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

[BlackFiresong]

Every case is decided on its own merit. Super priority is not a guarantee even in normal circumstances. Stay positive and patient, you will hear soon.

Best of Luck. I know how stressful it can be.
Hopefully you will hear good news this week. Keep us updated and I would suggest you ask for a refund to your super priority fee when you get a decision

Thank you both. I really hope I hear soon. I do meet all the requirements, so there shouldn't be any reason (that I can think of) for delay or denial, but the waiting is awful. I will definitely be applying for a refund of my super priority fee at a later point, as they have not fulfilled that service for me. I've been trying to find out if they have been honouring priority and super priority turnaround times in general (so I can figure out whether they are generally delayed or it's just me).

I don't really understand what's going on with the HO at the moment - are they understaffed? Is there backlog? If there is backlog, how can there be backlog? They've had 2.5 months with zero new cases coming in during which they could have cleared all pending cases for which biometrics were lodged before the lockdown. And we're only on Phase 1 of the reopening of the Sopra Steria centres, so the volume of new biometrics coming in is a lot lower than what they normally deal with. So I just don't understand why they should be delayed...

After how long a delay do you think it would be reasonable to write to the HO and ask them what's going on with my application?

[CR001]

Every case is decided on its own merit. Super priority is not a guarantee even in normal circumstances. Stay positive and patient, you will hear soon.

Best of Luck. I know how stressful it can be.
Hopefully you will hear good news this week. Keep us updated and I would suggest you ask for a refund to your super priority fee when you get a decision

Thank you both. I really hope I hear soon. I do meet all the requirements, so there shouldn't be any reason (that I can think of) for delay or denial, but the waiting is awful. I will definitely be applying for a refund of my super priority fee at a later point, as they have not fulfilled that service for me. I've been trying to find out if they have been honouring priority and super priority turnaround times in general (so I can figure out whether they are generally delayed or it's just me).

I don't really understand what's going on with the HO at the moment - are they understaffed? Is there backlog? If there is backlog, how can there be backlog? They've had 2.5 months with zero new cases coming in during which they could have cleared all pending cases for which biometrics were lodged before the lockdown. And we're only on Phase 1 of the reopening of the Sopra Steria centres, so the volume of new biometrics coming in is a lot lower than what they normally deal with. So I just don't understand why they should be delayed...

After how long a delay do you think it would be reasonable to write to the HO and ask them what's going on with my application?

You assume an aweful lot that no new cases have been applying in the last 2.5 months. Of course there have been applications. Of course there is a backlog. It is not only ILR they are dealing with but a very large range of different applications. HO also had to prioritise migrants who have impending or expired visas who are unable to leave the UK due to travel restrictions and they have had to use resources for other HO divisions etc.

[BlackFiresong]

^^ You're right, and I apologise. I was just getting stressed out and trying to understand what the situation is.

My acceptance email just came through, so I officially have indefinite leave to remain!!!! So relieved. I was shaking for 10 minutes straight!!!

[ap1410]

Hello All :

Does anyone know if we can choose priority option for Tier 2 General applications if I were to apply next week ? I was wondering if that Option is available when you submit the form currently.

[CR001]

Hello All :

Does anyone know if we can choose priority option for Tier 2 General applications if I were to apply next week ? I was wondering if that Option is available when you submit the form currently.

Priority and super priority service is still suspended. So you won't get the option.

[ap1410]

Thank you , appreciate your prompt help.

I also understand that new applicants cannot book an appointment with UKVACS yet , we need to submit the application, register with UKVACS and then wait to receive intimation on when they will accept new appointments , is that right as well ?

Finally do you know what is an approval time frame for a standard service ?

Thanks again for all the help

[CR001]

Thank you , appreciate your prompt help.

I also understand that new applicants cannot book an appointment with UKVACS yet , we need to submit the application, register with UKVACS and then wait to receive intimation on when they will accept new appointments , is that right as well ?

Finally do you know what is an approval time frame for a standard service ?

Thanks again for all the help

You need to apply online and then keep checking when appointment slots become available.

Standard service takes anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months.

[ap1410]

Thank you CR001 . Wow that is a long wait time 8+ weeks !

[SIyer]

The phase1 of UKVCAS reopening has invited applicants who had prior appointments which were all applications submitted in March prior to the lock down. I've submitted my application in April and there might be many like me who have done so. I'm hoping that their phase2 opens it up to applicants from the month of April and so forth for the subsequent phases. Otherwise it's going to be a mad rush for appointments from a lot of applicants over the past two and a half months and counting. However, doing so is going to cause a lot of delays for new applicants

[thecomptroller]

I just got this email and was able to book Birmingham and there appeared to be lots of slots: not my nearest but it'll do. I've been constantly checking all locations for appointments and, I may be wrong, but I reckon you can only see appointments when you get this email (I had an appointment booked before lock down occurred):

If you have received this message on behalf of the lead applicant, please ensure that they are informed immediately.
Following government guidelines on COVID-19, UK Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS), in conjunction with UKVI began a controlled, phased re-opening of Service Points from 1 June 2020, including some Service Points in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
You are receiving this email because you had an existing appointment with UKVCAS that you have not being able to attend due to the COVID-19 service suspension. We are pleased to let you know that, with the agreement of UKVI, you have been identified as a customer that will be given early access to the booking system from today until 20 June, for the first phase of service resumption in the devolved administrations.
Until the 20 June, the appointment booking system will offer you the choice of available appointments from 22 June up to 26 July 2020.
For any appointment booked by 20 June 2020, UKVCAS will honour any existing payment made for your previous appointment and services. You will not be charged again, and no appointment prices will be displayed when you rebook your new appointment at any available Service Point. Your previously postponed appointment will no longer show on your account, to allow you to rebook for a new date and time at one of our open Service Points.
From 22 June 2020, UKVCAS will revert to offering a mix of free and chargeable appointments to allow the next phase of customers to book an appointment. As a result:
• On Sunday 21 June you will be unable to view or book an appointment on the UKVCAS website. This is only temporary whilst we make changes to the system.
• From 22 June, if you have not booked an appointment and accessed the appointment booking system, you will notice the reintroduction of a mix of free and chargeable appointments.
• If you had previously paid for an appointment or extra services then:
o If you have not booked any appointment by 20 June, we will arrange a refund for you from 22 June.
o From 22 June if you cancel an appointment, including one you booked by 20 June, the cancellation will trigger a refund, as the mix of free and chargeable appointments will apply to any new booking.
o These refunds will be without prejudice, in light of the current exceptional circumstances.
Our priority remains the safety of customers and staff to ensure we deliver an effective service that meets public health guidelines. This means that initially we can only offer our service at a reduced number of locations, and at a lower capacity than usual. We understand that this may affect your booking and it may not be possible for you to attend an appointment at one of the re-opened sites. We appreciate your continued patience during these unprecedented times.
Please be assured that every customer is important to UKVCAS and we will be reviewing the new approach regularly to assess when we are able to open more appointments, additional sites and bookings for all customers.
How does this affect me?
From today, you will be able to book an appointment at one of the Devolved Administration Service Points that will be reopening on 22 June.

[VikasMandal]

Congratulations...
Can you please specify what date you booked your original appointment before lockdown?
Also, when it says from 22nd June they will start the next phase, does it mean it will give option to book new appointments for those who didn’t previously booked any appointment?

[thecomptroller]

Yes. SET M submitted on 17 March with premium service and Biometrics booked that day for 11 April. It was cancelled and moved twice by UKVCAS. Our third appointment was cancelled without notification or refund and I heard nothing further until today.

I guess the current phase is to allow those with cancelled appointments to book and the next phase may be for those who filed SET M but couldn’t book.

[CR001]

Yes. SET M submitted on 17 March with premium service and Biometrics booked that day for 11 April. It was cancelled and moved twice by UKVCAS. Our third appointment was cancelled without notification or refund and I heard nothing further until today.

I guess the current phase is to allow those with cancelled appointments to book and the next phase may be for those who filed SET M but couldn’t book.

There are many routes to ilr, not only set m and there are also many different visa category applications, all waitingting to book appointments who have submitted applications after lockdown. It has nothing to do with only being Set M.

[VikasMandal]

Thanks CR001 for clarifying that as it must be generic for all applications types and not specific to a category

[AnILRApplicant]

Appointments will be bookable from the 22nd of June. I’m very happy to hear!

[CULLINAN]

Update:

Updated: 12 June 2020

UKVCAS, in conjunction with UKVI, is pleased to confirm that following the successful phased piloting of services across a reduced number of sites that we will shortly be announcing the next phase of UKVCAS service resumption across an expanded number of sites. UKVCAS has taken a steady and phased approach to ensure we can safely and effectively deliver services. We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all service users and staff and appreciate your ongoing patience as we work with UKVI to fully resume our service safely. We look forward to announcing the dates of our next phase within the next week.

This week, we are pleased to announce that from 22 June 2020 UKVCAS will be opening service points in Belfast, Cardiff Bay, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The government’s response to COVID-19 meant that many customers who had an existing appointment, prior to the suspension of the service, had their appointments postponed. All customers whose application postcode is in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales and who previously had an appointment before the UKVCAS service was suspended, will be the first to be offered the opportunity to book an appointment and will receive email confirmation of this by 13 June 2020.

We are also releasing additional appointments meaning that customers who currently have access to the booking system will now have be able to book an appointment up to the 26 July. These customers will have access to the booking system until 20 June.

If you have access to the booking system please note that no appointment prices will be displayed when you rebook your new appointment at any available location. Your postponed appointment will no longer show on your account, to allow you to rebook for a new date and time at one of our open Service Points.

Our priority remains the safety of customers and staff and to ensure we deliver an effective service that meets public health guidelines. This means that initially we can still only offer our service at a reduced number of locations, and at a lower capacity than usual and unfortunately, if you did not have an existing appointment prior to the suspension of the service, you will not be able to book an appointment at this time.

Please be assured that UKVCAS and UKVI are planning the next phase of releases to accommodate customers who previously did not have a booked appointment. From 22 June 2020, UKVCAS will revert to offering a mix of free and chargeable appointments. Please check your registered email and this UKVCAS page for the latest information.

Visa Implications

For the latest information on implications for your Visa application, please check UKVI’s Immigration Guidance at GOV.UK

If your circumstances/contact details have changed or are urgent, since you applied for your UK visa, please contact UKVI’s Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre.

Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre
Email: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk
Telephone: 0800 678 1767
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

Whilst we will operate as efficiently as possible, there may be slight delays as we work within new COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Thank you for your continued patience during these unprecedented times.

[Dekedaba]

I'm guessing super priority too will be back on the 22nd?

[zimba]

Priority visa processing service is a VISA SERVICE offered by UKVI. You choose this during application submission.

This is NOT related to the appointment booking services offered by UKVCAS or their operations.

Priority visa processing services are NOT offered by UKVI for now, possibly due to a large existing backlog of applications. You should continue with your application using the Standard service for now

If you already applied and you're looking to book your appointment with UKVCAS, note the following:

The slots are not still open to applicants who applied after the closure of centres. So you must remain patient. They are prioritising people who booked their appointments before lockdown but could not attend due to closures

[VikasMandal]

Does that mean they will start taking new appointments bookings from 22nd June?

[AnILRApplicant]

Yes. They will accept new applicants from the 22nd. They’re giving early access now to people who had had their appointments cancelled prior to the lockdown and that access will end on the 20th of June.

« We are also releasing additional appointments meaning that customers who currently have access to the booking system will now have be able to book an appointment up to the 26 July. These customers will have access to the booking system until 20 June. »

and then

« Please be assured that UKVCAS and UKVI are planning the next phase of releases to accommodate customers who previously did not have a booked appointment. From 22 June 2020, UKVCAS will revert to offering a mix of free and chargeable appointments. Please check your registered email and this UKVCAS page for the latest information. »

[moal11]

Could I ask, if this will include new bookings priority and super priority services as well?

[Paul99]

Hi All,
Looks there is no update for opening priority service for new application yet .Only STD route is Avl.

Iam also waiting -if you guys got any update -pls share in this forum.


thanks,
Paul

[VikasMandal]

On 22nd June is UKVCAS going the provide appointment booking slots based on application submitted to UKVI?
OR
From 22nd June it will be open to all irrespective of when the UKVI application was submitted?

For new appointments, will the UKVCAS biometric appointment dates be only after 26th July or it can be before that as well based on availability?

What kind of paid services will be available by UKVCAS after 22nd June?

[Daided]

I applied for ILR SET(O) on 05/Jun/2020.
Applied through Standard Service as nothing else was offered.
I’ve just received an email from HO saying they may take longer than 6 months to decide my application due to COVID-19.

For those that have applied to ILR in these last few weeks, have you received a similar email?

[Shaaz2029]

Yes I have received the similar email. Applied on 1st June 2020.