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

[zayhra]

Hi all! Submitted my biometrics via the app and just got my decision!

Applied for ILR Route : ILR (M)
Date application sent : March 26th, 2020
Document received by HO : Uploaded online March 26th, 2020
Ack letter received (if applicable) : N/A
Biometric Letter received : Received email re: IDV email on July 31st, opted in
Date Biometrics Enrolled : Submitted via app August 19th, 2020
Payment Debited : March 26th, 2020
Approval/Refusal Received : Today! September 18th, 2020
BRP Card Received : TBA

So thrilled, thank you all so much for the help here. I've been reading this forum for months now and it's been really relieving to know so many people were on the same boat.

[meggo]

I submitted my application on 17th July and submitted my biometrics via IDV route only on 31st August. I am still waiting.

UPDATE:
In-person biometrics (dual submission): 18/09/2020 (8.30am)
Approval received: 18/09/2020 (10.30am)

I had applied for Set (O). I needed an urgent decision and after viewing the development of this thread yesterday, I decided to book an in-person biometrics appointment for 8.30am today (18/09/2020) at Mark Lane, Tower Hill, London (£135). I received my approval TODAY itself at 10.30am ! Clearly, I cannot be 100% sure whether the swift decision was solely due to me opting for in-person biometrics, as I have done a dual submission. But even if the decision was as a result of my previous IDV submission, it is positive to see approvals are coming through.

Congrats on getting your decision so quickly with the in-person appointment.

Can I ask was it showing a lot of appointments at mark lane? I don't mind paying, but it's showing none for me into October. Or are they only made available at a certain time of the day? I'm ILR Set (O).

[AnILRApplicant]

Are there anyone else in this forum who are July applicants and still waiting for decision like me ?

I applied for 5 year SET(O) with a dependant, went for biometrics appointment on 18th August, but haven't heard anything since then.

It seems that majority of people get their decisions within days...I'm getting really worried...

I'm still waiting too! More than a month now. Feel super unlucky. Only thing I can say is no news is not bad news! I don't know about you but my case is super straightforward. Hard to understand why we're on a different queue.

[user5]

Thank you nevsito and Ameline! Your responses and the details provided really help

[Ellie6244]

I submitted my application on 17th July and submitted my biometrics via IDV route only on 31st August. I am still waiting.

UPDATE:
In-person biometrics (dual submission): 18/09/2020 (8.30am)
Approval received: 18/09/2020 (10.30am)

I had applied for Set (O). I needed an urgent decision and after viewing the development of this thread yesterday, I decided to book an in-person biometrics appointment for 8.30am today (18/09/2020) at Mark Lane, Tower Hill, London (£135). I received my approval TODAY itself at 10.30am ! Clearly, I cannot be 100% sure whether the swift decision was solely due to me opting for in-person biometrics, as I have done a dual submission. But even if the decision was as a result of my previous IDV submission, it is positive to see approvals are coming through.

congratulations! i did mine this morning too 8.30 at tower hill. i applied june 21. dual submission too. hoping for some good news too in the next few days!

[CULLINAN]

Hi All,
Wondering if someone can help on below.
I have applied my ILR SET (M) and today i got an invitation to use IDV, also i am able to book appointment

I chose to book appointment in person for next Friday.

My Questions are: -

1. Is there any specific way i need to opt out for IDV? Or just ignore it and book appointment.
2. I have uploaded documents to UKVCAS and do i need to take all original at the time of appointment?


Thanks in advance

1) No
2) Passport, appointment confirmation & originals (just to be on the safe side) only. No need to print any soft copies.

Thanks for your reply, regarding originals, I have downloaded statements and utility bills so I don't have originals but I have uploaded to UKVCAS, do we really need originals? I have not chosen scanning and upload docs. Do they check originals?

No need to print any soft copies

[CULLINAN]

Hi master Cullinan
I have a question on submission, if I pay & submit application on 20th Sep and say wait a week before booking appointment (wait to see just in case super-priority opens up) does that push back us in the queue ?

simply put, if I pay & submit application on 20th Sep - what difference will it make if I book appointment on 21st Sep or 28th Sep?

Thanks a lot

You can NOT change the service standard after you pay and submit. Date of application is the date you pay and submit. Date of biometrics is irrelevant. If you wish to wait, DO NOT pay and submit now (Given if your leave to remain is not expiring of course. You must apply before expiry anyways).

[CULLINAN]

Are people still seeing open appointments at places like Lansdowne Road? I applied on 4 Sept, and haven't received the invite email from UKCVAS saying I can go in and book an appointment (or an invite to the app). Went onto the site today to see when I might expect it, and see I should have received it already! I have looked through every centre that is available 'near me' which is around 10 and it's showing no available appointments at any of them (inc Lansdowne Road). Not sure whether that's because there are no appointments or I'm just not eligible yet? Or alternatively, I'm incompetent and not using the site correctly?

Contact DM UKVCAS twitter that why you have no access to the system.

[CULLINAN]

I applied for ILR SET(O) along with 3 children on 18/05, received IDV invite on 04/09 and submitted on the same day on 04/09. My 2 children are starting university from Mon, 21/09 and they will have to pay international fee if they don't have ILR status. I am hoping that the universities would do us favour if we get ILR within few days. Just wanted to check if there is some way to contact UKVI to request them to consider our case on priority?
Checked your forum and so booked for free appointment for Thu, 24/09 today as I have learned that people who went for in person appointment got quick decision.

You should probably write to HO. Add a cover letter. Mention your Case ID and details. Attach evidence for your course start date. They should expedite your case. Send via recorded delivery.

Many thanks @Cullinan, shall do so tomorrow morning

Hi Cullinan, RNasir, may I ask which address you use to contact HO regarding ILR applications? I am stuck with my SET(LR) application, urgently need the confirmation to start my new job. The only address I know is UKVI PO Box 3468, Sheffield, S3 8WA. Any other suggestion? Many thanks

You can use the same address. Just mention SET(LR) on the top of the same address.

SET(LR)
UK Visas and Immigration
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
S3 8WA

Send via recorded delivery.

For SET(O) mention that on top.

[CULLINAN]

For members who have already attended an in-person biometrics appointment:
How long did your appointment take?
I realise time would vary depending on application type, appointment type, and document scanning. I just want to gauge an approximate time so I can make a good guess as to what time I should book my return train (as an advance train would be much cheaper!).

I have an appointment at an ‘enhanced service point’ for 5pm next week. It is for SET (LR) and I have already scanned and submitted all my documents.

Thanks all

If your turn comes on time. You will be done in 15-20 minutes. If there is a backlog on the day it can take longer. I would say to be on the safe side keep 2 hours margin.

[toivy]

Thanks Cullinan!

[user5]

If your turn comes on time. You will be done in 15-20 minutes. If there is a backlog on the day it can take longer. I would say to be on the safe side keep 2 hours margin.

Thanks!

[shohjura]

I submitted my application on 17th July and submitted my biometrics via IDV route only on 31st August. I am still waiting.

UPDATE:
In-person biometrics (dual submission): 18/09/2020 (8.30am)
Approval received: 18/09/2020 (10.30am)

I had applied for Set (O). I needed an urgent decision and after viewing the development of this thread yesterday, I decided to book an in-person biometrics appointment for 8.30am today (18/09/2020) at Mark Lane, Tower Hill, London (£135). I received my approval TODAY itself at 10.30am ! Clearly, I cannot be 100% sure whether the swift decision was solely due to me opting for in-person biometrics, as I have done a dual submission. But even if the decision was as a result of my previous IDV submission, it is positive to see approvals are coming through.

Congrats on getting your decision so quickly with the in-person appointment.

Can I ask was it showing a lot of appointments at mark lane? I don't mind paying, but it's showing none for me into October. Or are they only made available at a certain time of the day? I'm ILR Set (O).

I think appts are first come first serve basis

[shohjura]

I submitted my application on 17th July and submitted my biometrics via IDV route only on 31st August. I am still waiting.

UPDATE:
In-person biometrics (dual submission): 18/09/2020 (8.30am)
Approval received: 18/09/2020 (10.30am)

I had applied for Set (O). I needed an urgent decision and after viewing the development of this thread yesterday, I decided to book an in-person biometrics appointment for 8.30am today (18/09/2020) at Mark Lane, Tower Hill, London (£135). I received my approval TODAY itself at 10.30am ! Clearly, I cannot be 100% sure whether the swift decision was solely due to me opting for in-person biometrics, as I have done a dual submission. But even if the decision was as a result of my previous IDV submission, it is positive to see approvals are coming through.

Congrats on getting your decision so quickly with the in-person appointment.

Can I ask was it showing a lot of appointments at mark lane? I don't mind paying, but it's showing none for me into October. Or are they only made available at a certain time of the day? I'm ILR Set (O).

I think appts are first come first serve basis

[anil5110]

Hi. Finally ILR SET (0) approval mail received today.

I did dual submission (both IDV App & in person biometrics)

Time Line :
Application - 21st July
Documents submission - 21st July
IDV APP (photo & passport upload) - 30th Aug
Biometrics in Birmingham - 14th Sep
Approval mail - 18th Sep
BRP - waiting.

Thank you.

[Simon83]

Applied for ILR Route : SET (M)
Service: Standard (Priority is suspended)
Date application submitted online: 15/04/2020
Payment debited : 15/04/2020
Email received from Case Officer requesting documents: n/a
Documents sent to case officer: n/a
Email received that I am selected for biometric reuse: 04/07/2020
Documents submitted to UKVI using "Submit" option: 05/08/2020
Opt out of biometric reuse : n/a (We waited for IDV)
Email received with invitation to use IDV app: 24/08/2020
Date Documents and Photo submitted using IDV app: 25/08/2020
Approval Received : Awaiting
BRP Card Received : Awaiting

Having submitted via IDV almost 4 weeks ago, we got fed up of waiting and have today booked an appointment in Leeds for next Thursday to see if dual submission works for us. Let's see what happens.

[imb2020]

I have put my timeline in Tier 2 incountry application. Just would like to share my good news here as it might be useful for someone as well.

IDV submission on 27Aug

Approved today 18 Sep at 6.18am

[Ameline]

I have put my timeline in Tier 2 incountry application. Just would like to share my good news here as it might be useful for someone as well.

IDV submission on 27Aug

Approved today 18 Sep at 6.18am

Congratulations!!

Interesting how approval emails are being received outside the working hours like 6.18am and 8.40pm (from another user).

I'm wondering how this works!

[Ameline]

I have put my timeline in Tier 2 incountry application. Just would like to share my good news here as it might be useful for someone as well.

IDV submission on 27Aug

Approved today 18 Sep at 6.18am

Congratulations!!

Interesting how approval emails are being received outside the working hours like 6.18am and 8.40pm (from another user).

I'm wondering how this works!

[CULLINAN]

I have put my timeline in Tier 2 incountry application. Just would like to share my good news here as it might be useful for someone as well.

IDV submission on 27Aug

Approved today 18 Sep at 6.18am

Congratulations!!

Interesting how approval emails are being received outside the working hours like 6.18am and 8.40pm (from another user).

I'm wondering how this works!

Possibly the approvals are submitted in the system and then system auto-pushes it forward..

[CULLINAN]

I have actually read the official UKVCAS guidance again. It is actually confusing:

If UKVCAS received your application on or after 5 September 2020, we are pleased to let you know that from 21 September, you will be able to book a UKVCAS appointment.

Then it says:

From 21 September onwards, ALL customers will need to book an appointment at one of our Service Points. The IDV app will only be available to some T4 students.

I think UKVCAS will send IDV invitations to all eligible applicants up to 20th Sep.

Once the applicants will receive the IDV app invitation, they can book an appointment instead if they wish.

The recent IDV emails are reported to be sent to applicants 5th Sep - 11th Sep. I am suspecting same might happen for 11th Sep - 20th Sep before 21st Sep....

The above is my own personal interpretation.

[alog1]

Thanks Gurus and volunteers for advice and support. Got my approval. I have shared my time line below

https://www.immigrationboards.com/indef ... l#p1937870

[ben2019]

Thanks Gurus and volunteers for advice and support. Got my approval. I have shared my time line below

https://www.immigrationboards.com/indef ... l#p1937870

Wow, yours is really fast! Congratulations! I will do my biometric next week and hopefully can get the decision this month.

[abc123456789]

Are there anyone else in this forum who are July applicants and still waiting for decision like me ?

I applied for 5 year SET(O) with a dependant, went for biometrics appointment on 18th August, but haven't heard anything since then.

It seems that majority of people get their decisions within days...I'm getting really worried...

I'm still waiting too! More than a month now. Feel super unlucky. Only thing I can say is no news is not bad news! I don't know about you but my case is super straightforward. Hard to understand why we're on a different queue.

Yeah my case is also super straightforward I think - so not really sure what the reason was...

[debrancherenzym]

Could someone please let me know which email address approvals come from, thanks