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

Can you submit documents in person after having submitted them via the app? or has your application moved to another stage by then?

GTBS8 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 8:37 am

Can you submit documents in person after having submitted them via the app? or has your application moved to another stage by then?

Yes. Members on here have done dual submission And a have gotten decisions extremely quickly.

switie18 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 6:28 am

I have submiited my ILR application (SET O) for myself and 1 dependent last 31/07/2020 and biometrics was submitted on 28/08/2020.

I received an email yesterday from UKVI that my application will take more than 6 months.

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

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

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

Did any of you received an email too from
the home office and still waiting for a decision? Anyone who already received a decision that received this email but the decision did not take more than 6 months?

See the following links from this thread, a very small number of applicants on this forum have reported this email. It is unknown what is the criteria based on which these emails are being sent and it is unknown if it actually leads to a delay in getting decision.

https://www.immigrationboards.com/indef ... l#p1933198

https://www.immigrationboards.com/indef ... ?#p1933466

https://www.immigrationboards.com/indef ... ?#p1928026

https://www.immigrationboards.com/indef ... ?#p1925389

Visa decision emailed today! Approved! Thank you to everyone here, just having people to talk this through with every day has made it so much easier!

@

Sez30 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 10:34 am

Visa decision emailed today! Approved! Thank you to everyone here, just having people to talk this through with every day has made it so much easier!

Congrats. Did you use the app or go for an appointment?

applicant1234 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 10:39 am

@

Sez30 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 10:34 am

Visa decision emailed today! Approved! Thank you to everyone here, just having people to talk this through with every day has made it so much easier!

Congrats. Did you use the app or go for an appointment?

Both, IDV submitted 27th Aug and in person 3rd Sept. we were trying to get the application escalated and we had an email saying our decision couldn’t be made until we had attended biometrics so then booked an appointment.

krishnakumarg wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 1:47 am

They just scanned the bio page I think. I mean, it was quite fast and I didn't pay attention.

To clarify this one, they did scan all pages of my passport that had a stamp.

This was my current passport only, and I did not have the document scanning service.

Quick update :

Application made : June 2020
Biometrics through IDV app : 28.08.2020
Decision : Waiting

I requested HO to escalate my ILR application due to some personal reasons with evidence. They replied me saying, ''We are waiting for your bio information once this has come through we will push for quick decision to be made. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure a decision can be made. We thank you for your understanding in this matter''.

This reply made me to believe there will be a long delay for the people who used IDV app for biometric submission, could be due to the way they process the data submitted through the app and the large number of IDV submissions.

asap8 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:01 am

Quick update :

Application made : June 2020
Biometrics through IDV app : 28.08.2020
Decision : Waiting

I requested HO to escalate my ILR application due to some personal reasons with evidence. They replied me saying, ''We are waiting for your bio information once this has come through we will push for quick decision to be made. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure a decision can be made. We thank you for your understanding in this matter''.

This reply made me to believe there will be a long delay for the people who used IDV app for biometric submission, could be due to the way they process the data submitted through the app and the large number of IDV submissions.

Do you have an email that you used to escalate to? I called the HO yesterday with the number on their website but they said they won’t do anything to escalate.

asap8 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:01 am

Quick update :

Application made : June 2020
Biometrics through IDV app : 28.08.2020
Decision : Waiting

I requested HO to escalate my ILR application due to some personal reasons with evidence. They replied me saying, ''We are waiting for your bio information once this has come through we will push for quick decision to be made. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure a decision can be made. We thank you for your understanding in this matter''.

This reply made me to believe there will be a long delay for the people who used IDV app for biometric submission, could be due to the way they process the data submitted through the app and the large number of IDV submissions.

Hi I have tried escalating to no avail. Which contact number or email have you used to reach them?

@daenyt @applicant1234

Actually, I got a reply from one of the managers from HO for one of the complaints I made last month. I used the same email to contact them. I am afraid I should not disclose their email address on this forum, because it directly goes to that concerned person. Sorry.

asap8 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:01 am

Quick update :

Application made : June 2020
Biometrics through IDV app : 28.08.2020
Decision : Waiting

I requested HO to escalate my ILR application due to some personal reasons with evidence. They replied me saying, ''We are waiting for your bio information once this has come through we will push for quick decision to be made. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure a decision can be made. We thank you for your understanding in this matter''.

This reply made me to believe there will be a long delay for the people who used IDV app for biometric submission, could be due to the way they process the data submitted through the app and the large number of IDV submissions.

This is indeed a worrying reply and what I was afraid of. the people that are getting decisions are the in person appointments and I think only about 5 people reported the IDV approvals.

It looks like there is a problem with getting our IDV applications being forwarded to the correct departments

asap8 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:14 am

@daenyt @applicant1234

Actually, I got a reply from one of the managers from HO for one of the complaints I made last month. I used the same email to contact them. I am afraid I should not disclose their email address on this forum, because it directly goes to that concerned person. Sorry.

Can you disclose on which email address you made your complaint?

@nsm2010
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... -procedure

asap8 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:01 am

Quick update :

Application made : June 2020
Biometrics through IDV app : 28.08.2020
Decision : Waiting

I requested HO to escalate my ILR application due to some personal reasons with evidence. They replied me saying, ''We are waiting for your bio information once this has come through we will push for quick decision to be made. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure a decision can be made. We thank you for your understanding in this matter''.

This reply made me to believe there will be a long delay for the people who used IDV app for biometric submission, could be due to the way they process the data submitted through the app and the large number of IDV submissions.

This is indeed quite worrisome. There seems to be a bottleneck somewhere within the UKVCAS in feeding the biometrics info to UKVI.

asap8 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:01 am

Quick update :

Application made : June 2020
Biometrics through IDV app : 28.08.2020
Decision : Waiting

I requested HO to escalate my ILR application due to some personal reasons with evidence. They replied me saying, ''We are waiting for your bio information once this has come through we will push for quick decision to be made. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure a decision can be made. We thank you for your understanding in this matter''.

This reply made me to believe there will be a long delay for the people who used IDV app for biometric submission, could be due to the way they process the data submitted through the app and the large number of IDV submissions.

Due to us having an email like this from escalations we booked an in person appointment as well as using IDV, in the email that was received it said they were waiting for biometrics and once attended the appointment they could continue with the applications.

rndm57 wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 22, 2020 8:34 pm

Applied on the 4th of April, and finally got an IDV app invite today around 6pm. Submitted everything and waiting for results now. Good luck everyone.

Update: Just got an email that application was successful. Phew. ILR Tier 2 5 years. Only did biometric submission via IDV app, did not email anyone or escalate anything.

Hope all March/April applicants get their results soon. This definitely was too long and stressful process.

rndm57 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 12:07 pm

rndm57 wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 22, 2020 8:34 pm

Applied on the 4th of April, and finally got an IDV app invite today around 6pm. Submitted everything and waiting for results now. Good luck everyone.

Update: Just got an email that application was successful. Phew. ILR Tier 2 5 years. Only did biometric submission via IDV app, did not email anyone or escalate anything.

Hope all March/April applicants get their results soon. This definitely was too long and stressful process.

It is not mandatory to escalate or email somebody requesting to process your application quickly. Escalation can be done when people have valid reasons. People are not doing it for fun.

asap8 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 12:12 pm

rndm57 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 12:07 pm

rndm57 wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 22, 2020 8:34 pm

Applied on the 4th of April, and finally got an IDV app invite today around 6pm. Submitted everything and waiting for results now. Good luck everyone.

Update: Just got an email that application was successful. Phew. ILR Tier 2 5 years. Only did biometric submission via IDV app, did not email anyone or escalate anything.

Hope all March/April applicants get their results soon. This definitely was too long and stressful process.

It is not mandatory to escalate or email somebody requesting to process your application quickly. Escalation can be done when people have valid reasons. People are not doing it for fun.

I am just giving people context on what were the steps I took or didn't take.. In order to give them some hope that results will be coming through soon. Nowhere did I imply that people do it for fun.

asap8 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 12:12 pm

rndm57 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 12:07 pm

rndm57 wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 22, 2020 8:34 pm

Applied on the 4th of April, and finally got an IDV app invite today around 6pm. Submitted everything and waiting for results now. Good luck everyone.

Update: Just got an email that application was successful. Phew. ILR Tier 2 5 years. Only did biometric submission via IDV app, did not email anyone or escalate anything.

Hope all March/April applicants get their results soon. This definitely was too long and stressful process.

It is not mandatory to escalate or email somebody requesting to process your application quickly. Escalation can be done when people have valid reasons. People are not doing it for fun.

Exactly.
We should not advocate for escalating applications! Not to forget; home office would have limited staff due to covid restrictions and they must be trying their best to get the results out. The majority of the people are getting edgy even well before the 6 months period is up.
I submitted my application around the 14th of April and still waiting. So please hold fire don't escalate for no real reason! Leave the integrity and importance of complaints/escalations for the people who really need to escalate!
Getting edgy because people who went for biometrics got their decisions quicker is irrelevant! I know it is not fair because they might have applied later than you but HO have every right to give the decision at a later date.

Again please don't escalate for the sake of it because there won't be any importance left in it for the people who would actually need their decisions quicker!

asap8 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:01 am

Quick update :

Application made : June 2020
Biometrics through IDV app : 28.08.2020
Decision : Waiting

I requested HO to escalate my ILR application due to some personal reasons with evidence. They replied me saying, ''We are waiting for your bio information once this has come through we will push for quick decision to be made. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to ensure a decision can be made. We thank you for your understanding in this matter''.

This reply made me to believe there will be a long delay for the people who used IDV app for biometric submission, could be due to the way they process the data submitted through the app and the large number of IDV submissions.

Just now recived an email saying that my ILR applciation has been approved after escalating the case with HO.

GTV visa application:
State 2: application payment done - 15th July 2020
Invitation to use IDV - 29th Aug
Booked appointment (Did not use IDV): 29th Aug (£62.99 @Lansdowne Road +£1.99 SMS)
Appointment UKVCAS: 1st Sept
Approval mail: 7th Sept from (Home Office Atlas)
Delivery of BRP - waiting

How do we come to know on what date BRP will be delivered? Will be getting the SMS or email?
What happens if we are not at home? is it registered post or courier?

buntyc wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 12:32 pm

GTV visa application:
State 2: application payment done - 15th July 2020
Invitation to use IDV - 29th Aug
Booked appointment (Did not use IDV): 29th Aug (£62.99 @Lansdowne Road +£1.99 SMS)
Appointment UKVCAS: 1st Sept
Approval mail: 7th Sept from (Home Office Atlas)
Delivery of BRP - waiting

How do we come to know on what date BRP will be delivered? Will be getting the SMS or email?
What happens if we are not at home? is it registered post or courier?

You should post the timeline and BRP queries in the GTV timeline topic in the Tier 1 ET sub forum please. We have asked numerous times not to post full timelines in this thread, which is for biometric appointment/IDV issues only.

BRPs are delivered by courier.

UKVCAS has confirmed that from their perspective my biometrics and documents are submitted to UKVI and I need to contact UKVI for further updates. So my next attempt to know if UKVI has at least received my application and Biometrics and at what stage my application is -

Called UKVI number for ILR (Telephone: 0300 123 2241): https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside- ... -to-remain

- If the query is regarding an application affected due to COVID 19, call another number (Telephone: 0800-6781767)- they do not have any information or access to any application tracking or status system.

- If the query is regarding an application made with less than 6 months, call gets disconnected.

- If the query is regarding an application that is over 6 months, the person has no access to any tracking or status system.
-- Instead the only way is to send a letter to the Home Ofice at the below address:
UKVI PO Box 3468, Sheffield, S3 8WA
-- There is no email ID that they have where an enquiry can be sent.

Based on another user's post in this sub-forum, I sent the email to
"ApplyOnlineE-Support@homeoffice.gov.uk", that has only provided the below auto response:

Thank you for your e-mail to the Apply Online E-Support Team.

Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic we are running a

limited service and your enquiry may not be answered

in the 24 hour Service Level Agreement.

This mailbox is only for technical support enquiries for applicants

applying online within the United Kingdom via GOV.UK. We aim to

respond within one working day.



We will not respond to technical enquires that relate to an entry clearance

application.

We do not provide: Immigration advice, acknowledgement receipt or

progress of applications, refunds, Sponsorship Management System,

British Citizenship and Nationality enquiries.

We will not respond to any non technical enquiries.

We do not deal with technical support for the new services offered by Sopra

Steria – Please contact https://www.ukvcas.co.uk

You can use the Assisted Digital Service to get help using the online form if

you do not feel confident using a computer or do not have access to one.


Useful Links:

Immigration health surcharge refunds: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigrati ... on/refunds

Enquiries for visa applications made from outside the UK: https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk

Immigration information & guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... mmigration

Sponsorship enquiries:



https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... s-helpdesk


https://www.gov.uk/government/collectio ... -educators



We take Security of your information seriously and in line with new data regulations we have updated our Privacy Information notice, you can find out more by going to GOV.UK and search ‘Personal information use in borders, immigration and citizenship’ or alternatively search under ‘Home Office - Personal information charter’.

Alternatively please use the links below:
The new Home Office Privacy Information Notice (PIN) https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... itizenship

If you would more information please also visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... on-charter


Please do not reply to this auto response e-mail.
---------
My interpretation:

There is no transparency in the overall system, it has been designed to protect their inefficiencies from all possible avenues. There is no accountability, and always the stance of deniability. Other than the money factor regarding: application fee, expedite fee, appointment fee, document scanning fee, SMS fee, business to solicitors, which surely helps the economy, this system works perfectly to maintain the hostile environment and keep the control of the lives of immigrants.

For the immigrants, after spending our life's 5 years / 10 years or more under the umbrella of our employers with limited rights, what we want is freedom and have paid not just money in all the possible ways, but have spent irrecoverable time.

I guess it is a too much of an ask to have some kind of tracking system and home office can atleast demonstrate a genuine attempt to show some transparency in their system, but giving a "service".

rndm57 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 09, 2020 12:07 pm

rndm57 wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 22, 2020 8:34 pm

Applied on the 4th of April, and finally got an IDV app invite today around 6pm. Submitted everything and waiting for results now. Good luck everyone.

Update: Just got an email that application was successful. Phew. ILR Tier 2 5 years. Only did biometric submission via IDV app, did not email anyone or escalate anything.

Hope all March/April applicants get their results soon. This definitely was too long and stressful process.

Congratulations Wow ...We applied same day 04/04/20 and idv same day as well. Fingers crossed