COVID19 and UKVCAS Appointments (ONLY discuss here)

spikky · Post by **spikky** » Tue May 19, 2020 10:41 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 8:58 am

spikky wrote: ↑
Tue May 19, 2020 7:57 pm
Update 2! A couple of hours after the first email, I received another email
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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
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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 9:44 am

underfire222 wrote: ↑
Tue May 19, 2020 9:54 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 11:45 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 1:14 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 1:43 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 5:33 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 10:59 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 1:18 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 1:41 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.

repeatcell · Post by **repeatcell** » Thu May 21, 2020 5:41 pm

repeatcell wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 30, 2020 8:38 pm
I have my appointment re-scheduled from 2nd April to 14th May - there will, of course, be a backlog in processing applications and everything will take longer due to Covid-19 in the coming months.

I was wondering if anyone knows anything regarding the following: since all the documents are uploaded in advance anyways on UKVCAS website, does any know why the Home Office cannot start processing them before the appointment at UKVCAS?

I haven't yet uploaded my documents yet - would it make sense to upload them now and would that help to make the process quicker? Any thoughts, please?

I'm glad HO has taken some initiative to start the process and start asking documents by email - hopefully, it will be a lot quicker now when the UKVCAS appointments open again.

spikky · Post by **spikky** » Fri May 22, 2020 3:58 pm

Zimba wrote: ↑
Thu May 21, 2020 1:41 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.

Sending documents over email is not the most convenient.

My yahoo email allows only 25MB attachments per email and although I've merged related files into a single PDF, arranged in folders and zipped, I have to ascertain how much the overall file size of the attachment will be (pretty sure it won't fit in a single email message) , which is why I asked the Conjunct team over email the following questions:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Can the documents be sent as attachments in more than 1 email?
2. Will I receive any email acknowledgment of document receipt sent via email?
3. If the service centres open should I attend my appointment as scheduled and will I be asked to resubmit documents during that stage?

Please can you advise the correct course of action as I received another email from another team after your email mentioning section 3C and that no action was necessary at this time and it's a bit confusing on the right course of action.
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Also, the UKVCAS website update about phased commencing of operations and the email request from contingency team is confusing, not clear what course of action to follow.

I sent the above email with my queries 2 days ago and still haven't received a reply from the contingency team.

I'd be anxious of sending my documents over email and not getting any acknowledgement (as per my question 2 above).

Spikky.

amrotab123 · Post by **amrotab123** » Fri May 22, 2020 4:02 pm

spikky wrote: ↑
Fri May 22, 2020 3:58 pm

Zimba wrote: ↑
Thu May 21, 2020 1:41 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.
Sending documents over email is not the most convenient.

My yahoo email allows only 25MB attachments per email and although I've merged related files into a single PDF, arranged in folders and zipped, I have to ascertain how much the overall file size of the attachment will be (pretty sure it won't fit in a single email message) , which is why I asked the Conjunct team over email the following questions:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Can the documents be sent as attachments in more than 1 email?
2. Will I receive any email acknowledgment of document receipt sent via email?
3. If the service centres open should I attend my appointment as scheduled and will I be asked to resubmit documents during that stage?

Please can you advise the correct course of action as I received another email from another team after your email mentioning section 3C and that no action was necessary at this time and it's a bit confusing on the right course of action.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, the UKVCAS website update about phased commencing of operations and the email request from contingency team is confusing, not clear what course of action to follow.

I sent the above email with my queries 2 days ago and still haven't received a reply from the contingency team.

I'd be anxious of sending my documents over email and not getting any acknowledgement (as per my question 2 above).

Spikky.

Hey,
I sent the documents and followed up with an email asking for acknowledgement due to the size. I received a reply saying that they received my documents. I think you can send more than one email, make sure to quote your application reference number and of course you will have to attend your appointment and resubmit the documents once centres reopen.

spikky · Post by **spikky** » Fri May 22, 2020 4:30 pm

OK that's good to know. Will send them over this weekend then.

Thanks.

Spikky.

mkhan83 · Post by **mkhan83** » Fri May 22, 2020 10:22 pm

Hi spikky
I managed to sent 16 files by using yahoo mail in one single email. Every file was less than 6mb. Also total file size (of 16 files) was less than 25mb
I hope you can manage as well

Wtaribo · Post by **Wtaribo** » Sat May 23, 2020 10:29 am

Really stressful times.My current leave expires on 22/09.my liuk test has again been rescheduled to the 18th of july.

spikky · Post by **spikky** » Tue May 26, 2020 4:25 pm

mkhan83 wrote: ↑
Fri May 22, 2020 10:22 pm
Hi spikky
I managed to sent 16 files by using yahoo mail in one single email. Every file was less than 6mb. Also total file size (of 16 files) was less than 25mb
I hope you can manage as well

Did you get any acknowledgement for your email submission?

Lady888 · Post by **Lady888** » Tue May 26, 2020 6:01 pm

Looks like some good news finally - phased reopening will start on June 1st. Really hope they won't go silent again (I didn't manage to book appointment earlier so won't be able to book now).

https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/home-internal
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... -residents

YM1900 · Post by **YM1900** » Tue May 26, 2020 6:24 pm

Chances are it will take them months to clean up the existing backlog operating at reduced capacity.
It would've been a lot easier to just use the existing data to re-issue BRPs for in-country applications. From what I know fingerprints aren't changing that often throughout lifetime.

Post by **zimba** » Tue May 26, 2020 6:44 pm

YM1900 wrote: ↑
Tue May 26, 2020 6:24 pm
Chances are it will take them months to clean up the existing backlog operating at reduced capacity.
It would've been a lot easier to just use the existing data to re-issue BRPs for in-country applications. From what I know fingerprints aren't changing that often throughout lifetime.

Biometrics is required for two main reasons: One to validate the person's identity and also to get the most recent picture of you as your appearance changes over time

underfire222 · Post by **underfire222** » Tue May 26, 2020 8:50 pm

Has any one got an email from UKVCAS confirming their appointment or rebooking.
Mine is in London croydon on 24/6 but have not received any email confirmation yet!!
Any updates from others plz
Mine is in croydon

repeatcell · Post by **repeatcell** » Tue May 26, 2020 11:54 pm

underfire222 wrote: ↑
Tue May 26, 2020 8:50 pm
Has any one got an email from UKVCAS confirming their appointment or rebooking.
Mine is in London croydon on 24/6 but have not received any email confirmation yet!!
Any updates from others plz
Mine is in croydon

I received an email today for rebooking an appointment, booked it in Croydon for 6th June but no email confirmation yet.

spikky · Post by **spikky** » Wed May 27, 2020 1:49 am

repeatcell wrote: ↑
Tue May 26, 2020 11:54 pm

underfire222 wrote: ↑
Tue May 26, 2020 8:50 pm
Has any one got an email from UKVCAS confirming their appointment or rebooking.
Mine is in London croydon on 24/6 but have not received any email confirmation yet!!
Any updates from others plz
Mine is in croydon
I received an email today for rebooking an appointment, booked it in Croydon for 6th June but no email confirmation yet.

I received it too but I am getting an error when trying to book an appointment. Tried on my laptop as well as phone and error.

t2momodu · Post by **t2momodu** » Wed May 27, 2020 2:06 am

underfire222 wrote: ↑
Tue May 26, 2020 8:50 pm
Has any one got an email from UKVCAS confirming their appointment or rebooking.
Mine is in London croydon on 24/6 but have not received any email confirmation yet!!
Any updates from others plz
Mine is in croydon

My 4th rescheduled appointment for 15.06.2020 for Croydon seems to have disappeared from the online system, as I've just logged in and cannot see my appointments! Also havent received any recent email.

spikky · Post by **spikky** » Wed May 27, 2020 2:15 am

t2momodu wrote: ↑
Wed May 27, 2020 2:06 am

underfire222 wrote: ↑
Tue May 26, 2020 8:50 pm
Has any one got an email from UKVCAS confirming their appointment or rebooking.
Mine is in London croydon on 24/6 but have not received any email confirmation yet!!
Any updates from others plz
Mine is in croydon
My 4th rescheduled appointment for 15.06.2020 for Croydon seems to have disappeared from the online system, as I've just logged in and cannot see my appointments! Also havent received any recent email.

The website's appointment booking system seems unstable ull of errors and doesn't let me book at all. I've registered a complaint via Help and Support section on the website. Suggest everyone do so, so they may fix it sooner.

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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)