Today I successfully received my FLR(m) renewal using the new UKVCAS super premium appointment services from within the UK. I found the experience kind of stressful due to the lack of information available about the new process, so I wanted to share my experiences. I believe this process is the same for all applying at a UKVCAS centre from within the UK, regardless of visa.
After paying for my visa, I could then select an appointment. Right now, not all centers are open yet, but the one in Manchester was available (where I live). There were plenty of appointments, with the closest about a week away. Appointments early in the morning or on the weekend were an extra £100 fee, but there were plenty of free appointments.
After the appointment, you can upload all of your documents ahead of time online. I paid £35 extra for a new document checking service, which meant I had to have things all online two days before the appointment. I got an email at 9:00 pm the night before my appointment to say all was fine. But my appointment was in the morning, so not sure what I would have done if I didn’t have the right things? The document check also wasn’t terribly comprehensive - it basically made sure you had the required things in terms of quantity and that they were uploaded in the right sections online. It did not review whether the documents were the right things items in terms of quality. It did make me feel better though to hear things looked fine...
I fully uploaded everything before arriving. It did seem you could have them scan some things there, but they were rather crabby about it and it seemed most people had done everything ahead of time.
You must print the appointment confirmation pdf they email you. That gets scanned on arrival for the appointment and at each step of the process. They were very strict about appointment times and turned people away for being even a little bit early. My partner (British) came with me, but was told he couldn’t come in.
At the appointment, you go through three phases.
1) Scan appointment and passport for check in
2) Go to a biometric kiosk for fingerprints and photo, which you do yourself
3) Check your biometrics uploaded fine and scan your passport more
And that’s it. No one looked at any of my documents at all (although email says you should bring them). It was over in 10-15 minutes.
I paid for the super premium 24-hour service. My appointment was at 10:00 and I heard back news of a successful application around 4:00. The email says I will receive an official decision letter and BRP “in due time”.
Hopefully that helps give some clarity for others
. Best of luck on your applications!
