Biometric Reuse: IDV app slower than in-person biometrics?

[farazk86]

Hi,

The reason for this post is my confusion related to the IDV app processing times? I got emailed that I am eligible for the new biometric reuse policy and that I should wait for another email, I got that email recently which said that the IDV app will be rolled out in phases in August and I'll be notified when its available for me to use.

My point of concern is this part of the email:

• 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.

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.

I do need to travel and am waiting for my visa, but from this email it seems that the IDV will take even further more time. But how is it that in person appointment is quicker?

We already got email a month back to send in supporting documents as they are processing visa and only biometric remain.. so after uploading pictures from IDV app the process should not take much time, right?

My main concern is that if I opt-out of this by sending that email and then am given a biometric appointment for September or even later.. then I cannot opt back in..

What should I do? What have you guys decided who are in similar situation?

[mmas0112]

some people said the appointments cost between 250 to 600 pounds. There are some free once but very very limited. Nothing is really clear about the app yet but they said it should be out during August.

[farazk86]

some people said the appointments cost between 250 to 600 pounds. There are some free once but very very limited. Nothing is really clear about the app yet but they said it should be out during August.

This is really helpful to know before hand.. Thanks for telling me this..

[jwpsych]

Hi

I am in the same situation, I have to travel outside the UK for absolute reason, so feeling very anxious right now.

I emailed UKVCAS to ask, but yet heard back about the availability if we opt out for the app thing.

Could I ask when you submit your application? so that you already received something from Home Office regarding your application?

I submitted mine on 20 April, have no idea if my application is started viewing with them or not.

thanks very much
JW

[farazk86]

Hi

I am in the same situation, I have to travel outside the UK for absolute reason, so feeling very anxious right now.

I emailed UKVCAS to ask, but yet heard back about the availability if we opt out for the app thing.

Could I ask when you submit your application? so that you already received something from Home Office regarding your application?

I submitted mine on 20 April, have no idea if my application is started viewing with them or not.

thanks very much
JW

If I go by past experiences then what mmas0112 shared is very accurate.

It is possible that if you opt out you will be given some dates to book appointment but like I said, judging by past experiences the appointments within the next two weeks might cost you £500 - £600 per applicant.. and the free ones might be in September.

Everyone has their own reasons, but if you really have to go this month and are happy to pay the heavy fee then cancel..

Me, personally will wait for the app.. as it I hope I will at least upload pictures this month and my processing can start immediately..

They keep saying that all will be processed on a first come first serve basis, I applied on 14 June, so much later than you..

yours would be processed before mine..

[ap1410]

Many people have got appointments for 69 or 110£

[Mohammed_M_Wahdy]

My wife just received the email. I'm glad that she does not need to attend in person mainly because we are expecting our first child and we don't want to take any risk. Even after the delivery it would have been a risk because of the the baby.

Also, I can imagine UKVI setting stringent rules on how to upload and what is acceptable in order to reduce the application being rejected due to this new app system. The UKVCAS system at least would have given me some confidence that the documents have been reviewed by someone in the line. Not sure how app would do this.

Email sure does have a lot of gaps; quite evident from experience shared here. I mean do I have to wait for the app to upload all of my documents? OR the app is only for biometrics and I must upload all other docs on UKVCAS?

[Tash87]

Booked an appointment for £160 including document check. Appointments are either £135, £110 or £66
I doubt they could go as high as £500 that’s a lot money.

[Sainatha]

Booked an appointment for £160 including document check. Appointments are either £135, £110 or £66
I doubt they could go as high as £500 that’s a lot money.

Hi, are you opt out from the IDV app?

[CanT]

Booked an appointment for £160 including document check. Appointments are either £135, £110 or £66
I doubt they could go as high as £500 that’s a lot money.

Hi,
Where did you book and how far is the date?

[Tash87]

Hi,
Where did you book and how far is the date?

Booked the date for this Saturday Glasgow but they had appointments available for next day and so forth too.
The appointments were free for September, £66 for end of August. The nearest ones were £135 or £110.

[Tash87]

Hi, are you opt out from the IDV app?

I never got the choice to reuse biometrics. They sent an email to book appointment.

[CanT]

Hi,
Where did you book and how far is the date?

Booked the date for this Saturday Glasgow but they had appointments available for next day and so forth too.
The appointments were free for September, £66 for end of August. The nearest ones were £135 or £110.

Thanks! Are you still able to view free slots for other locations? Would appreciate if you can check the next availability (free or paid) for various locations in and around London (Hemel Hampstead etc.)?

[farazk86]

Many people have got appointments for 69 or 110£

Yup.. as I expected from UKVCAS =/

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[ap1410]

this is for 4 people it looks like and so either £ 135 or 69 pp ?

[Tash87]

Thanks! Are you still able to view free slots for other locations? Would appreciate if you can check the next availability (free or paid) for various locations in and around London (Hemel Hampstead etc.)?

Sorry I’m unable to check appointments as I had already booked. Hope someone else can help.