What to Bring to Biometric Appointment for UK Visa?

A biometric appointment is compulsory for most types of UK visa applications. A biometric appointment is a way for the UK government to collect your fingerprints and a digital photograph of your face. This information is used to create a unique biometric record, which is then linked to your visa application.

During the appointment, you will need to provide your fingerprints and a digital photograph of your face. The fingerprints will be collected by a trained staff member, and the photograph will be taken digitally. The biometric data collected is used to verify your identity and to prevent visa fraud.

It is important to note that some applicants are exempt from the biometric enrollment requirement such as children under the age of 6, applicants over the age of 70, and some diplomatic passport holders.

It is important to schedule your biometric appointment as soon as possible after submitting your visa application. The biometric appointment must be scheduled and completed before your visa application can be processed. Failure to attend the biometric appointment may delay your visa application.

What to Bring to Biometric Appointment for UK Visa

When you attend a biometric appointment for a UK visa, you will need to bring several documents and items with you:

1. A Valid Passport or Travel Document

You will need to bring your original passport or travel document, which must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.

A valid passport or travel document is an official government-issued document that confirms your identity and nationality. It is used for international travel and proves who you are and where you’re from. It contains personal information such as your name, date of birth, and photographs, as well as a unique identification number.

A travel document is also a government-issued document that confirms your identity and nationality. However, it is typically used by individuals who are stateless or unable to obtain a passport from their country of origin. Travel documents may include, but are not limited to, a Certificate of Identity, a refugee travel document, or a Convention travel document.

For the purpose of UK visa application, a valid passport or travel document must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK, including the date you plan to leave the UK. It must also have at least one blank page for the visa vignette (sticker) and must not be damaged in any way.

2. Biometric Fee Payment

You will need to bring proof of payment for the biometric fee, which can be a receipt or confirmation email. The biometric fee payment for a UK visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country from which you are applying.

As of 2021, the standard biometric fee payment for most types of UK visa applications is £19.20. This fee applies to applications made from within the UK and covers the cost of the biometric appointment and the processing of your visa application.

However, the fee can be different for certain types of visa applications, and also depending on the country where the application is being made. For example, some visa categories such as Tier 1 Entrepreneur, Tier 1 Investor, Tier 2, and Tier 5 have a higher fee.

Additionally, premium service fees and priority service fees may also apply to some applications, which can increase the total cost of the visa application.

It is important to check the UK government’s website for the most up-to-date information on biometric fee payments and any additional charges that may apply to your visa application. You can also check with the visa application center or the British embassy or consulate in your country for more information.

3. Application Reference Number

An application reference number, also known as a unique application number or UCAS reference number, is a unique identification number assigned to your UK visa application. It is used to track and identify your application throughout the visa process.

You will receive your application reference number after submitting your visa application online. The reference number is typically a combination of letters and numbers and will be provided to you in the confirmation email that you receive after submitting your application.

You will need to provide your application reference number when booking your biometric appointment, as well as when inquiring about the status of your application. It is important to keep this number safe and have it accessible, as you will need it throughout the visa application process.

It is also worth noting that if you are applying for a UK visa through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) for a student visa, the reference number provided will be the UCAS reference number, which is different from the application reference number.

4. Application Form

You will need to bring a copy of the application form you completed online.

5. Supporting Documents

The supporting documents required for a UK visa application will depend on the type of visa you are applying for and your individual circumstances. However, some common types of supporting documents that may be required include:

• Proof of Financial Support: This may include bank statements, pay slips, and sponsorship letters from sponsors. This is to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
• Academic Qualifications: This may include certificates and transcripts from previous education or training, as well as proof of English language proficiency if required.
• Proof of Accommodation: This may include a letter from a landlord or hotel, confirming your booking, or a letter from a host or sponsor, confirming that they will provide accommodation for you during your stay in the UK.
• Travel Itinerary: This may include flight and/or train tickets, showing your travel plans to and from the UK.
• Proof of Employment: This may include a letter from your employer, confirming your employment status and salary, as well as your leave of absence for the duration of your stay in the UK.
• Marriage or Divorce Certificates: If you are married or divorced, you may be required to provide a copy of your marriage or divorce certificate.
• Police Clearance Certificate: Some applicants may be required to provide a police clearance certificate, also known as a criminal record check, from their home country.
• Medical Certificates: Some applicants may be required to provide a medical certificate from their home country, to show that they are in good health and do not have any contagious diseases.

It is important to check the UK government’s website for the most up-to-date information on the specific documents required for your visa application. It is also important to note that providing false information or documents will result in the refusal of your visa application.

6. Two Recent Passport-sized Photographs

You will need to bring two recent passport-sized photographs that meet the UK visa photo requirements. The photograph must be:

• a recent passport-style photo;
• taken against a light background, so that your face is clearly visible;
• taken with a neutral expression and with your mouth closed;
• be 2 inches by 2 inches (50mm x 50mm);
• be of the applicant only, with no other person or object in the picture;
• be of good quality and not be blurred or pixelated;
• be printed on good-quality photo paper;
• be a full-face view, with a clear view of both eyes and the whole face, including the bottom of the chin and top of the forehead;
• be a true likeness of the applicant;

Photographs that do not meet these requirements may result in your visa application being delayed or refused. Therefore, it is recommended to use a professional passport photographer to ensure that your photographs meet the necessary requirements.

In conclusion,

It is important to double-check that you have all the required documents before attending the biometric appointment, as failure to provide the correct documents may result in your application being delayed or refused. Additionally, it is a good idea to make a copy of all the documents you bring, in case the original documents are lost or misplaced.