15 Jun Using the ID Check APP to submit a UK visa
Since May 2022, the Home Office has introduced a new process for submissions of certain application categories. This process allows applicants to use a mobile phone to register their biometric information through the UK Immigration: ID Check app. It eliminates the need for booking and attending appointments in person, resulting in a hassle-free experience. Moreover, it improves the efficiency of processing and benefits both the government and the applicants involved.
Who can use it for submitting the application?
According to the “Guidance: Biometric Reuse”, certain immigration routes can use previously enrolled biometric data for a new application IF holding a valid BRP or a BRC:
-for leave under the Graduate route from 1 July 2021
–for leave under the Skilled Worker and Student routes from 14 December 2021
–for leave under the Private Life and Settlement Family Life routes (10 years route)
–to replace a BRP or BRC
In general, the use of the app is limited to in-country applications stated above. However, there is an exception for certain overseas applications if you have a current EU, EEA, or Swiss passport. In such cases, you can use the app to submit entry clearance applications for Skilled Worker visa, Temporary Worker visa, Student visa, Global Talent visa.
As a result, applicants seeking leave under the Graduate, Skilled Worker, Student, Private Life, Settlement Family Life routes, or Indefinite Leave to Remain (Refugee, Humanitarian Protection, or Discretionary Leave) categories are exempted from attending a biometric enrolment event if they meet the requirements for reusing their fingerprints. However, these individuals are still required to upload a new facial image.
The requirements are as follows:
-UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has previously enrolled and retained the individual’s fingerprint biometric information or the individual is permanently unable to enrol their fingerprints
-individuals must hold a valid BRP
-must be aged 5 years old or over
-the existing facial photograph stored on the Immigration and Asylum Biometric System must not be older than 10 years, or 5 years for individuals aged under 16, at the date the application is made and the individual uploads a new facial image
-must use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app (the App)
If applicants wish to replace their BRPs or BRCs via the App, apart from the certain information must remain unchanged:
-UKVI has retained the individual’s fingerprint biometric information
-the information on the face of the card and the chip remains the same as the previous document
-the individual is aged 5 years or over
-the expiry date of the card remains unchanged
-the facial photograph on the document will not be older than 10 years, or 5 years for cards issued to individuals aged under 16, on the date the replacement card expires
-individuals have not changed their address in the last 6-months
Using priority service when submitting with ID app
While using the ID app for submission, you still have the option to select the priority service. However, the availability of the priority service may vary depending on the specific application you are applying for.
For more information, please refer to this link: https://www.gov.uk/faster-decision-visa-settlement/eligible-visas-when-applying-inside-the-uk
Failed to verify the identity via ID App
In some cases, individuals may encounter difficulties creating a UKVI account or passing the identity check when uploading their BRP. If such an issue arises, it is advisable to contact UKVI for technical assistance. Alternatively, individuals can choose to complete the “traditional” application form and attend a biometric appointment in person at a UKVCAS centre.
Contact Our Immigration Team
For expert advice regarding any aspect of the UK visa application, please contact our immigration team on 0203 384 3075
