**** COVID19 Biometrics appointments and UKVCAS ***** (Discuss here ONLY)

[Fendi]

Someone in another group reported receiving an invitation to us the IDV app which they did yesterday!!
They applied in March

Very promising so let’s keep waiting.. don’t understand why invitations are also being done in phases!! Why don’t they send to everyone and UKVI can process in date order!!!

[JT123]

In normal circumstances, you can only purchase documents checking service at the time of booking your appointment.
Since, you can not book the appointment for now, this does not apply.
Tbh, documents checking service is a waste of £35 in my opinion. The staff checks your documents at the appointment regardless.

Having said that, for now you have an option to submit via UKVCAS portal. That would be the best approach to use. Lets say you submit. You will only get the option to submit once. Make sure your documents are complete before you submit.

Lets say, you would like to add more documents AFTER hitting the submit button, you can not.

Then, you will ONLY be able to upload to the system but not submit to UKVI until your appointment or via IDV app at a later stage.

Hope it is clear now.

Sorry to get back to you on this, but now I started gathering my supporting document and have more questions... Not sure if this has been discussed already but would highly appreciate if you could help.

1. travel history
On checklist from UKVI says any passports I have held and on UKVCAS sites, it mentions travel history - for that I believe I should upload any pages that contain personal details, visas, or immigration stamps? I have 2 expired passports full of stamps and took picture of 2 pages / doc and there are too many docs (approx. 30 docs just for travel history). Is this the way to do, or are there better way to do this?

2. Evidence of continuous residency
On check list it shows evidence to prove continuous residency in the UK since becoming a permanent resident. It says the document(s) must cover every year since obtaining ILR, and list examples of documents (council tax letter, GP letters, bills, or letter of employment confirmation).

I have obtained the letter of employment which states: "XX is employed in a full time, permanent basis at XX (with address) from xx xx 20xx (start of employment dates & year prior to ILR) till date". Is this sufficient to prove 'every year since obtaining ILR'? The letter doesn't show my current address but employer's address - is this o.k.? Is Is there any template or better phrase if not sufficient?

Alternatively I can provide additional documents that aren't listed as example, such as annual bank statement, or tax code notification, for years when I was living as a tenant - can those be used? (GP letter is not good enough either, as I didn't really go to GP that often). Again, loads of docs as 1 JPEG/PDF per year.

3. Current & original document showing right to stay
Another evidence I have to provide is current document showing my right to stay in the UK AND original document showing grant of settlement - for me, both are the same and I only have 1 which is ILR vignette on my expired passport. On online application it was required to tick every item to complete so I had to and I only have ILR vignette to fulfill them. Any foreseeable problems?

4. Categories
UKVI check list categories (mandatory vs. other) & UKCVAS categories are slightly different. Does is matter where docs are being uploaded?

Sorry for long question, but would highly appreciate any help on this!

[CULLINAN]

@JT123

Please read my message just 4 posts above. These questions are not relevant to this topic. Please start your own topic for your case specific questions.

[skasyap]

Hi All, please leave this as biometric reuse and IDV related discussion only. It’s getting harder to follow any update.

Thanks

[CULLINAN]

https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/sopr ... as/FAQ.pdf

The above guidance was updated on 19th August, showing IDV launch week commencing 17th. I am pretty hopeful that the IDV invites will start pouring in today or tomorrow.

Plus, one thing to note is, once you hit the submit button on IDV, nothing can be changed. Make sure you take your time and are content before hitting the submit button.

[Parisiana]

The applications are definitely being processed. I am also within the "waiting for the app group" but got my solicitor got a call last week asking for some additional documents. So they are definitely reviewing the case. I submitted the documents through UKVCAS website once that option became available

That is good to hear. I have always been under the impression that they start considering the application after the biometrics.

Hi Fanta, may I ask you what additional supporting documents the HO asked you to provide? Thanks

[fanta]

The applications are definitely being processed. I am also within the "waiting for the app group" but got my solicitor got a call last week asking for some additional documents. So they are definitely reviewing the case. I submitted the documents through UKVCAS website once that option became available

That is good to hear. I have always been under the impression that they start considering the application after the biometrics.

Hi Fanta, may I ask you what additional supporting documents the HO asked you to provide? Thanks

No additional document received. I opted out and went for a biometric appointment on the 14th August. I got the approval today in an email. Now starts the wait for ceremony as my council hasn't resumed it so far.

We will all get there eventually. Good luck!

[londonent]

I know the deadline has passed to opt out of IDV for June applicants, but has anyone tried opting out anyway. Maybe they would accept latecomers?

[CULLINAN]

I know the deadline has passed to opt out of IDV for June applicants, but has anyone tried opting out anyway. Maybe they would accept latecomers?

No you will not be accepted now. However, once you are invited for IDV app, you will have an option to book an appointment then in case you are unable to provide your biometrics through IDV for whatever reason.

[soul_mickey]

The applications are definitely being processed. I am also within the "waiting for the app group" but got my solicitor got a call last week asking for some additional documents. So they are definitely reviewing the case. I submitted the documents through UKVCAS website once that option became available

That is good to hear. I have always been under the impression that they start considering the application after the biometrics.

Hi Fanta, may I ask you what additional supporting documents the HO asked you to provide? Thanks

No additional document received. I opted out and went for a biometric appointment on the 14th August. I got the approval today in an email. Now starts the wait for ceremony as my council hasn't resumed it so far.

We will all get there eventually. Good luck!

If i am correct in understanding, you were better off by opting out of the app and going for a biometric appointment. That is really annoying and frustrating (not against you but the system) as the people who chose to use the app instead of going for a biometric appointment have been at a clear disadvantage now. Their case is basically on hold till UKVCAS can come up with something tangible and it seems like it was the wrong option to choose. I was given the option "because they have identified i do not need to get my biometrics taken again" so i dont see why a picture through an app is so important.

[fanta]

The way I see it now is that a few weeks delay in approval doesn't really matter. The only advantage I have now is that I am a bit relaxed that the application is approved. I did had to spend £135 on appointment but I'd have got the same result by waiting a bit longer. With the Citizenship ceremonies on hold, at the end, I'd possibly take oath with others who may have had their approvals a month later.

[Parisiana]

The applications are definitely being processed. I am also within the "waiting for the app group" but got my solicitor got a call last week asking for some additional documents. So they are definitely reviewing the case. I submitted the documents through UKVCAS website once that option became available

That is good to hear. I have always been under the impression that they start considering the application after the biometrics.

Hi Fanta, may I ask you what additional supporting documents the HO asked you to provide? Thanks

No additional document received. I opted out and went for a biometric appointment on the 14th August. I got the approval today in an email. Now starts the wait for ceremony as my council hasn't resumed it so far.

We will all get there eventually. Good luck!

Thanks for your response. You said in your post that your solicitor received a call to submit additional documents. Can you please let us know what these documents are? Thank you

[fanta]

That is good to hear. I have always been under the impression that they start considering the application after the biometrics.

Hi Fanta, may I ask you what additional supporting documents the HO asked you to provide? Thanks

No additional document received. I opted out and went for a biometric appointment on the 14th August. I got the approval today in an email. Now starts the wait for ceremony as my council hasn't resumed it so far.

We will all get there eventually. Good luck!

Thanks for your response. You said in your post that your solicitor received a call to submit additional documents. Can you please let us know what these documents are? Thank you

I think you have got confused. User londonent was the one who wrote about solicitor and document request. I did not use a solicitor.

[soul_mickey]

The way I see it now is that a few weeks delay in approval doesn't really matter. The only advantage I have now is that I am a bit relaxed that the application is approved. I did had to spend £135 on appointment but I'd have got the same result by waiting a bit longer. With the Citizenship ceremonies on hold, at the end, I'd possibly take oath with others who may have had their approvals a month later.

Isn't the relaxing part the most important part in all of this ... i would have rather paid an extra for biometric appointment than stay anxious for a few more weeks ... but whats done is done now i guess. Im surprised your council hasnt opened citizenship ceremonies yet, mine have and its back to normal booking for now. Initially they had private only but now group ceremonies are also open to book.

[Parisiana]

Hi Fanta, may I ask you what additional supporting documents the HO asked you to provide? Thanks

Ok got it thanks for clarifying and congrats for your approval! All the best for the rest of the process


No additional document received. I opted out and went for a biometric appointment on the 14th August. I got the approval today in an email. Now starts the wait for ceremony as my council hasn't resumed it so far.

We will all get there eventually. Good luck!

Thanks for your response. You said in your post that your solicitor received a call to submit additional documents. Can you please let us know what these documents are? Thank you

I think you have got confused. User londonent was the one who wrote about solicitor and document request. I did not use a solicitor.

[CULLINAN]

UKVCAS - 20 AUGUST SYSTEM UPDATE This website will be temporarily unavailable today between 20:30 and 21:00, for emergency maintenance.

[Parisiana]

Ok got it thanks for clarifying and congrats for your approval! All the best for the rest of the process


No additional document received. I opted out and went for a biometric appointment on the 14th August. I got the approval today in an email. Now starts the wait for ceremony as my council hasn't resumed it so far.

We will all get there eventually. Good luck!

Thanks for your response. You said in your post that your solicitor received a call to submit additional documents. Can you please let us know what these documents are? Thank you

I think you have got confused. User londonent was the one who wrote about solicitor and document request. I did not use a solicitor.

I see thanks for clarifying. Congrats for your approval and all the best for the rest of the process.

[londonent]

Yes, it was me who got asked for additional documents. Had to do with the fact that husband has a LOT of absences, requested additional documents to do with his life here (in addition to the passport), so any bills, property docs and pretty much anything to do with that

[Ottotr]

Hi all,

Applied for citizenship on 14 April.
Selected for IDV app!
Opted out!
Paid extra and booked my appointment for 14 August morning.
Received the approval email today

Best of luck to all of you!

[nbhatt]

On UKVCAS website it is clearly stated reuse of bio-metrics that includes fingerprints & photo, Facial image is just another name used for photo, so Why this IDV APP been introduced? I fail to understand!

The only difference between submitting application on UKVCAS website and UKVCAS IDV app is that one is online banking and other is mobile banking. Both UKVI & UKVCAS have failed to understand this difference and we the applicants are at the receiving end. The video on how to use the app clearly states that all the documents that were uploaded on website will now have to be re-uploaded via IDV app , meaning UKVI have not received our documents and so there is going to be further delay of several months cause the process has not even begun... phewwwww FRUSTRATEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD.

The UKVCAS Identity Verification app (UKVCAS IDV app)

You may have heard that UKVI is changing the way it processes applications in response to COVID-19. For some customers, this involves reusing biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) which 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). See Immigration Guidance at GOV.UK for details.

To allow biometrics to be reused, UKVI and UKVCAS have worked together to develop a way to submit facial images using a new UKVCAS Identity Verification application (UKVCAS IDV app).

The UKVCAS 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 via your mobile device. The UKVCAS IDV app is quick and easy to use and works on most Android and iPhones.

[CULLINAN]

If you have submitted the documents via UKVCAS already, you will NOT need to upload again. However, you will have an option to add more documents if you wish.

19. I’ve started my application via the UKVCAS website and have been invited to use the
UKVCAS IDV App, what happens to my current application?
Any documents uploaded to your current application through the UKVCAS website will be available on the IDV app. You will be able to see these on the IDV app after you log on.

Pages 20-24

https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/sopr ... as/FAQ.pdf

[Human1212]

Hi there. Can someone please help me out. I applied for British Citizenship and now I have to do my Biomatrics etc. I went to the UKVCSAS website for an appointment but i can't see any slot available . What should i do ?

[CULLINAN]

Hi there. Can someone please help me out. I applied for British Citizenship and now I have to do my Biomatrics etc. I went to the UKVCSAS website for an appointment but i can't see any slot available . What should i do ?

Did you try to read the previous posts??

[strong_and_stable]

On UKVCAS website it is clearly stated reuse of bio-metrics that includes fingerprints & photo, Facial image is just another name used for photo, so Why this IDV APP been introduced? I fail to understand!

The IDV app is necessary because it provides a higher level of security than uploading a jpeg photo on the UKVCAS website. The app verifies your "facial image" from several different angles to prove that it is you, and not just someone else with your photo.

[gag285]

On UKVCAS website it is clearly stated reuse of bio-metrics that includes fingerprints & photo, Facial image is just another name used for photo, so Why this IDV APP been introduced? I fail to understand!

The IDV app is necessary because it provides a higher level of security than uploading a jpeg photo on the UKVCAS website. The app verifies your "facial image" from several different angles to prove that it is you, and not just someone else with your photo.

Not to forget the liveliness check to further ensure it is definitely you taking the photo.