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

[CULLINAN]

FLR(M) , I have given biometric using app on 7th of september.

Now after reading that few candidates got quick decesion when they did face to face biometric as well. i have booked face to face appt too which is on 5th of november . I got confirmation email too.

Few guys has written that dual biometric submission not allowed now, does that mean they will refuse me when i go for face to face appt for biometric submision?

Your appointment will be cancelled. UKVCAS has officially asked not to book for dual submissions and your application may further be delayed.

Thanks but i have not received any cancel email yet

Should i give them a call and check the status.

Just wait and see.

[CULLINAN]

For England:

From Thursday until the start of December, you must stay at home.

You may only leave home for specific reasons, including:

For education; For work, say if you cannot work from home; For exercise and recreation outdoors, with your household or on your own with one person from another household; For medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm; To shop for food and essentials; And to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.

I wonder if people will be able to leave home to attend UKVCAS appointment?

[CULLINAN]

For those waiting for ILR to travel - lockdown measures - International travel will be banned - except for work.

[Mele]

For England:

From Thursday until the start of December, you must stay at home.

You may only leave home for specific reasons, including:

For education; For work, say if you cannot work from home; For exercise and recreation outdoors, with your household or on your own with one person from another household; For medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm; To shop for food and essentials; And to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.

I wonder if people will be able to leave home to attend UKVCAS appointment?

I wonder that too. I have mine coming up a few days after the lockdown kicks in, and I really hope I can attend my appointment

[CULLINAN]

Any members whose UKVCAS appointments are on/after Thursday 5th Nov, please update this thread if appointments are going ahead as scheduled or not in due course.

[samuk2021]

As I just submitted the application, tried to book appointment. But I couldnt see any single appointment available till end of Nov .. did any body try to book now and coming across the same like me ?

Is it due to lockdown ? etc?

[CULLINAN]

@samuk2021
Appointments open up @12AM

For new applicants help sake:

1) Documents submission:

Self-submission is optional but I would recommend it as your documents will be sent to UKVI even before biometrics and you will save time. It has nothing to do with biometrics appointment booking. However, this option is only available up to 48 hours before biometrics appointment.

2) Appointment booking:

Try different postcodes to view different locations. Look through out the day for any cancellations or 12AM GMT. Look for 1-2 days regularly, you maybe able to find an earlier one due to a cancellation. Appointments are reported to be available only after 3/4 weeks gap these days. Book the one available if you fail to book any earlier one in 1-2 days. Recommended because if you book a date now lets say, you will not be able to view the earlier availability (if any cancellations) then. Worth 1-2 days regular check.

3) Date of application:

Date of application is the date you pay and submit online. Biometrics date is irrelevant. You have a 2 months deadline though after application date. Documents upload date/self-submission is irrelevant but recommended.

[samuk2021]

Many thanks again for replies

[samuk2021]

Many thanks again for replies

I just saw some slots availbale bit far away .. but only on Nov 27th .
Shall I go ahead and book this or will wait and check tomorrow for any new earlier dates and cancellations ?

[samuk2021]

Many thanks again for replies

I just saw some slots availbale bit far away .. but only on Nov 27th .
Shall I go ahead and book this or will wait and check tomorrow for any new earlier dates and cancellations ?

But thats premium lounge service

[CULLINAN]

Many thanks again for replies

I just saw some slots availbale bit far away .. but only on Nov 27th .
Shall I go ahead and book this or will wait and check tomorrow for any new earlier dates and cancellations ?

Wait and see for 1-2 days. It is still unclear how lockdown will affect ukvcas appointments. You should aim to book one for 3rd Dec or later to be on safe side and look mid next week so slots open for 3rd Dec. Slots open for 1 extra day @12AM.

[samuk2021]

Many thanks again for replies

I just saw some slots availbale bit far away .. but only on Nov 27th .
Shall I go ahead and book this or will wait and check tomorrow for any new earlier dates and cancellations ?

Wait and see for 1-2 days. It is still unclear how lockdown will affect ukvcas appointments. You should aim to book one for 3rd Dec or later to be on safe side and look mid next week so slots open for 3rd Dec. Slots open for 1 extra day @12AM.

Ok thanks a lot

[samuk2021]

Many thanks again for replies

I just saw some slots availbale bit far away .. but only on Nov 27th .
Shall I go ahead and book this or will wait and check tomorrow for any new earlier dates and cancellations ?

Wait and see for 1-2 days. It is still unclear how lockdown will affect ukvcas appointments. You should aim to book one for 3rd Dec or later to be on safe side and look mid next week so slots open for 3rd Dec. Slots open for 1 extra day @12AM.

Ok thanks a lot

Do I need to upload the documents( using document upload option) before booking the appointment for biometerics? just trying to understand if I upload the documents , then I will get the slots for booking??

[CULLINAN]

You have to upload documents before appointment OR you can upload now and self-submit (recommended). It has no relevance to booking appointment now or later.

[samuk2021]

You have to upload documents before appointment OR you can upload now and self-submit (recommended). It has no relevance to booking appointment now or later.

ok thanks a lot

[ameraj1]

Anyone has an opinion if UKVCAS will start using the IDV app again and cancel the appointments during lockdown.

[CULLINAN]

Anyone has an opinion if UKVCAS will start using the IDV app again and cancel the appointments during lockdown.

It is too early to know this. We all will know in due course.

[poper]

@ajitu92, my contact received SET LR approval yesterday.

Application Date: 20 July
In-Person biometrics: 6 September
Decision: 31 Oct

Query raised by HO due to difference in job title on COS versus ILR application. This took a good 10 days to resolve

[ajitu92]

@ajitu92, my contact received SET LR approval yesterday.

Application Date: 20 July
In-Person biometrics: 6 September
Decision: 31 Oct

Query raised by HO due to difference in job title on COS versus ILR application. This took a good 10 days to resolve

Thank you for letting all of us know @poper! Adding this to my spreadsheet. I'm assuming s/he was initially contacted around 21st Oct, then? Also curious that s/he was contacted regarding a Tier 2 related issue for a Set LR application but I guess it makes sense in a way.

Btw, how do you know so many people applying for Set LR?

[poper]

@ajitu92, my contact received SET LR approval yesterday.

Application Date: 20 July
In-Person biometrics: 6 September
Decision: 31 Oct

Query raised by HO due to difference in job title on COS versus ILR application. This took a good 10 days to resolve

Thank you for letting all of us know @poper! Adding this to my spreadsheet. I'm assuming s/he was initially contacted around 21st Oct, then? Also curious that s/he was contacted regarding a Tier 2 related issue for a Set LR application but I guess it makes sense in a way.

Btw, how do you know so many people applying for Set LR?

I am in touch with people in my company on the same route as I am - Tier 2 ICT issued between April 2010 and April 2011 applying under Set LR having survived UK deputation for ten long years under the same company. Also some have friends within other organisations under the same visa.
I see a lot of guys who go through solicitors not part of this group as they seek advise from solicitors(for obvious reasons)

[CULLINAN]

I am suspecting UKVCAS appointments will be cancelled during the lockdown. We still have to wait for official updates (expected tomorrow) but reading the government guidance, no where it says you can leave house for a non-urgent appointment, unless medical reasons, during the lockdown 5th Nov - 2nd Dec.
We might see a return of IDV APP and potential delays.

[CULLINAN]

If you’ve already made an appointment
We have contacted you if you made an appointment to attend a UKVCAS or SSC that is still temporary closed to let you know it has been postponed. You’ll be contacted when you can book a new appointment.

Your immigration status in the UK will not change as a result of you not being able to attend an appointment

Updated on 1st November 2020.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... -residents

Does this apply? Any thoughts that UKVCAS appointments will be cancelled?

[CULLINAN]

https://www.gov.uk/visas-and-immigratio ... rt-centres

Making an appointment
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will contact you by email or post to tell you how to make an appointment.

It may take longer than usual to get an appointment. There are currently a reduced number of appointments available because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Your appointment will be prioritised if you have compelling or compassionate circumstances.

Does anyone know if this is old? Apparently its updated on 1st Nov 2020 today.

[debrancherenzym]

If you’ve already made an appointment
We have contacted you if you made an appointment to attend a UKVCAS or SSC that is still temporary closed to let you know it has been postponed. You’ll be contacted when you can book a new appointment.

Your immigration status in the UK will not change as a result of you not being able to attend an appointment

Updated on 1st November 2020.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus ... -residents

Does this apply? Any thoughts that UKVCAS appointments will be cancelled?

This has been updated on 1st Nov, you are right, but the update is as follows:

If you intend to leave the UK but have not been able to do so and you have a visa or leave that expires between 1 November and 30 November 2020 you may request additional time to stay, known as ‘exceptional assurance’, by completing the online form.



I think you might be right about appointments but then people are still allowed to work from home if they can’t from their office and there hasn’t been any changes around that, so considering UKVI & UKVCAS are essential services, maybe things will still be okay, although I’ve lost all hope with them because this new lockdown will make them delay on applications even more.

[vab]

https://www.gov.uk/visas-and-immigratio ... rt-centres

Making an appointment
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will contact you by email or post to tell you how to make an appointment.

It may take longer than usual to get an appointment. There are currently a reduced number of appointments available because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Your appointment will be prioritised if you have compelling or compassionate circumstances.

Does anyone know if this is old? Apparently its updated on 1st Nov 2020 today.

This is an old update when UKVCAS was not classed as essential service. Though I am hopeful that appointments will be continuing, I will update if i receive any email from ukvcas abt cancelled appointment.
However, a big concern is how one can convince his/her travell to appointment center to local authorities or police? I have booked appointment for my wife on 5th November. She does not know driving so i will need tk take her center along with new born. This is also concerning.

Vab