UK visas: How to prepare for your biometrics appointment

What is a UK visa biometric appointment?

What are biometrics 🧍

Biometrics refers to distinct physical characteristics that assist in automatic recognition, encompassing any part of your body that can provide a DNA sample (eg. fingerprints). When applying for a UK visa lasting longer than 6 months, biometrics are a mandatory requirement. This is why you need to attend a biometrics appointment as part of the UK visa application process.

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The biometrics appointment 📆

The appointment will be booked as part of your UK visa application after you have entered your details with GOV.UK and paid the application fees. During your appointment, your face will be digitally scanned, and your fingerprints will also be recorded. You will be required to submit your passport and provide a printed copy of your Document Checklist, which can be downloaded from your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) dashboard. Appointments are conducted in major cities within your home country.

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Who runs the biometrics appointment 👋

All UK visa appointments are taken and managed by third party companies such as; VFS Global or TLS Contact. These service providers contracted by the UK immigration authorities offer visa application support services. They assist in the collection of visa applications, supporting documents, and biometric data on behalf of the immigration authorities. These organisations operate visa application centers where applicants can submit their documents and complete biometric procedures, such as fingerprint scanning and facial recognition.

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When the biometrics appointment happens

The Biometrics appointment is booked by you and happens after you have completed your visa application and paid the application fees on GOV.UK. Once you have completed your appointment, your passport and documents will be returned with your attached visa vignette.

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Why you need to attend the biometrics appointment 💯

Biometrics information is essential for your UK visa processing. It is a mandatory part of your application, and without attending the Biometric appointment, your visa application will not be processed. If you fail to attend the appointment within 240 days, your application will be cancelled. Ensure you book your appointment within the specified timeframe to avoid any delays or issues with you UK visa.

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How do I book a UK visa biometrics appointment?

Visa application on GOV.UK 🇬🇧

The first step in the process is to fully complete the visa application with GOV.UK. Once you have completed the application and paid the application fees you will be directed to book your biometrics appointment.

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Booking the biometrics appointment ✅

After completing your online visa application with GOV.UK, you will be directed to the website of the designated partner for UKVI, either VFS or TLS. From there, you can choose an appointment for your biometrics. The availability of appointments may vary, with the possibility of securing one within the same week or waiting for a few weeks, depending on the time of year.

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Booking schedules 🗓

Biometrics appointments usually show within the booking system for 4 to 8 weeks time. Should you wish to attend an appointment after 8 weeks that isn't showing yet, you will to let time pass before it shows as available.

What happens at the biometrics appointment? 

What the biometrics appointment involves ✋

During your appointment, your face will be digitally scanned, and your fingerprints will also be recorded. You will be required to submit your passport (unless you have chosen to retain it during the application process) and provide a printed copy of your Document Checklist, which can be downloaded from your UKVI dashboard. Depending on your location, you may either hand over all the documents during the appointment or receive instructions to mail them afterward.

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Appointment centres 🏬

VFS and TLS centres are located in various cities and countries around the world. The specific locations of VFS and TLS centres can be found on their respective websites or by checking the visa application guidelines provided by the UK government.

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Documents to bring to the biometrics appointment 📄

For your appointment, make sure to bring:

• Your passport(s)
• Proof of your booked appointment
• A copy of your Document Checklist, and

Remember to upload the required supporting documents specific to your visa category directly to the VFS or TLS system before the appointment. Each visa category has different document requirements, so double-check that you have uploaded the correct ones prior to your appointment.

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Something has gone wrong with my appointment

Rescheduling appointments 🙃

If your biometric appointment is scheduled for more than 72 hours away, you can reschedule it online by logging back into your visa account and clicking on the "Provide Documents and Biometrics" option in the main dashboard.

If you don't see the option to reschedule in the VFS or TLS system, look for an "add-on" service called "Walk-in Appointment." If this option is not available, you can visit your local centre directly. Keep in mind that rescheduling will require an additional fee, which may be higher than the original biometrics fee.

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Missed appointments 😬

If you miss your appointment contact the VFS or TLS centre to assess your options for rebooking. Some centres offer walk-in services which can be used when convenient. You won't be able to rebook via GOV.UK as the option will disappear from your UKVI account when less than 48hours from your appointment.

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Cancelled appointments 😶

If you are withdrawing your UK visa application and need to cancel your appointment, contact the application centre.