepshah · Post by **Sandeepshah** » Tue May 12, 2020 10:28 pm

HI All,

Someone able to attend their appointment in Sopra steria after 9-May-2020.? Appreciate your response on this.

Thanks
Mandeep

Post by **zimba** » Wed May 13, 2020 2:07 am

Sandeepshah wrote: ↑
Tue May 12, 2020 10:28 pm
HI All,

Someone able to attend their appointment in Sopra steria after 9-May-2020.? Appreciate your response on this.

Thanks
Mandeep

Nope they remain closed until further notice. They contact everyone once they open the centres.
This is constantly being repeated in this thread
Check their website: https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/flash-message- ... sageId=950

poornachandra · Post by **poornachandra** » Fri May 15, 2020 12:41 pm

spikky wrote: ↑
Sat Mar 28, 2020 5:34 pm
I'd scheduled my biometrics appointment for 23rd April given the current situation with Covid-19. However, I've received an email from UKVCAS today stating all activities at UKVCAS/Sopra Steria are suspended and my appointment will have to be rescehduled and no action needed that the appointment will be automatically rescheduled upto 6 weeks ahead of the original appointment date and to keep logging in and checking the website for rescheduled appointment or look for when appointments are activated and re-book.

I logged in and saw my current appointment for 23rd April is still intact but if activities are suspended, then have to reschedule.

Long delay indeed.

Spikky.

HI,

We in same situation with our appointment of 17-April standing cancelled.
Did you get any new appointment dates or any advise on when they intend to reopen & start appointments.

spikky · Post by **spikky** » Tue May 19, 2020 1:18 pm

Update! I've received a letter this afternoon over email from WandSContingencyCaseworkDocumentReturn@homeoffice.gov.uk

Excerpts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in relation to the application you have submitted for indefinite leave to remain under <Category of leave> in the United Kingdom under application reference number xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx

Unfortunately, due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and the latest government advice, for the safety of our customers and our staff, we have suspended the UKVCAS service locations where you would ordinarily take your documents to be scanned in support of your application along with submitting your biometric details.

We are keen for this disruption to have a minimal impact on our processing times and as such we are asking that you send us scanned copies of the following documents: -
<List of documents>

To the e-mail address WandSContingencyCaseworkDocumentReturn@homeoffice.gov.uk where we will be able to process your application to the next stage of our assessment which will minimise delays to your application caused by these extraordinary circumstances.

If you are unable to provide the requested documents due to the current situation, please reply to the above e-mail address. This will not adversely affect your application.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My biometric appointment is scheduled for 9th July. It is unclear from this email any action with regards to submitting biometrics.

However, I am sending across all my documents to that email address as requested.

Has anyone received similar email?

Spikky

cracker1234 · Post by **cracker1234** » Tue May 19, 2020 2:16 pm

@spikky, We have also received the same letter for my dependents. Have you already sent all the documents or we can send later this week too ?

spikky · Post by **spikky** » Tue May 19, 2020 2:44 pm

cracker1234 wrote: ↑
Tue May 19, 2020 2:16 pm
@spikky, We have also received the same letter for my dependents. Have you already sent all the documents or we can send later this week too ?

I had uploaded most of my document to UKVCAS website with a few pending. Now I am just collating and sending to that email address. My aim is to send on or before Friday 22nd May this week. I can send it tomorrow as well but want to check all collated PDFs, due diligence and all. I suppose you can send whenever you're ready.

underfire222 · Post by **underfire222** » Tue May 19, 2020 5:46 pm

spikky wrote: ↑
Tue May 19, 2020 1:18 pm
Update! I've received a letter this afternoon over email from WandSContingencyCaseworkDocumentReturn@homeoffice.gov.uk

Excerpts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in relation to the application you have submitted for indefinite leave to remain under <Category of leave> in the United Kingdom under application reference number xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx

Unfortunately, due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and the latest government advice, for the safety of our customers and our staff, we have suspended the UKVCAS service locations where you would ordinarily take your documents to be scanned in support of your application along with submitting your biometric details.

We are keen for this disruption to have a minimal impact on our processing times and as such we are asking that you send us scanned copies of the following documents: -
<List of documents>

To the e-mail address WandSContingencyCaseworkDocumentReturn@homeoffice.gov.uk where we will be able to process your application to the next stage of our assessment which will minimise delays to your application caused by these extraordinary circumstances.

If you are unable to provide the requested documents due to the current situation, please reply to the above e-mail address. This will not adversely affect your application.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My biometric appointment is scheduled for 9th July. It is unclear from this email any action with regards to submitting biometrics.

However, I am sending across all my documents to that email address as requested.

Has anyone received similar email?

Spikky

Hi Spikky,

Thanks for the update.

May I please ask you when was the date of submission of your ILR Application and where is your visa Centre booked. Also when does your current tier2 visa expire?

I have submitted my visa application on 20/3 and my delayed biometrics appointment is on 24/6 in croydon. My visa expires in feb 21 . I have not yet received any correspondence yet from home office and I’m trying to find out why not?

Has anyone else not received any emails too for ILR ?

Thanks

spikky · Post by **spikky** » Tue May 19, 2020 6:57 pm

Update 2! A couple of hours after the first email, I received another email
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear XYZ

Thank you for your application for permission to stay in the UK.

We apologise for the inconvenience, but, due to the worldwide response to COVID-19, UKVI services are limited and we are not able to meet our usual service standards.

Although we would normally decide your application six months from the date it was submitted, unfortunately this is may not going to be possible in your case.

In line with Government advice on essential travel, social distancing and other restrictions related to COVID-19, for the safety of our customers and our staff, the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) locations where you would ordinarily submit your biometric details and provide any documents for scanning that you have not already uploaded yourself, are currently closed.

As your application was submitted prior to your current grant of leave expiring, your current status within the United Kingdom has been extended by section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. You do not need to do anything else at this stage and do not need to be concerned about your immigration status.

If you have applied to switch your status in respect of your employment or studies then please refer to the guidance on Gov.UK https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... -residents as you should be permitted to commence work / study prior to your application being decided, should you meet the conditions set out in the guidance.

We apologise for the delay in dealing with your application and for the inconvenience this is causing. Please be assured we will do all we can to make a decision on your case as quickly as possible once our UKVCAS service locations reopen.

We appreciate your patience at this time.

Regards

Work Non Sponsored Team 2

Visas & Citizenship Operations – Work & Study

UK Visas and Immigration
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although from Home Office, this email came from Non Sponsored Team 2 while the earlier one was from W & S Contingency Casework Document Return team. Both referenced my application reference number in subject line and both from home office gov.uk email.

I am applying after 5 years on Tier 1 E 50k route, not Tier 2.

I applied online on 22nd March. My appointment for biometrics on UKVCAS is scheduled for 9th July (if the centres re-open!) in Croydon, South London.

I've collated all my documents and scanned any pending ones and am ready to submit to the W & S Contingency Casework Document Return team but I'll sit on it for a day or 2 to go through and most likely submit on Friday.

Cheers,

Spikky

underfire222 · Post by **underfire222** » Tue May 19, 2020 8:54 pm

This is really depressing

!

So that means that potentially a decision can take more than 6 months from the day you attend your appointment at UKVCAS??!!!

I understand that on section 3C you remain on your same visa regulations until a decision for ILR is taken. Inlight of these significant delays which can take many many months now , if not years... if some one goes on 3C and wants to change jobs how can that be done?
What if you need to travel out of UK??

spikky · Post by **spikky** » Tue May 19, 2020 9:41 pm

Umm not sure as the first email from W & S Contingency Caseworker Document Return Team requested documents be sent over email so it can move to next stage of assessment. I think the decision will be made based on the documents and specifics of the case and biometrics, regardless when it is submitted, will be an independent step in that assessment, is what I concur. I could be wrong though!

Spikky

cracker1234 · Post by **cracker1234** » Wed May 20, 2020 7:58 am

spikky wrote: ↑
Tue May 19, 2020 6:57 pm
Update 2! A couple of hours after the first email, I received another email
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear XYZ

Thank you for your application for permission to stay in the UK.

We apologise for the inconvenience, but, due to the worldwide response to COVID-19, UKVI services are limited and we are not able to meet our usual service standards.

Although we would normally decide your application six months from the date it was submitted, unfortunately this is may not going to be possible in your case.

In line with Government advice on essential travel, social distancing and other restrictions related to COVID-19, for the safety of our customers and our staff, the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) locations where you would ordinarily submit your biometric details and provide any documents for scanning that you have not already uploaded yourself, are currently closed.

As your application was submitted prior to your current grant of leave expiring, your current status within the United Kingdom has been extended by section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. You do not need to do anything else at this stage and do not need to be concerned about your immigration status.

If you have applied to switch your status in respect of your employment or studies then please refer to the guidance on Gov.UK https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... -residents as you should be permitted to commence work / study prior to your application being decided, should you meet the conditions set out in the guidance.

We apologise for the delay in dealing with your application and for the inconvenience this is causing. Please be assured we will do all we can to make a decision on your case as quickly as possible once our UKVCAS service locations reopen.

We appreciate your patience at this time.

Regards

Work Non Sponsored Team 2

Visas & Citizenship Operations – Work & Study

UK Visas and Immigration
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although from Home Office, this email came from Non Sponsored Team 2 while the earlier one was from W & S Contingency Casework Document Return team. Both referenced my application reference number in subject line and both from home office gov.uk email.

I am applying after 5 years on Tier 1 E 50k route, not Tier 2.

I applied online on 22nd March. My appointment for biometrics on UKVCAS is scheduled for 9th July (if the centres re-open!) in Croydon, South London.

I've collated all my documents and scanned any pending ones and am ready to submit to the W & S Contingency Casework Document Return team but I'll sit on it for a day or 2 to go through and most likely submit on Friday.

Cheers,

Spikky

It's quite interesting. Unlike you, we have received this email first and the other one after a couple of hours or 3 . Did you try to reach them if there is any direct number we can contact to discuss on this ?

keskinta · Post by **keskinta** » Wed May 20, 2020 8:44 am

underfire222 wrote: ↑
Tue May 19, 2020 8:54 pm
This is really depressing !

So that means that potentially a decision can take more than 6 months from the day you attend your appointment at UKVCAS??!!!

I understand that on section 3C you remain on your same visa regulations until a decision for ILR is taken. Inlight of these significant delays which can take many many months now , if not years... if some one goes on 3C and wants to change jobs how can that be done?
What if you need to travel out of UK??

its depressing af, Ive applied for BRP RC in 12th of december and still waiting for a response, more then 6 months now.

cracker1234 · Post by **cracker1234** » Wed May 20, 2020 10:45 am

@Spikky,
Which documents did they request you to send ?

For us, the following are requested :

1. Evidence of current cohabitation e.g. joint bank statements, joint utility bills or a recent document confirming address for yourself and your sponsor
2. English language - overseas degree and NARIC report, or confirmation if you have sat an approved English Language test prior to 21st March 2020 and if so provide the reference number
3. Confirmation if you have sat a Life in the UK test prior to 21st March 2020 and if so provide the test reference number
4. List of absences from the United Kingdom (if your previous PBS dependant application was made after 11 January 2018)
5. Police Registration Certificate (If you were asked to register with the police on your previous grant of leave)

1. Dependant Child (under 16) Full birth certificate (if this is your first UK visa application)

Not sure why they are not asking for passports and brps ? what about you ?

Post by **zimba** » Wed May 20, 2020 12:14 pm

Please refrain from discussing your application queries in this post.
This is ONLY for discussion on COVID19 and UKVCAS appointment issues

ROHITSHAH4 · Post by **ROHITSHAH4** » Wed May 20, 2020 12:43 pm

Update from my side - I made the online application-Set(LR) on 9th May and submitted the scanned copy of all Passports, current BRP, Address Proof, Life in the UK test, NARIC/ESOL letters to UKVCAS site as the basic documents (Guidance provided by CR001 in a separate thread).

I had no acknowledgment or automated emails for any further steps. Contacted UKVCAS via phone today, providing my application reference details. I and was told that as per Home Office instruction due to Covid19 situation no appointments can be booked until further notice and I need to keep checking their website for any further changes. UKVCAS cannot forward the uploaded documents as no appointments can be booked at this point.

Bottomline, wait for Home Office to issue further instructions.

SIyer · Post by **SIyer** » Wed May 20, 2020 4:33 pm

Not sure if anyone has noticed but the flash message on the UKVCAS site has changed since I last noticed.

"UKVCAS service points remain closed for the safety of our staff and customers. Following the changes in Public Health England guidance we are developing plans to support a controlled, phased restart of operations in conjunction with UKVI. Our priority remains the safety of customers and staff to ensure we deliver an effective service that meets public health guidelines. We appreciate customers’ patience as we develop these plans and assure that it is safe to restart services. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks. Read more detailed advice"

Looks like they're planning for when the next phase of the lockdown measures get relaxed.

ROHITSHAH4 · Post by **ROHITSHAH4** » Thu May 21, 2020 9:59 am

Another update-
I also asked in the call if they have any plans of using regional post offices to collect Biometrics that was in place until 2018. To which I was told that the Post Office is no longer an option.

Just a thought - It would have been helpful to go back to the previous measures to maintain the social distancing and avoiding long waiting time and queues at the limited Service Point Locations even when the service resumes.

meggo · Post by **meggo** » Thu May 21, 2020 12:18 pm

Hi all,

Given what's been said in this thread around postponed UKVCAS appointments, I was wondering if I could get views on whether to submit my application now (with no ability to book an appointment but potentially getting in the queue) or sit tight and wait?

I was due to submit my application in March but I held off when I felt a lockdown was imminent as I wasn't sure what the HO response would be and didn't want to end up in appointment purgatory and out of wallet 3k.

However, I'm now wondering if it's best to submit now so that I'll be in a potential queue when appointments are released, as I imagine there will be a considerable backlog if this thread is anything to go by!

For context, I was eligible to apply for ILR as of December last year, but my current T2 visa doesn't expire until Feb of next year, so there isn't an immediate pressure, but I do want to get it sorted. I will also be applying for the super premium service (although who knows how premium it will be with a backlog to contend with).

Thanks!

Post by **zimba** » Thu May 21, 2020 12:41 pm

The UKVI caseworkers are probably making decisions on the applications (pending biometrics) as they are asking for the evidence via email now. This means the backlog can be cleared very quickly when the biometrics centres are opened again. I suggest everyone to apply online as normal and supply evidence when asked via email. Your application decision will arrive probably very fast after biometrics.

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COVID19 and UKVCAS Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

Re: COVID19 and UKVCAS Biometrics Appointments (ONLY discuss here)