Full text of email:
“ We recently wrote to tell you that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is changing the way it processes applications in response to COVID-19. For some customers, this involves reusing biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) that 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).
To allow biometrics to be reused for some customers, UKVI and UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) have worked together to develop a way to submit facial images using a new UKVCAS Identity Verification app (referred to below as IDV app).
The 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 onto your mobile device. The IDV app is quick and easy to use and works on most Android and iPhones.
When will the IDV app be available?
Rollout of the IDV app will take place in phases, beginning in August. We will invite eligible customers to use the new IDV app rather than require you to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point.
UKVI have identified that you are eligible to use the IDV app, as UKVI can use biometrics you have previously provided.
Please be reassured that your immigration status remains unaffected whilst your application is in progress.
What does this mean for me?
For most customers, using the IDV app means you will not have to attend an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point.
An invitation will be sent for you to use the new IDV app within the next few weeks, with further details about how to the use IDV app and the next steps.
What do I need to do next?
If you are happy to use the IDV app, you don’t need to do anything. We will be in touch within the next few weeks to invite you to use the new IDV app.
What if I want to book an appointment and not use the IDV app?
See Questions and Answers below
What if I need an outcome on my application due to compassionate or emergency reasons?
Please contact UKVI for further information here.
Please note, your immigration status will not be affected in the meantime. If you do not have a passport or a travel document, please contact UKVI for further advice.
If you need further information, please see Questions and Answers below.
Kind regards,
UKVCAS
Please note that we will never send an email to ask you to provide payment details.
This email address is not monitored. If your question is not answered above, please check our website.
Questions and Answers
What if I can’t download the IDV app on my phone?
If you are unable to use the new IDV app, you will be able to book an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point.
What if I want to book an appointment and not use the IDV app?
The key advantage of the IDV app is you don’t have to attend an appointment at a UKVCAS Service Point. If you urgently need a decision about your application, (for example because you need to travel outside of the UK), the option to book an appointment is still available. See next steps below.
Note: If you are part of a group, applicants must either ALL use the IDV app or ALL book an appointment.
Here are the steps to follow:
Send UKVCAS an email from your UKVCAS registered email address to
admin.ukvas@soprasteria.com by Friday 7 August.
Include the words ‘OPT OUT’ and your 16-digit Unique Application Number(UAN) as the subject line.
In the email, state your name (and the names of other applicants in your group if applicable) and that you want to opt out of the IDV app.
If you opt out on or up to 7 August 2020, UKVCAS will send you an email during week commencing 10 August 2020 inviting you to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point.”
