Biometrics & The UK Visa Application Process
Biometrics for UK Visas
Dictionary.com explains the term biometrics as “the process by which a person's unique physical and other traits are detected and recorded by an electronic device or system as a means of confirming identity”.
What does this mean for you as a traveler applying for a UK Visa? Most countries only require US travelers to possess a current US passport or perhaps a passport and a visa visa in order to enter the country. However, there are certain circumstances such as studying, working or relocating where biometrics are not just recommended but required.
The UK Visa process is one of the few visa processes that have made biometrics mandatory for all UK Visa applicants regardless of country of origin. This article will help dispel some myths and misunderstandings surrounding biometrics as well as help clarify the entire process from start to finish.
1. How does one get a biometrics appointment?
In order to make a biometrics appointment, you will need to start with the UK Visa application which must be completed online. At the end of the UK Visa application, you will be advised to make a biometrics appointment. The location of the biometrics appointment is determined by the address you list on the application. While printing out your completed UK Visa application, there will be a biometrics appointment sheet that will print out with the rest of your UK Visa application. This sheet verifies your biometric appointment.
2. What exactly is a biometric appointment?
The biometrics appointment is a 5-10 minute appointment where you will proceed to have your digital fingerprints and digital photo taken at a local Application Support Center. The biometric information is uploaded into a national database wherein the UK Border Agency can cross reference an applicant’s security profile for any indiscretions, outstanding warrants or other possible security issues/risks. The UK Border Agency is able to cross reference all biometric information with the US Department of Homeland Security.
3. How long will the biometrics appointment take?
The appointment lasts anywhere from 5-10 minutes. You may have to wait a bit longer if your Application Support Center is extremely busy.
4. What do I need to take with me to my biometrics appointment?
In order to get your biometrics taken, you will need to take your biometrics appointment sheet, your current/valid passport and a completed and signed UK Visa application.
5. Will I get to keep a copy of my digital fingerprints and photo?
NO! You will not be given a copy of your digital fingerprints and photo. What you will need to do is make sure that your biometrics appointment sheet is stamped showing the date that you got your biometrics taken. The stamped biometrics appointment sheet is what you need to submit with the rest of your supporting documents when applying for a UK Visa.
6. Is there an additional fee for the biometrics appointment?
No! The fee for your biometrics appointment is included within the total UK Visa application fee that you pay online upon completion of the application process.
7. I made a biometrics appointment that was two weeks from today but my trip to the UK is sooner than the biometrics appointment. What do I do?
You do NOT have to wait until the actual appointment date to get your biometrics taken. You can go to the Application Support Center where you made the appointment as soon as 24 hours later. Just be sure to take your current/valid passport, UK Visa application and biometrics appointment sheet with you so they can verify that you are in the system.
8. Who needs to make a biometrics appointment?
Anyone who is applying for a UK Visa, regardless of country of originin, must have biometrics taken. From student to visitor to settlement, all UK Visa applicants are required to make a biometrics appointment in order to obtain the UK Visa of their choice.