Submitting biometrics is one of the most important steps in any visa or citizenship application. The government introduced eVisas on the 1st July 2021, as a convenient way to share a facial image and fingerprint via an online account with current or potential employers or landlords to show your right to work and to rent in the UK.

UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) are currently contracted by the Home Office to manage eVisa applications from within the UK. They are contracted until the 14th October 2024, after which a new service provider, TLScontact, will take over.

The UKVCAS website is advertising that you can book appointments with them until the 14th, however there appears to be no available appointments so you would need to wait for a cancellation by another applicant.

This means applicants will be delayed by two weeks before they can enrol biometrics, and a decision will take an additional two weeks longer. Currently, with standard applications, there is already a 3-week approval time. The Government offer a ‘priority’ application (costing £500) which grants a decision within 5 working days and a ‘super priority’ application (costing £1000) where a decision is made by the end of the next working day. Even if you have paid one of these fees, you will still have to wait for two weeks to enrol biometrics.

Most applicants will now need to register with TLScontact, however, as their contract starts on 15th October, there are no appointments for the next two weeks. You will need to book the earliest available appointment with TLScontact.

At Jackson Lees, we can offer more advice and help you understand where you stand with your visa or citizenship application, please give us a call or contact us to speak with one of our experts today.