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

[Kkhan1119]

Hi everyone
I thought I should give you this update maybe it will help put some minds to rest as I received an email from UKVCAS about a new IDV app for people who have been told about biometric reuse.Exact wordings are as follow:
"The IDV app lets you submit application information to UKVI without having to book or attend an appointment with UKVCAS. This new, free to use, way of submitting information to UKVI will involve you taking a photo of yourself and uploading supporting information onto your mobile device. The IDV app is quick and easy to use and works on most Android and iPhones."
Please note my application is FLR(M).
Best

[CULLINAN]

Hi everyone
I thought I should give you this update maybe it will help put some minds to rest as I received an email from UKVCAS about a new IDV app for people who have been told about biometric reuse.Exact wordings are as follow:
"The IDV app lets you submit application information to UKVI without having to book or attend an appointment with UKVCAS. This new, free to use, way of submitting information to UKVI will involve you taking a photo of yourself and uploading supporting information onto your mobile device. The IDV app is quick and easy to use and works on most Android and iPhones."
Please note my application is FLR(M).
Best

Great news! But did they ask you to submit the photo now or any timeline when this will be rolled out??

[AnILRApplicant]

Hi everyone
I thought I should give you this update maybe it will help put some minds to rest as I received an email from UKVCAS about a new IDV app for people who have been told about biometric reuse.Exact wordings are as follow:
"The IDV app lets you submit application information to UKVI without having to book or attend an appointment with UKVCAS. This new, free to use, way of submitting information to UKVI will involve you taking a photo of yourself and uploading supporting information onto your mobile device. The IDV app is quick and easy to use and works on most Android and iPhones."
Please note my application is FLR(M).
Best

When did you receive this? What prompted this email? Was it in response to an enquiry or was it sent to you as part of emailing those slated for reuse ?

How are you meant to download this?

[CULLINAN]

Someone just posted this in the Brtish Citzienship forum. That confirms the news!!
Quote from user: gk642

“ To allow biometrics to be reused for some customers, UKVI and UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) have worked together to develop a way to submit facial images using a new UKVCAS Identity Verification app (referred to below as IDV app).

The IDV app lets you submit application information to UKVI without having to book or attend an appointment with UKVCAS. This new, free to use, way of submitting information to UKVI will involve you taking a photo of yourself and uploading supporting information onto your mobile device. The IDV app is quick and easy to use and works on most Android and iPhones.

When will the IDV app be available?

Rollout of the IDV app will take place in phases, beginning in August. We will invite eligible customers to use the new IDV app rather than require you to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point.

UKVI have identified that you are eligible to use the IDV app, as UKVI can use biometrics you have previously provided.”

[Kkhan1119]

Hi
I am sorry I didn't mentioned the whole email in my last post so you maybe got confused and I am having trouble replying to everyone individually so below is the whole email I received:

"We recently wrote to tell you that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is changing the way it processes applications in response to COVID-19. For some customers, this involves reusing biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) that have been recorded in a previous application as part of the process to verify your identity, consider your application and/or produce a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

To allow biometrics to be reused for some customers, UKVI and UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) have worked together to develop a way to submit facial images using a new UKVCAS Identity Verification app (referred to below as IDV app).

The IDV app lets you submit application information to UKVI without having to book or attend an appointment with UKVCAS. This new, free to use, way of submitting information to UKVI will involve you taking a photo of yourself and uploading supporting information onto your mobile device. The IDV app is quick and easy to use and works on most Android and iPhones.

When will the IDV app be available?

Rollout of the IDV app will take place in phases, beginning in August. We will invite eligible customers to use the new IDV app rather than require you to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point.

UKVI have identified that you are eligible to use the IDV app, as UKVI can use biometrics you have previously provided.

Please be reassured that your immigration status remains unaffected whilst your application is in progress.

What does this mean for me?
For most customers, using the IDV app means you will not have to attend an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point.

An invitation will be sent for you to use the new IDV app within the next few weeks, with further details about how to the use IDV app and the next steps.
What do I need to do next?
If you are happy to use the IDV app, you don’t need to do anything. We will be in touch within the next few weeks to invite you to use the new IDV app.
What if I want to book an appointment and not use the IDV app?
See Questions and Answers below
What if I need an outcome on my application due to compassionate or emergency reasons?
Please contact UKVI for further information here.
Please note, your immigration status will not be affected in the meantime. If you do not have a passport or a travel document, please contact UKVI for further advice.

If you need further information, please see Questions and Answers below.

Kind regards,

UKVCAS"

I hope that will help you guys.
Best of luck everyone.
Regards

[AnILRApplicant]

Groan. The phrased “phased rollout beginning in August” is a really vague statement.

Another “few weeks” email. Got it

[atao]

Hi
I am sorry I didn't mentioned the whole email in my last post so you maybe got confused and I am having trouble replying to everyone individually so below is the whole email I received:

"We recently wrote to tell you that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is changing the way it processes applications in response to COVID-19. For some customers, this involves reusing biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) that have been recorded in a previous application as part of the process to verify your identity, consider your application and/or produce a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

To allow biometrics to be reused for some customers, UKVI and UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) have worked together to develop a way to submit facial images using a new UKVCAS Identity Verification app (referred to below as IDV app).

The IDV app lets you submit application information to UKVI without having to book or attend an appointment with UKVCAS. This new, free to use, way of submitting information to UKVI will involve you taking a photo of yourself and uploading supporting information onto your mobile device. The IDV app is quick and easy to use and works on most Android and iPhones.

When will the IDV app be available?

Rollout of the IDV app will take place in phases, beginning in August. We will invite eligible customers to use the new IDV app rather than require you to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point.

UKVI have identified that you are eligible to use the IDV app, as UKVI can use biometrics you have previously provided.

Please be reassured that your immigration status remains unaffected whilst your application is in progress.

What does this mean for me?
For most customers, using the IDV app means you will not have to attend an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point.

An invitation will be sent for you to use the new IDV app within the next few weeks, with further details about how to the use IDV app and the next steps.
What do I need to do next?
If you are happy to use the IDV app, you don’t need to do anything. We will be in touch within the next few weeks to invite you to use the new IDV app.
What if I want to book an appointment and not use the IDV app?
See Questions and Answers below
What if I need an outcome on my application due to compassionate or emergency reasons?
Please contact UKVI for further information here.
Please note, your immigration status will not be affected in the meantime. If you do not have a passport or a travel document, please contact UKVI for further advice.

If you need further information, please see Questions and Answers below.

Kind regards,

UKVCAS"

I hope that will help you guys.
Best of luck everyone.
Regards

Next few weeks again... September? October?

[CULLINAN]

Groan. The phrased “phased rollout beginning in August” is a really vague statement.

Another “few weeks” email. Got it

Both members who reported this news (one in ILR forum and one in BC forum), applied in Late March/early April. Seems like everyone will receive this email in due course and then the wait begins for phased roll outs starting all the way March pre-lockdown!!

[tbp]

I also received an email from UKVCAS regarding biometric reuse.

I am copying it here.
THE SUBJECT LINE IS: UKVCAS Biometric reuse update

If you have received this message on behalf of the lead applicant, please ensure they are informed immediately.

We recently wrote to tell you that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is changing the way it processes applications in response to COVID-19. For some customers, this involves reusing biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) that have been recorded in a previous application as part of the process to verify your identity, consider your application and/or produce a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

To allow biometrics to be reused for some customers, UKVI and UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) have worked together to develop a way to submit facial images using a new UKVCAS Identity Verification app (referred to below as IDV app).

The IDV app lets you submit application information to UKVI without having to book or attend an appointment with UKVCAS. This new, free to use, way of submitting information to UKVI will involve you taking a photo of yourself and uploading supporting information onto your mobile device. The IDV app is quick and easy to use and works on most Android and iPhones.

When will the IDV app be available?

Rollout of the IDV app will take place in phases, beginning in August. We will invite eligible customers to use the new IDV app rather than require you to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point.

UKVI have identified that you are eligible to use the IDV app, as UKVI can use biometrics you have previously provided.

Please be reassured that your immigration status remains unaffected whilst your application is in progress.

What does this mean for me?

For most customers, using the IDV app means you will not have to attend an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point.

An invitation will be sent for you to use the new IDV app within the next few weeks, with further details about how to the use IDV app and the next steps.

What do I need to do next?
If you are happy to use the IDV app, you don’t need to do anything. We will be in touch within the next few weeks to invite you to use the new IDV app.

What if I want to book an appointment and not use the IDV app?
See Questions and Answers below

What if I need an outcome on my application due to compassionate or emergency reasons?
Please contact UKVI for further information here.
https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk

Please note, your immigration status will not be affected in the meantime. If you do not have a passport or a travel document, please contact UKVI for further advice.

If you need further information, please see Questions and Answers below.

Kind regards,

UKVCAS

Please note that we will never send an email to ask you to provide payment details.

This email address is not monitored. If your question is not answered above, please check our website.

Questions and Answers


What if I can’t download the IDV app on my phone?
If you are unable to use the new IDV app, you will be able to book an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point.

What if I want to book an appointment and not use the IDV app?
The key advantage of the IDV app is you don’t have to attend an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point. If you urgently need a decision about your application, (for example because you need to travel outside of the UK), the option to book an appointment is still available. See next steps below.

Note: If you are part of a group, applicants must either ALL use the IDV app or ALL book an appointment.


Here are the steps to follow:
Send UKVCAS an email from your UKVCAS registered email address to admin.ukvas@soprasteria.com by Friday 7 August.

Include the words ‘OPT OUT’ and your 16-digit Unique Application Number(UAN) as the subject line.

In the email, state your name (and the names of other applicants in your group if applicable) and that you want to opt out of the IDV app.

If you opt out on or up to 7 August 2020, UKVCAS will send you an email during week commencing 10 August 2020 inviting you to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point.

[CULLINAN]

@tbp

Thanks for sharing the full text. Good at least one gets an opt-out option, but if opted out, how quickly one gets an appointment invitation is another question?? Week commencing 10th August? What if everyone opts out?

[AnILRApplicant]

I doubt people who opt out will be at advantage over those who don’t. I reckon the app will be released that week too - making the opt out inconsequential.

[GondalUK]

>> Rollout of the IDV app will take place in phases, beginning in August.

Good to see some update on Biometric reuse. However, the referenced "IDV app" will be software application that can be accessed and used by people from day one, not sure why they are going to rollout in phases. Another waiting game.

[GondalUK]

>> The key advantage of the IDV app is you don’t have to attend an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point.
>> If you urgently need a decision about your application, (for example because you need to travel outside of the UK), the option to book an appointment is still available. See next steps below.

Another non-sense, the IDV app is supposed to make things faster as compared to manual appointments when that app is rolled out and fully functional.

They seems to have added this text to encourage people to opt out and book an appointment where they may earn some money by offering premium high cost appointments. As according to my information so far, these appointments from UKVCAS are not helpful in having decision quickly, it's under UKVI control to make decision quickly.

[CULLINAN]

>> The key advantage of the IDV app is you don’t have to attend an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point.
>> If you urgently need a decision about your application, (for example because you need to travel outside of the UK), the option to book an appointment is still available. See next steps below.

Another non-sense, the IDV app is supposed to make things faster as compared to manual appointments when that app is rolled out and fully functional.

They seems to have added this text to encourage people to opt out and book an appointment where they may earn some money by offering premium high cost appointments. As according to my information so far, these appointments from UKVCAS are not helpful in having decision quickly, it's under UKVI control to make decision quickly.

And still unclear if you opt out and fall back in the queue

[Yaz069]

Hey Ladies and Gents,

I am a new user and this article been really interesting.

I’ve got the exact same email about about biometric reuse (photo and finger print) I’ve applied on 1st of April 2020 for ILR.

I’ve submitted my biometrics to HO in 2013.

[Thomas_84]

Comment - They could be home, upload their images and all done. Approved.

Reply - Hi, it is not easy as it seems. I have got the email regarding the biometric re-use policy 1 month back & I am still anxiously waiting. I may even lose my new job offer due to this delay in this new visa process. I even called UKVI contact centre & asked whether they can change my biometric re-use policy to direct appointment policy. I got a reply that it was impossible. This online facial image submission method is a new method which may take quite some time to be developed. My friend who booked online appointment directly went & finished the process. But I am still waiting.

Regards,
Thomas,
Preston, UK

[dsharma7]

I applied on 8th April but haven’t received such email. I believe only the people who applied before that date have received it. Please let us know if anyone who applied after 8th April has received it.

Thanks

[a_london1]

I applied on 8th April but haven’t received such email. I believe only the people who applied before that date have received it. Please let us know if anyone who applied after 8th April has received it.

Thanks

I applied in late May and received this email about an hour ago too.

[ap1410]

>> The key advantage of the IDV app is you don’t have to attend an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point.
>> If you urgently need a decision about your application, (for example because you need to travel outside of the UK), the option to book an appointment is still available. See next steps below.

Another non-sense, the IDV app is supposed to make things faster as compared to manual appointments when that app is rolled out and fully functional.

They seems to have added this text to encourage people to opt out and book an appointment where they may earn some money by offering premium high cost appointments. As according to my information so far, these appointments from UKVCAS are not helpful in having decision quickly, it's under UKVI control to make decision quickly.

And still unclear if you opt out and fall back in the queue

Also can you opt out and if you dont see appointments any sooner or resonably priced , can you opt back in ?

[Baydaar]

I recieved this new email about IDV App.late night, I applied on 25th of june, in my opinion this email created more confusion, now I am double minded wether to opt out or wait for things to more clear, confusion every where.

[AnILRApplicant]

Any July applicants with this email?

[Kumar11]

So far no news for July applicants . Hopefully they open it up next week .

[nddinar]

Hi,
I have applied in early may and in biometric reuse pool.
I have not received any emails yet regarding app.

Anyone in May still waiting for emails or it is only me

[AnILRApplicant]

So far no news for July applicants . Hopefully they open it up next week .

I’ve seen some people say they got reuse email as soon as they applied in July. I didn’t get that but I applied in the 2nd, right before they announced reuse

[Paul99]

So far no news for July applicants . Hopefully they open it up next week .

I’ve seen some people say they got reuse email as soon as they applied in July. I didn’t get that but I applied in the 2nd, right before they announced reuse

Hi,Where did you see ,in this forum ?