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

Hi all... long time lurker on this board through an initial Tier 2 (General) extension and now ILR Set (O) application. Thought it would be helpful to others to see my situation as I know I have been very stressed for the last month or so because of the IDV app option. I will also post my timeline in the correct thread...

Applied for ILR in mid-July through my company's immigration lawyers (actual Tier 2 visa doesn't expire until March 2021). I know all cases are a bit different but according to my lawyer mine was very straight forward.

Life in the UK test wasn't done until August 1 due to difficulty getting an appointment.
Received email from UKVCAS explaining the IDV app on August 6 and decided to opt in to the app and NOT book an in person appointment.
I then received an invite to use the IDV app on August 29. I uploaded details via the app on September 1st. It was a bit tricky figuring out the photo and liveliness check... and frustrating to get no confirmation that it had been uploaded or received properly.

Then the waiting game began and checking in with other going through the same situation. Some work travel had to be cancelled and no updates regarding decisions just from the IDV app which made me very anxious. In the end based on the great advice from this members on this forum, I went ahead a booked a free biometrics appointment at Croydon for the week of October 5... no harm in trying to do a dual submission.

Luckily I received a notification this morning that my application had been successful!! It actually came through to my lawyer on Sunday 27 September (in the morning) so helpful to know emails are going out on the weekend.

Anyway whether or not me booking an in person appointment made a difference...I don't know... but from a July application, I got a decision from just the IDV app in just under 4 weeks from using it. (September 1 to 27). I hope this helps some others on this board... stay positive!

Vasanthram prakasam wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 7:45 am

My case is very much similar. Submitted my biometrics on idv 3weeks back and no response. So decided to book an appointment and enrolled it on 25/sep.
However my father is very very sick (in India) and I need to travel within this week.

Could anyone confirm the right person to escalate my case as I'm really worried about my father's condition.
I'm bit nervous about withdrawing my application though.,

Along with the email address’s advised by other members, try sending a recorded delivery to the following address.

Tier 2 General ILR
UK Visas and Immigration
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
S3 8WA

Write a cover letter, mention your Case ID. Add evidence, medical reports proving urgency. Hope your father gets well soon.

Guys ,, i just have been messaging with different thought / panic / anxiety
BUT i just got my approval ( Thanks to Almighty)

My application was complicated different route not ILR but yea

Timeline
June 4, FLR(M) Application
29 July Varied Application to T1 Ext,
03 Aug Delay email
07 aug email for biometric reuse (did not used IDV)
16th Sept in person biometrics
26th Sept decision Approval ( informed by solicitor when i finished writing the above post today)

Many thanks everyone, this forum gives a comfort and knowledge to everyone waiting
Keep it rolling,

Callinun you are a champ bro, and all those who have contributed are superstars.

Congratulations Guggi

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 9:54 am

Vasanthram prakasam wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 7:45 am

My case is very much similar. Submitted my biometrics on idv 3weeks back and no response. So decided to book an appointment and enrolled it on 25/sep.
However my father is very very sick (in India) and I need to travel within this week.

Could anyone confirm the right person to escalate my case as I'm really worried about my father's condition.
I'm bit nervous about withdrawing my application though.,

Along with the email address’s advised by other members, try sending a recorded delivery to the following address.

Tier 2 General ILR
UK Visas and Immigration
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
S3 8WA

Write a cover letter, mention your Case ID. Add evidence, medical reports proving urgency. Hope your father gets well soon.

We urge people not to use the numbers and the address provided to escalate their case unless they really have an emergency, so people who really need quick/immediate decision like Vasanthram prakasam can benefit from the service. Many thanks. Hoping for speedy recovery for your father

@Ameline

Thanks.

Also, if anyone would be misusing the escalation process, it may annoy the CW.

Plus escalation is not a guarantee that you will get a quicker decision, one should have very strong evidence.

Having said that, I have seen cases with medical emergencies and still not getting quicker decisions even after escalation. Its purely CW discretion.

Hello,

Anyone in this group who applied in first week of August and submitted biometrics with IDV app only got their result ? I am unable to book in-person appointment as its being handled by my company's law firm. So, getting very anxious. Any information/guidance is much appreciated. Anyone having some idea on decision timelines for similar case as mine - SET(O) Tier 2 General 5 years, single individual ?

Thank you.

indgirlinglasgow05 wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 10:19 am

Hello,

Anyone in this group who applied in first week of August and submitted biometrics with IDV app only got their result ? I am unable to book in-person appointment as its being handled by my company's law firm. So, getting very anxious. Any information/guidance is much appreciated. Anyone having some idea on decision timelines for similar case as mine - SET(O) Tier 2 General 5 years, single individual ?

Thank you.

Hi,

The thread given below may help getting an idea about timelines:

indefinite-leave-to-remain/ilr-timeline ... -1580.html

Thanks.

indgirlinglasgow05 wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 10:19 am

Hello,

Anyone in this group who applied in first week of August and submitted biometrics with IDV app only got their result ? I am unable to book in-person appointment as its being handled by my company's law firm. So, getting very anxious. Any information/guidance is much appreciated. Anyone having some idea on decision timelines for similar case as mine - SET(O) Tier 2 General 5 years, single individual ?

Thank you.

I applied in June 12th for Set (O) Tier 2 general 5 years with a dependent through a solicitor. I submitted my selfie on 9th September and didn't attend any in-person appointment. Still waiting for update.

I am seeing late Aug and mid September IDV app biometrics submissions have been getting their responses. This week or the next I am hopeful to get decision as well.

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 9:58 am

Congratulations Guggi

Many thanks for all the support and guidance,
Waiting to hear good news from your side as well
Praying for you like many others and i know will have a smooth decision very soon Callinan

Guggi wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:28 am

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 9:58 am

Congratulations Guggi

Many thanks for all the support and guidance,
Waiting to hear good news from your side as well
Praying for you like many others and i know will have a smooth decision very soon Callinan

Thank you

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:29 am

Guggi wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:28 am

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 9:58 am

Congratulations Guggi

Many thanks for all the support and guidance,
Waiting to hear good news from your side as well
Praying for you like many others and i know will have a smooth decision very soon Callinan

Thank you

Just a quick question, if i varied my application how long does it take for refund

It has been more than 3 weeks since I submitted my biometrics and have not heard anything back from UKVI except the Delay Notice email. I had a weird chat with UKVCAS on twitter today to confirm they have submitted my biometrics to UKVI or not.

I have asked why the dual submission are getting faster decision but not the IDV app applicants. The simple replied from UKVAS was please don't do the dual submission.

I have contacted my MP and asked her if she can get an update. Seriously, Now I am getting frustrated as my case is pretty straightforward.

Guggi wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:37 am

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:29 am

Guggi wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:28 am

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 9:58 am

Congratulations Guggi

Many thanks for all the support and guidance,
Waiting to hear good news from your side as well
Praying for you like many others and i know will have a smooth decision very soon Callinan

Thank you

Just a quick question, if i varied my application how long does it take for refund

You should get within few weeks.

klownking wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:37 am

It has been more than 3 weeks since I submitted my biometrics and have not heard anything back from UKVI except the Delay Notice email. I had a weird chat with UKVCAS on twitter today to confirm they have submitted my biometrics to UKVI or not.

I have asked why the dual submission are getting faster decision but not the IDV app applicants. The simple replied from UKVAS was please don't do the dual submission.

I have contacted my MP and asked her if she can get an update. Seriously, Now I am getting frustrated as my case is pretty straightforward.

Applicants have lost faith in IDV. No doubt dual submissions put more pressure on availability of appointments.. but many have done it successfully.. it does not work for everyone though...

Applied Set(O) on 23rd August, given In-person bio on 7th Sept as PBS Dependent.No updates yet. Any one in- same boat as PBS dependent with same timeline ?. I have not seen any PBS Dependent decisions recently.

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:41 am

klownking wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:37 am

It has been more than 3 weeks since I submitted my biometrics and have not heard anything back from UKVI except the Delay Notice email. I had a weird chat with UKVCAS on twitter today to confirm they have submitted my biometrics to UKVI or not.

I have asked why the dual submission are getting faster decision but not the IDV app applicants. The simple replied from UKVAS was please don't do the dual submission.

I have contacted my MP and asked her if she can get an update. Seriously, Now I am getting frustrated as my case is pretty straightforward.

Applicants have lost faith in IDV. No doubt dual submissions put more pressure on availability of appointments.. but many have done it successfully.. it does not work for everyone though...

Agreed. I don't like the idea to annoy the CW. So, I think I should wait for this week and then try to go for the process escalation.

Hi,
I have not posted before, but this forum has been useful, and I think my experience may be helpful with the "to dual submit or not to dual submit" question.

Application submitted: 4 August
Docs submitted: 10 August
IDV app biometric submission: around 5-6 September
Booked in-person appointment for dual submission: booked on 21 September, appointment was for 6 October
Received "application successful" email: 28 September (and therefore cancelled the in-person now)

I applied with one dependent (spouse), five year Tier-2, employed by the same university for all five years.
Thank you to those who maintain this useful community!

@scmscm

Congrats!! At least your experience confirms again that booking an appointment even after IDV will not halt the IDV decision...

gadag wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:42 am

Applied Set(O) on 23rd August, given In-person bio on 7th Sept as PBS Dependent.No updates yet. Any one in- same boat as PBS dependent with same timeline ?. I have not seen any PBS Dependent decisions recently.

I'm on the same boat as you. I submitted mine as PBS dependent just a couple days earlier than you, and biometrics on 10th Sept, nothing yet. It's worrying not because the number of days, it's more of that lots people get decision in just a couple of days but we heard nothing. I've seen 2 timelines for dependent applicants, one got decision 10days after submitting bio, the other got decision 21days after bio.

I have submitted my biometrics on the 5th of September and still waiting. I have been working for the same employer for the last 5 years. What a pathetic system they have.

TuM1010 wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 12:34 pm

gadag wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:42 am

Applied Set(O) on 23rd August, given In-person bio on 7th Sept as PBS Dependent.No updates yet. Any one in- same boat as PBS dependent with same timeline ?. I have not seen any PBS Dependent decisions recently.

I'm on the same boat as you. I submitted mine as PBS dependent just a couple days earlier than you, and biometrics on 10th Sept, nothing yet. It's worrying not because the number of days, it's more of that lots people get decision in just a couple of days but we heard nothing. I've seen 2 timelines for dependent applicants, one got decision 10days after submitting bio, the other got decision 21days after bio.

Please stop complaining. There are people waiting for months as well and have as straightforward application as you. The approval will come - no need to stress unless you have an urgent travel need.

Here is my ridiculous story, hope Mod and Guru can give some advice:

So in early Jul which is 3m before being qualified for ILR, I misplaced my BRP so I panicked and reported lost and applied for replacement (which I later found it but its too late as the validity has been cancelled after I reported to HO). This was during the UKVCAS Biometric fiasco so I have been following this forum and undergoing the same journey with everyone else, ending up in being trapped in UK for the whole summer holiday. Then finally the IDV/Appt email came in early Aug and I was torn between 2 options like everyone else as info about IDV was so limited at that time, but given the fact that summer holiday time has gone and I would be applying for ILR very soon, so I opted for IDV to see if the turn-around would be faster than appt so that I can make a better informed decision for ILR application. Then the IDV invite came at the end of Aug, submitted on same day and it has been exactly 1 month, no response at all although my application is the most straightforward and I have seen other complicated categories like Tier 1 got responses before me. So after standard processing time passed (8 weeks for BRP replacement, how stupid), I rang to escalate and another 10 working days passed, UKVI emailed saying...they havent received my biometric submission although I have checked IDV apps which said I had finished all steps and if UKVI needed anything they would contact me. So my questions are:

- I will apply for ILR in a couple of days, is it worth following up with UKVI about this BRP replacement? I intend not to, as this is too much hassles and waiting and the IDV app is really bullshit
- If I dont, will it impact my ILR application? I will declare about this pending BRP replacement application in Set O form

Thanks alot to all people in this forum - My personal lesson learnt will be: Never go for IDV!

@fx125

Did you have a copy of your lost BRP? If yes, why did you apply for a replacement anyways? There was no need to apply for a replacement if you had a copy and you did not plan to travel.

If you have a copy of BRP, just apply for ILR and mention in the cover letter that you have applied for a replacement current BRP. No issues.

Also, now you will have to book an appointment anyways as IDV is the past.

Finally got email saying my application is successful.

I'm T2G switch, application dated 20th June, submitted facial image on 28th Aug. Went for Biometrics on 10th of Sep and got the decision today.

Thanks to all Moderators esp CULLINAN and other guys for all the valuable information.

rk90470 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 11, 2020 6:14 pm

M555 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 11, 2020 4:15 pm

damWills1984 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 11, 2020 2:40 pm

CULLINAN wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 11, 2020 12:53 pm

@KlownKing

For IDV: You have to take photo of your travel document i.e. passport not BRP.

Not sure this is 100% correct.
When I uploaded via IDV app yesterday, yes I used my passport.
But there are actually multiple options you can choose before taking the picture.
(1) Passport
(2) Home Office Travel Document
(3) BRP
and 4 more options.
So you could upload BRP as long as you select (3).

I also encountered the same confusion and selected and used BRP option. There was a bit long description before the abbreviation of BRP. I am afraid it is not the same Tier 2 or any other visa BRP. (It might be some type of BRP issued to stateless or other people with complex circumstances to enable them to travel without a passport- just a guess).
If someone can share the options available , it will be more clear and helpful. Someone who is granted access to the IDV app but has not submitted biometrics yet can do it.
I submitted via IDV app and submitted BRP as travel document on 04/09/2020. No communication from UKVI to resubmit biometrics yet. Still undecided to book face to face appointment.

Even I've done the same thing, uploaded my BRP as a travel document for the IDV App. I'm not sure how long HO will take to review my application n if they ask me to come for an appointment later, it'll be another never ending waiting drama.
So, I've attended the appointment yesterday and waiting for the decision. BTW, I'm T2G, application dated 20th June and submitted my facial image on 28th Aug 20 on IDV App.