**** COVID19 and UKVCAS Appointments **** (ONLY discuss here)

I have submitted my ILR Set (O) application on 15 August 2020. I have received an email from UKVCAS yesterday evening to book an appointment. I have booked an appointment on 28 Sept at Croydon. I have uploaded all the documents on the UKVCAS site and Just need to click on submit.
Anyone can help me with what documents I need to take with me on my appointment day?

Vishm wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:46 am

I have submitted my ILR Set (O) application on 15 August 2020. I have received an email from UKVCAS yesterday evening to book an appointment. I have booked an appointment on 28 Sept at Croydon. I have uploaded all the documents on the UKVCAS site and Just need to click on submit.
Anyone can help me with what documents I need to take with me on my appointment day?

There is plenty of information available on this thread regarding documents to carry. Please read through pages in reverse order. Or you could search using the search facility.

iamawonder wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:36 am

asap8 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:22 am

ROHITSHAH4 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:14 am

Any news/ update on anyone getting a decision for their SET-F application via IDV App?

Is there a way to find out if UKVI has received the documents and biometrics for the applicants using the IDV app ?

One cannot get any information by contacting UKVI Telephone: 0300 123 2241, so any email ID where the status can be requested?

by asap8 » Wed Sep 02, 2020 2:48 pm
UKVCAS confirmed through Twitter (for my DM) that the biometric data we submit through the IDV app goes straight to UKVI.

This is in contrast to what the caseworker said over phone to one of the applicant. Not sure whom to beleive?

What did they say over phone?

nikhil_18in wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:29 am

HKN123 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:14 am

Morning all - I applied on 31st July and gave my in-person biometrics on 1st Sep and received the home Office Atlas email today morning advising my application is successful. I am indebted to this forum for keeping me sane through this stressful period and providing timely updates that are useful to all. Hang in there folks - there is light at the end of the tunnel. Happy to share my experience if that is useful to anyone

Hey, Heartiest Congratulations, Do you mind Sharing the Centre and time of the Bio Appt please?

Sure, it was the Lansdowne Road, morning slot

asap8 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 12:01 pm

iamawonder wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:36 am

asap8 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:22 am

ROHITSHAH4 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:14 am

Any news/ update on anyone getting a decision for their SET-F application via IDV App?

Is there a way to find out if UKVI has received the documents and biometrics for the applicants using the IDV app ?

One cannot get any information by contacting UKVI Telephone: 0300 123 2241, so any email ID where the status can be requested?

by asap8 » Wed Sep 02, 2020 2:48 pm
UKVCAS confirmed through Twitter (for my DM) that the biometric data we submit through the IDV app goes straight to UKVI.

This is in contrast to what the caseworker said over phone to one of the applicant. Not sure whom to beleive?

What did they say over phone?

https://www.immigrationboards.com/briti ... l#p1930587

iamawonder wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 12:16 pm

https://www.immigrationboards.com/briti ... l#p1930587

I don't think it contradicts what UKVCAS have said. I think UKVI have a team going through the IDV data, not UKVCAS.

ILR Set M
ONline application: 24/7
Uploaded all documents: 31/7
Opted out: 10/8
Booked appointment: Manchester 27/8
Email with decision: 11:56am 3/9

This forum has helped me a lot, I decided to opt out from using the app by going through the comments.
I did pay £70 for an appointment but most appointments in manchester are in the evening for £110.
Hope this info helps.

nash4elovek wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 12:24 pm

iamawonder wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 12:16 pm

https://www.immigrationboards.com/briti ... l#p1930587

I don't think it contradicts what UKVCAS have said. I think UKVI have a team going through the IDV data, not UKVCAS.

Agree with you, because UKVI holds our previous biometric data, not the UKVCAS.

HKN123 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 12:13 pm

nikhil_18in wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:29 am

HKN123 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:14 am

Morning all - I applied on 31st July and gave my in-person biometrics on 1st Sep and received the home Office Atlas email today morning advising my application is successful. I am indebted to this forum for keeping me sane through this stressful period and providing timely updates that are useful to all. Hang in there folks - there is light at the end of the tunnel. Happy to share my experience if that is useful to anyone

Hey, Heartiest Congratulations, Do you mind Sharing the Centre and time of the Bio Appt please?

Sure, it was the Lansdowne Road, morning slot

I was there too for 8:30 AM slot. But mine is Tier 1 Innovator Visa, I applied on July 30th.

By the way, Congratulations. Looking forward to hearing mine soon.

Unfortunately within the group that decided to use the app. Application was July 20th. Have not received invite yet.

I contacted UKVCAS through DM twitter and thought I would summarize:
- asked to check if we will receive invite by Sept 7th - response: checked system and you should receive an invite to use the app by Sept 7th
- asked if we wanted to book an appointment now rather than use app, if we could - response: You're not able to opt out of the app, so you won't be able to do an in-person appointment.
- mentioned that some people have been able to once received access to app - response: You're not given the option to book an appointment unless you experience issues when using the app
- confirmed then there is absolutely no option to opt-out - response: Yes there isn't any option to opt out now. Even if you were able to, there is no guarantee that will be quicker than using the app
- pointed out that many of those who opted-out have received their appointments and decisions already, very frustrating, haven't heard of anyone submitting through app receiving decision - response: The decision process does not lie with us but with UKVI. It might be worth contacting them directly: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk 0800 678 1767
- then got them to confirm they are responsible for the app, and that once invited and you submit successfully your info is passed DIRECTLY to UKVI (they do no further processing)
- and finally, said it would be very helpful if they could reveal the scheduling around the app invites, mentioning there are those with appointments from Mar/Apr that are still waiting - response: Sorry I am unable to answer your question, all I can do is reassure that you'll receive an invite by the 7th. Thanks

Not sure if any of this will be useful, except for maybe confirming that once submission is successful through app, the data is passed directly to UKVI - so any questions on processing/delays after should be directed to them and not UKVCAS.

Hi all,
Just an update, my family and I applied on 19th April and we were the ones still waiting for IDV app invitation. We finally received it last night and today we submitted our biometrics via IDV app. Even though our visa route is not same with the people following this thread, this thread is the most active one about IDV app & helped us a lot to track the whole process.

matthew20 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:12 pm

You're not given the option to book an appointment unless you experience issues when using the app

This sounds horrible and I really hope it's not true.
My only hope was to book an appointment as soon as I receive the email and be out of this vicious IDV cycle!

nash4elovek wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:34 pm

matthew20 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:12 pm

You're not given the option to book an appointment unless you experience issues when using the app

This sounds horrible and I really hope it's not true.
My only hope was to book an appointment as soon as I receive the email and be out of this vicious IDV cycle!

I wouldn't take that statement at face value. As far as we have heard other people's experiences, biometric appointments open as soon as the IDV access is given. People who received IDV recently in last 2 days can confirm this.

Yes I can confirm biometrics appointments open as soon as IDV app invite comes. Also, even after submitting via the IDV app, the appointments tend to remain open.

iamawonder wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:39 pm

nash4elovek wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:34 pm

matthew20 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:12 pm

You're not given the option to book an appointment unless you experience issues when using the app

This sounds horrible and I really hope it's not true.
My only hope was to book an appointment as soon as I receive the email and be out of this vicious IDV cycle!

I wouldn't take that statement at face value. As far as we have heard other people's experiences, biometric appointments open as soon as the IDV access is given. People who received IDV recently in last 2 days can confirm this.

Yes, I would agree - I didn't press any further as I know others receiving the app invite have then been able to book an appointment if they wanted, and I trust that over UKVCAS understanding!

HKN123 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 12:13 pm

nikhil_18in wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:29 am

HKN123 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:14 am

Morning all - I applied on 31st July and gave my in-person biometrics on 1st Sep and received the home Office Atlas email today morning advising my application is successful. I am indebted to this forum for keeping me sane through this stressful period and providing timely updates that are useful to all. Hang in there folks - there is light at the end of the tunnel. Happy to share my experience if that is useful to anyone

Hey, Heartiest Congratulations, Do you mind Sharing the Centre and time of the Bio Appt please?

Sure, it was the Lansdowne Road, morning slot

HKN123 on your timeline it seemed like you used IDV app. I was excited but then checked your message here. I hope the IDV user will be able to share some good news.

(Email re biometric reuse / IDV app: 05/08/2020
Access granted to IDV app: 30/08/2020
Date Biometrics Enrolled: 01/09/2020)

On a slightly different note, this might be interesting for some. Probably your chance to vent out your anger:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/call ... d-services

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:41 pm

Yes I can confirm biometrics appointments open as soon as IDV app invite comes. Also, even after submitting via the IDV app, the appointments tend to remain open.

Hi CULLINAN
It's my understanding (I could be wrong). An applicant is invited to use IDV app because applicant decided to NOT TO OPT OUT in the first place. So when an applicant receives invitation to use IDV app, the BIOMETRIC APPOINTMENTS also opens up for him reason being if UKVI is not satisfied with the uploaded selfie or liveness check then you will be given another chance to book an appointment that's why BIOMETRIC APPOINTMENTS are kept apen for an applicant.
It's my understanding

@mkhan83

Hi CULLINAN
It's my understanding (I could be wrong). An applicant is invited to use IDV app because applicant decided to NOT TO OPT OUT in the first place. So when an applicant receives invitation to use IDV app, the BIOMETRIC APPOINTMENTS also opens up for him reason being if UKVI is not satisfied with the uploaded selfie or liveness check then you will be given another chance to book an appointment that's why BIOMETRIC APPOINTMENTS are kept apen for an applicant.
It's my understanding

Selection for IDV app or biometrics appointment is taken by UKVI. Applicants have no control over it.

Once you are selected for IDV app, previously applicants were given a chance to opt out (not sure if that will the case later on).

Moving forward, if you are chosen for IDV app, you will have to wait till you get an IDV app invite. Once the invite comes, you will alternatively have an option to book an appointment instead via UKVCAS if in case you dont want to/can not use IDV app for any reason.

The appointments seem to be open even after you submit your biometrics via the IDV app. Possibly because in case UKVI has some issues with the biometrics you submitted via the IDV app, you can be asked to book an appointment again.

Hope it is clear.

Still, no one has reported that they got their decision after using idvapp. Nothing on twitter.. only one claim which I found on youtube is below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFLBQlfvsS0

not sure if it is true or otherwise.

damWills1984 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 9:47 am

Just to update my timeline for anyone interested.
Made application on August 5th, FLR(M)
Got email "Introducing the UKVCAS IDV app" with eligibility saying invitation will be sent by 14th September.

Still no email.

You do not state when you received the eligibility email.

You may well receive the invite by the date they've stated.

iamawonder wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:39 pm

nash4elovek wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:34 pm

matthew20 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 1:12 pm

You're not given the option to book an appointment unless you experience issues when using the app

This sounds horrible and I really hope it's not true.
My only hope was to book an appointment as soon as I receive the email and be out of this vicious IDV cycle!

I wouldn't take that statement at face value. As far as we have heard other people's experiences, biometric appointments open as soon as the IDV access is given. People who received IDV recently in last 2 days can confirm this.

I received the email last evening and I opted to book an appointment instead of using the IDV app. My appointment is for tomorrow morning so I’ll update here if there indeed is any problem.

You are able to book an appointment for biometrics even after using the IDV app. Husband took photo and liveness on IDV 27/08 and today attended a biometric appointment. Fingers crossed we get an answer soon!

Do you see any free appointments for London soon?

yozer wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 03, 2020 4:02 pm

Do you see any free appointments for London soon?

Landsowne Road earliest coming up 4th Sep
London Premium Lounge 9th Sep
Croydon 17th Sep

Have not checked free or not but majority are paid these days.