eVisa and ILR - fee - biometrics FREE?

[jimmylau8080]

Hi

I hope I posted on the correct forum. I'd like to double-check on 'Switching from a paper document to a BRP'. If I had an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you can apply for a biometric residence permit (BRP). There is no fee for switching from a paper document to a BRP.

However, after I filled in the form, the website asked me to book and attend an appointment with UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) to provide my evidence and biometrics (fingerprints and facial photograph).

Why does a standard appointment cost £143? I thought this should be FREE.
https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence- ... e-visa-brp

Please help.

[meself2]

Why does a standard appointment cost £143? I thought this should be FREE.

The UKVI serivice of changing your NTL to BRP is indeed free.
But application with UKVCAS, the third party provider to handle biometrics, is a different story and not related to costs of your application (in this case).

I don't know if there are free appointments - it's a possibility, but I haven't used UKVCAS in the UK, so cannot say for sure.
From UKVCAS:
https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/flash-message- ... geId=56249

New appointments released each day 28 days in advance

Our booking calendar shows 4 weeks of appointments with a new date added each day. We offer a mix of free and chargeable appointments.

Currently, free appointments are released into our booking system at 09.00 and chargeable appointments are released at midnight

If you want to save money, you can try to catch a free appointment.

[chuey603]

I thought the same when I had to renew my BRP recently. Appointments in the near future have a cost (even though the BRP renewal itself was free). When I checked appointments a few weeks in the future, I could find a few free appointments but because I needed the renewal quicker, I couldn't afford to wait 3-4 weeks until my appointment so I ended up paying the fee to book a closer appointment. If you aren't in a rush, I suggest searching different locations and further into the future and hopefully you find free appointments.

Privatisation of services means they can charge what they want ...

[SMAK]

I have a similar question. It says this and this is available in 3 weeks' time (anything sooner is £143). But it is still not free - I mean it's non-chargeable but charged?!

Select an Express appointment to have your biometrics taken and supporting information captured within 30 minutes of your appointment starting.

Appointments priced at £85 include a non chargeable appointment plus the express appointment charge only.

[lolo2]

Biometrics appointments can be found both for free and paid.

It's usually very difficult to find free appointments in the next immediate days when we do the search, this has been the case for years. It's not impossible though, free appointments are released daily at 9:00 am, that's specified on the UKVCAS website. Also the search can be done at other nearby UKVCAS centres - if available - that might be less busy.

That's one of the reasons why we should plan accordingly. For example, in case of BRP-ILR renewals, the application/biometrics can be started six months prior the expiry date (the estimated processing time for a BRP renewal) to avoid being in a rush and spending more money.

[SMAK]

Yes, my BRP expires in December.

[SMAK]

Biometrics appointments can be found both for free and paid.

I have found a 'non-chargeable' appointment but it is still charged for express appointment, I don't know what that means.

[lolo2]

Yes, my BRP expires in December.

If your BRP expires in December you don't need to apply for another card. All BRP cards are valid until 31-12-2024 from when the new eVisa system should start.

I have found a 'non-chargeable' appointment but it is still charged for express appointment, I don't know what that means.

Express appointment or express service?

Free appointments are shown as £0, and once selected no need to pay anything. The "express" options usually mean paid.

[SMAK]

Thank you! Is the wait time in centre long please for a free appointment? I don't mind but I am just trying to plan whether to take husband and kids as it is a minimum of 30 miles away.

[SMAK]

If your BRP expires in December you don't need to apply for another card. All BRP cards are valid until 31-12-2024 from when the new eVisa system should start.

No, I am not applying for another BRP. I will register for an eVisa. This application is for citizenship which means hopefully I will have a passport instead?


Express appointment or express service?

Free appointments are shown as £0, and once selected no need to pay anything. The "express" options usually mean paid.
[/quote]

Thank you. Have found free appointments now.

[alterhase58]

Thank you! Is the wait time in centre long please for a free appointment? I don't mind but I am just trying to plan whether to take husband and kids as it is a minimum of 30 miles away.

Can't comment on waiting time at the centre, but note this information from https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/appointment-info:
"Only bring named applicants on the booked appointment with you. For any exceptions where one additional person may be permitted, see our FAQs"

[SMAK]

Thank you, yes, definitely not bringing them inside the centre but if it is a long wait, they might as well have a day out as it's far enough away. If it is a very quick appointment, I can do one after work as I work 60 miles away one day a week... I think we will go with the day out option!

[lolo2]

The appointments are usually very quick. You only spend a few minutes at the centre.

[jimmylau8080]

The appointments are usually very quick. You only spend a few minutes at the centre.

Thanks I managed to book a FREE one for today. Really limited