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

[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.

[Whizart]

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?

Hi, I submitted my SET(LR) application on 15th May 2020 via Standard route (As super-priority service was suspended) . I didn't receive such email. The only email I received was UK Visa application:Payment Confirmation. Like others I am also waiting for the availability of appointments.

[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

[Paul99]

Hi Zimba & team
Just a quick question , If i submit STD service now -when they open appointment can i upgrade to premium further or i have to go in STD route only .

Thanks,
Paul

[CR001]

Hi Zimba & team
Just a quick question , If i submit STD service now -when they open appointment can i upgrade to premium further or i have to go in STD route only .

Thanks,
Paul

No you can't. There is no 'service upgrade' function or facility anymore. If you have submitted and paid with standard service, you only have the standard service.

[Paul99]

Thank You CR001 for the information .

[Ehd1202]

The UKVCAS free and paid appointments only references time of day you go in for your biometrics (peak hours, etc). It doesn’t indicate that you can choose priority service as this is a UKVI service.

They haven’t specifically said what’s happening on 22 June but since those with previous appointments only have access till 20 June you would hope they have something planned for the next phase.

Normally you can’t upgrade from standard service but these are not normal times, let’s hope they work something out for us all being forced to apply as standard.

[Daided]

Dear all,
Would somebody confirmed whether this email address is genuine?
WandSContingencyCaseworkDocumentReturn@homeoffice.gov.uk

I have received email from them requesting me to send documents via email.
Granted, the email contains my application number, but I found it strange since I have already submitted the requested documents via UKVCAS.
When I google the email address, the first result is from gov.uk website titled "Fraud, tricks and scams: guidance"

Are people receiving emails from this address after applying?
It's simply signed as:

Administrative Officer

Tier 2&5 TMT 15
Visas & Citizenship Operations – PBS & Citizenship
North East, Yorkshire & The Humberside Region
UK Visa's & Immigration
Level 2 Vulcan House (Iron)
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
S3 8NU

[zimba]

Dear all,
Would somebody confirmed whether this email address is genuine?
WandSContingencyCaseworkDocumentReturn@homeoffice.gov.uk

I have received email from them requesting me to send documents via email.
Granted, the email contains my application number, but I found it strange since I have already submitted the requested documents via UKVCAS.
When I google the email address, the first result is from gov.uk website titled "Fraud, tricks and scams: guidance"

Are people receiving emails from this address after applying?
It's simply signed as:

Administrative Officer

Tier 2&5 TMT 15
Visas & Citizenship Operations – PBS & Citizenship
North East, Yorkshire & The Humberside Region
UK Visa's & Immigration
Level 2 Vulcan House (Iron)
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
S3 8NU

Yes, it is genuine. Go read the posts in this thread. This is covered many times.

[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?

[CULLINAN]

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?

No one knows the answer to this yet. More clarity may come on 22nd June.

[zimba]

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?

Why not go directly to UKVCAS website to see what is going on ??
https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/flash-message- ... geId=74833

[ap1410]

It does look like for new appointments , no slots are available or released as of now . I have logged into to check if there is anything - but it says "no appointments" available for all future dates as of now.

[VikasMandal]

2 Key takeaway from UKVCAS on 12th June 2020 for people waiting for new appointments:


1. We look forward to announcing the dates of our next phase within the next week.

2. 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.

We have to wait this week (most probably till Friday) for UKVCAS to announce next phase.

[CR001]

I want to apply through super priority service, on child 7 year rule. But my solicitor is saying it will not open till next year, and I should apply by post. Need suggestions? Any idea when this service will open for child 7 year old applicants? Thanks

The service is suspended for all immigration route. Presumably you are applying for FLR FP based on 7 years residence of child??

You have to apply online using standard service, upload your documents before the biometric appointment.

[Barry465]

I want to apply through super priority service, on child 7 year rule. But my solicitor is saying it will not open till next year, and I should apply by post. Need suggestions? Any idea when this service will open for child 7 year old applicants? Thanks

They have said that they are going to release more information on the 22nd of June, maybe this will include some more information on some of the priority services they are going to offer.

My advice would be to wait until this date before making any further decision.

[Barry465]

As a heads up to some people on here, I emailed a solicitor contact around the priority services and have some info:

'Thanks for your email. We are not sure when the Priority process will be reinstated, we are hopeful it will be next month but the Home Office have only very recently started process cases again and there is a huge backlog from March to 1st June so there may be further delays in the service resuming to normal. Assuming your current BRP doesn’t expire for some time then I would suggest you just keep waiting as you could be unable to leave the UK for many months if you submit now using the standard service.'

Again, do not take this as gospel - but should alleviate concerns of people saying that they have lawyers suggesting next year.

[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.

When you apply using the standard service, NO upgrade option is available to change your application to priority later

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

[Paul99]

Hi ,Quick clarification Though iam eligible to apply ILR now(from June 1st (5 Years -28 days ) ,due to appointment closure (my visa is expiring at august 15) , i am waiting .

When can be my last date of application i submit -August 14?

Thanks ,
Pal

[CR001]

Hi ,Quick clarification Though iam eligible to apply ILR now(from June 1st (5 Years -28 days ) ,due to appointment closure (my visa is expiring at august 15) , i am waiting .

When can be my last date of application i submit -August 14?

Thanks ,
Pal

Date of application is the date you submit and pay online which must be when you meet the requirements and before your visa expires.. It is NOT your biometric appointment date.

Also note that this topic is ONLY for Biometric Appointments posts and NOT for general 'when can I apply' posts. Please continue any other NON Biomeric centre questions in your existing topic, link below.

indefinite-leave-to-remain/naric-letter ... l#p1906113

[underfire222]

I have attended my biometrics appointment at croydon yesterday 16/6 morning for ILR SET O 5 year route.
I paid for super priority and unfortunately and sadly did not get a decision or any correspondence until now.

I am extremely stressed about it as it seems more people are posting that they got a decision the next day.
Is there any way that I can contact UKVI directly to ask for an update. the general inquiry number does not offer any help at all.

Will it be helpful if I ask for some help from my local MP to chase up my application early on?