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

[amrotab123]

Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?

[zimba]

Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?

Nope they remain closed. Why don't you check their website ?!??
https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/flash-message- ... sageId=950

[amrotab123]

Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?

Nope they remain closed. Why don't you check their website ?!??
https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/flash-message- ... sageId=950

Thanks Zimba that wasn't really my question and clearly I'm checking their website which hasn't been updated since the closure. I'm not the only one who feels that all your replies tend to be a bit sarcastic and don't really address the question asked. Thank you for your useful moderation !!!!

[underfire222]

Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?

Hi Amro,

I hope that based on this phased unlock plan appointments should start by phase 2 planed for beginning of June. So hopefully if things stay in control we might go for our appointment in June.

Let’s watch and patiently wait

May I ask what was your submission date of your application ? I still have norms received any email from hone office asking for documents

[Imane]

Hi, Did anyone try to call them to see what’s next? I sent an email and it seems it will take ages before they send me the same automated message I have been receiving since all this started! I complained and I would encourage you all to do so. They should find solutions rather than doing nothing. So irresponsible!

[amrotab123]

Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?

Hi Amro,

I hope that based on this phased unlock plan appointments should start by phase 2 planed for beginning of June. So hopefully if things stay in control we might go for our appointment in June.

Let’s watch and patiently wait

May I ask what was your submission date of your application ? I still have norms received any email from hone office asking for documents

Hi My application Set(O) submission date was March 25th, my appointment was initially on March 30th (super priority/ premium lounge) . HO told me that they will ask for further documents if needed but we still need to wait for UKVCAS to reopen.

[t2momodu]

Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?

Hi Amro,

I hope that based on this phased unlock plan appointments should start by phase 2 planed for beginning of June. So hopefully if things stay in control we might go for our appointment in June.

Let’s watch and patiently wait

May I ask what was your submission date of your application ? I still have norms received any email from hone office asking for documents

Hi My application Set(O) submission date was March 25th, my appointment was initially on March 30th (super priority/ premium lounge) . HO told me that they will ask for further documents if needed but we still need to wait for UKVCAS to reopen.

I even submitted before you (on 23rd March with super priority service, set M) but it seems HO only contacted Set O applicants requesting for docs.

@underfire, look at the post "covid-19for life in the UK test" someone posted, couple of people posted that they rang the life in the auk helpline and their reps stated possible test can be taken mid may to early June. If that's the case I believe for those of us that has had our biometric apps rescheduled up to 4 times to June 15th might end up finally attending it.
At this time, I'm wondering if the HO will refund me my £800...just wishful thinking....

[zimba]

Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?

Nope they remain closed. Why don't you check their website ?!??
https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/flash-message- ... sageId=950

Thanks Zimba that wasn't really my question and clearly I'm checking their website which hasn't been updated since the closure. I'm not the only one who feels that all your replies tend to be a bit sarcastic and don't really address the question asked. Thank you for your useful moderation !!!!

If they did not update their website or updated the applicants, it means their centers remain closed. No one can predict what happens and when it happens, so your question was frivolous.

[lavinia85]

UKVI told me today on the phone that the latest info they had from UKVCAS was that the centres remain closed until lockdown is lifted.. Who knows when that is going to be? June earliest.. if lucky.

[underfire222]

Does the new measures released today indicate in any way that UKVCAS will reopen?

Hi Amro,

I hope that based on this phased unlock plan appointments should start by phase 2 planed for beginning of June. So hopefully if things stay in control we might go for our appointment in June.

Let’s watch and patiently wait

May I ask what was your submission date of your application ? I still have norms received any email from hone office asking for documents

Hi My application Set(O) submission date was March 25th, my appointment was initially on March 30th (super priority/ premium lounge) . HO told me that they will ask for further documents if needed but we still need to wait for UKVCAS to reopen.

I even submitted before you (on 23rd March with super priority service, set M) but it seems HO only contacted Set O applicants requesting for docs.

@underfire, look at the post "covid-19for life in the UK test" someone posted, couple of people posted that they rang the life in the auk helpline and their reps stated possible test can be taken mid may to early June. If that's the case I believe for those of us that has had our biometric apps rescheduled up to 4 times to June 15th might end up finally attending it.
At this time, I'm wondering if the HO will refund me my £800...just wishful thinking....

Hi,

My application is SET-O and my date of submission was 20/3 (super priority )yet I have not received any email from home office yet asking for documents. Not sure why...

I am worried about the reopening of the centers . If they keep waiting until lockdown is lifted completely rather than taking social distancing measures for opening then we will have to wait for a lot of further months

I really hope HO takes some measures to prevent that rather than rely on a private company.

As regards super priority fee u can ask for a refund if no decision is taken with in 24 hours of your biometrics appointment

[lavinia85]

Just saw one of the managing directors at Sopra Steria UK post this in response to a UKVCAS tagged tweet that was asking for appointments to resume:

Hi, we are working with The Home Office and will announce any changes in due course. Thanks for your patience.

[Sandeepshah]

HI All,

Someone able to attend their appointment in Sopra steria after 9-May-2020.? Appreciate your response on this.

Thanks
Mandeep

[zimba]

HI All,

Someone able to attend their appointment in Sopra steria after 9-May-2020.? Appreciate your response on this.

Thanks
Mandeep

Nope they remain closed until further notice. They contact everyone once they open the centres.
This is constantly being repeated in this thread
Check their website: https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/flash-message- ... sageId=950

[poornachandra]

I'd scheduled my biometrics appointment for 23rd April given the current situation with Covid-19. However, I've received an email from UKVCAS today stating all activities at UKVCAS/Sopra Steria are suspended and my appointment will have to be rescehduled and no action needed that the appointment will be automatically rescheduled upto 6 weeks ahead of the original appointment date and to keep logging in and checking the website for rescheduled appointment or look for when appointments are activated and re-book.

I logged in and saw my current appointment for 23rd April is still intact but if activities are suspended, then have to reschedule.

Long delay indeed.

Spikky.

HI,

We in same situation with our appointment of 17-April standing cancelled.
Did you get any new appointment dates or any advise on when they intend to reopen & start appointments.

[spikky]

Update! I've received a letter this afternoon over email from WandSContingencyCaseworkDocumentReturn@homeoffice.gov.uk

Excerpts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in relation to the application you have submitted for indefinite leave to remain under <Category of leave> in the United Kingdom under application reference number xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx

Unfortunately, due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and the latest government advice, for the safety of our customers and our staff, we have suspended the UKVCAS service locations where you would ordinarily take your documents to be scanned in support of your application along with submitting your biometric details.

We are keen for this disruption to have a minimal impact on our processing times and as such we are asking that you send us scanned copies of the following documents: -
<List of documents>

To the e-mail address WandSContingencyCaseworkDocumentReturn@homeoffice.gov.uk where we will be able to process your application to the next stage of our assessment which will minimise delays to your application caused by these extraordinary circumstances.

If you are unable to provide the requested documents due to the current situation, please reply to the above e-mail address. This will not adversely affect your application.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My biometric appointment is scheduled for 9th July. It is unclear from this email any action with regards to submitting biometrics.

However, I am sending across all my documents to that email address as requested.

Has anyone received similar email?

Spikky

[cracker1234]

@spikky, We have also received the same letter for my dependents. Have you already sent all the documents or we can send later this week too ?

[spikky]

@spikky, We have also received the same letter for my dependents. Have you already sent all the documents or we can send later this week too ?

I had uploaded most of my document to UKVCAS website with a few pending. Now I am just collating and sending to that email address. My aim is to send on or before Friday 22nd May this week. I can send it tomorrow as well but want to check all collated PDFs, due diligence and all. I suppose you can send whenever you're ready.

[underfire222]

Update! I've received a letter this afternoon over email from WandSContingencyCaseworkDocumentReturn@homeoffice.gov.uk

Excerpts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in relation to the application you have submitted for indefinite leave to remain under <Category of leave> in the United Kingdom under application reference number xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx

Unfortunately, due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and the latest government advice, for the safety of our customers and our staff, we have suspended the UKVCAS service locations where you would ordinarily take your documents to be scanned in support of your application along with submitting your biometric details.

We are keen for this disruption to have a minimal impact on our processing times and as such we are asking that you send us scanned copies of the following documents: -
<List of documents>

To the e-mail address WandSContingencyCaseworkDocumentReturn@homeoffice.gov.uk where we will be able to process your application to the next stage of our assessment which will minimise delays to your application caused by these extraordinary circumstances.

If you are unable to provide the requested documents due to the current situation, please reply to the above e-mail address. This will not adversely affect your application.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My biometric appointment is scheduled for 9th July. It is unclear from this email any action with regards to submitting biometrics.

However, I am sending across all my documents to that email address as requested.

Has anyone received similar email?

Spikky

Hi Spikky,

Thanks for the update.

May I please ask you when was the date of submission of your ILR Application and where is your visa Centre booked. Also when does your current tier2 visa expire?

I have submitted my visa application on 20/3 and my delayed biometrics appointment is on 24/6 in croydon. My visa expires in feb 21 . I have not yet received any correspondence yet from home office and I’m trying to find out why not?

Has anyone else not received any emails too for ILR ?

Thanks

[spikky]

Update 2! A couple of hours after the first email, I received another email
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear XYZ

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

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

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


In line with Government advice on essential travel, social distancing and other restrictions related to COVID-19, for the safety of our customers and our staff, the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) locations where you would ordinarily submit your biometric details and provide any documents for scanning that you have not already uploaded yourself, are currently closed.


As your application was submitted prior to your current grant of leave expiring, your current status within the United Kingdom has been extended by section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. You do not need to do anything else at this stage and do not need to be concerned about your immigration status.

If you have applied to switch your status in respect of your employment or studies then please refer to the guidance on Gov.UK https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... -residents as you should be permitted to commence work / study prior to your application being decided, should you meet the conditions set out in the guidance.

We apologise for the delay in dealing with your application and for the inconvenience this is causing. Please be assured we will do all we can to make a decision on your case as quickly as possible once our UKVCAS service locations reopen.


We appreciate your patience at this time.


Regards


Work Non Sponsored Team 2

Visas & Citizenship Operations – Work & Study

UK Visas and Immigration
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although from Home Office, this email came from Non Sponsored Team 2 while the earlier one was from W & S Contingency Casework Document Return team. Both referenced my application reference number in subject line and both from home office gov.uk email.

I am applying after 5 years on Tier 1 E 50k route, not Tier 2.

I applied online on 22nd March. My appointment for biometrics on UKVCAS is scheduled for 9th July (if the centres re-open!) in Croydon, South London.

I've collated all my documents and scanned any pending ones and am ready to submit to the W & S Contingency Casework Document Return team but I'll sit on it for a day or 2 to go through and most likely submit on Friday.

Cheers,

Spikky

[underfire222]

This is really depressing !

So that means that potentially a decision can take more than 6 months from the day you attend your appointment at UKVCAS??!!!

I understand that on section 3C you remain on your same visa regulations until a decision for ILR is taken. Inlight of these significant delays which can take many many months now , if not years... if some one goes on 3C and wants to change jobs how can that be done?
What if you need to travel out of UK??

[spikky]

Umm not sure as the first email from W & S Contingency Caseworker Document Return Team requested documents be sent over email so it can move to next stage of assessment. I think the decision will be made based on the documents and specifics of the case and biometrics, regardless when it is submitted, will be an independent step in that assessment, is what I concur. I could be wrong though!

Spikky

[cracker1234]

Update 2! A couple of hours after the first email, I received another email
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear XYZ

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

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

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


In line with Government advice on essential travel, social distancing and other restrictions related to COVID-19, for the safety of our customers and our staff, the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) locations where you would ordinarily submit your biometric details and provide any documents for scanning that you have not already uploaded yourself, are currently closed.


As your application was submitted prior to your current grant of leave expiring, your current status within the United Kingdom has been extended by section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. You do not need to do anything else at this stage and do not need to be concerned about your immigration status.

If you have applied to switch your status in respect of your employment or studies then please refer to the guidance on Gov.UK https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... -residents as you should be permitted to commence work / study prior to your application being decided, should you meet the conditions set out in the guidance.

We apologise for the delay in dealing with your application and for the inconvenience this is causing. Please be assured we will do all we can to make a decision on your case as quickly as possible once our UKVCAS service locations reopen.


We appreciate your patience at this time.


Regards


Work Non Sponsored Team 2

Visas & Citizenship Operations – Work & Study

UK Visas and Immigration
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although from Home Office, this email came from Non Sponsored Team 2 while the earlier one was from W & S Contingency Casework Document Return team. Both referenced my application reference number in subject line and both from home office gov.uk email.

I am applying after 5 years on Tier 1 E 50k route, not Tier 2.

I applied online on 22nd March. My appointment for biometrics on UKVCAS is scheduled for 9th July (if the centres re-open!) in Croydon, South London.

I've collated all my documents and scanned any pending ones and am ready to submit to the W & S Contingency Casework Document Return team but I'll sit on it for a day or 2 to go through and most likely submit on Friday.

Cheers,

Spikky

It's quite interesting. Unlike you, we have received this email first and the other one after a couple of hours or 3 . Did you try to reach them if there is any direct number we can contact to discuss on this ?

[keskinta]

This is really depressing !

So that means that potentially a decision can take more than 6 months from the day you attend your appointment at UKVCAS??!!!

I understand that on section 3C you remain on your same visa regulations until a decision for ILR is taken. Inlight of these significant delays which can take many many months now , if not years... if some one goes on 3C and wants to change jobs how can that be done?
What if you need to travel out of UK??

its depressing af, Ive applied for BRP RC in 12th of december and still waiting for a response, more then 6 months now.

[cracker1234]

@Spikky,
Which documents did they request you to send ?

For us, the following are requested :

1. Evidence of current cohabitation e.g. joint bank statements, joint utility bills or a recent document confirming address for yourself and your sponsor
2. English language - overseas degree and NARIC report, or confirmation if you have sat an approved English Language test prior to 21st March 2020 and if so provide the reference number
3. Confirmation if you have sat a Life in the UK test prior to 21st March 2020 and if so provide the test reference number
4. List of absences from the United Kingdom (if your previous PBS dependant application was made after 11 January 2018)
5. Police Registration Certificate (If you were asked to register with the police on your previous grant of leave) 

1. Dependant Child (under 16) Full birth certificate (if this is your first UK visa application) 

Not sure why they are not asking for passports and brps ? what about you ?

[zimba]

Please refrain from discussing your application queries in this post.
This is ONLY for discussion on COVID19 and UKVCAS appointment issues