cangrande22

Yes that makes sense. I suppose no idea on the processing time? Thanks for the update.

cangrande22

I thought I’d just update everyone:

https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/flash-messa...essageId=74833 I read in another forum people have been getting appointments for August now for applications submitted very recently. Is that possible? Apologies for the broad question just like everyone hoping to hear soon.

thanks to everyone for any insights.

cangrande22

Hi - update:

https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/flash-messa...essageId=74833

Now working on June applications.

MonsterP

Yes, it's good news! Hopefully barely any of them will need physical appointments :-)

cangrande22

My only concern: I read that the system for using previous biometrics isn't working. Is that accurate? Or might that just be some noisy people on twitter?

I hope everyone is holding up!

MonsterP

You can read a lot of things that are inaccurate on all walks of life.

Just follow what UKCVAS tell you after submitting your application. All the best.

cangrande22

Agreed. Thank you for the positivity.

Minho87

Hi All,

Did anyone receive email regarding the new way of obtaining biometrics by facial recognition?

Has anyone had this already?

cangrande22

Yes many have (we did).

No one has had the biometrics processed by that method yet. Unfortunately Sopra Steria has not developed the software, yet.

Fingers crossed it happens quickly. Some people have been waiting since March.

Minho87

Thanks for the reply, when did you apply ?

cangrande22

Minho87

Oh wow we received the facial recognition. But yet to wait when it gets developed. Said we dont need to have an appointment. How long you reckon will take?

cangrande22

I saw an email screenshot, but I cannot testify to it's veracity(!), that suggested middle of August.

MonsterP

There's not really been any mention of "facial recognition", but reuse of finger prints that have previously been given. Gov.uk then go on to say "you’ll be emailed with instructions on how to send them an image of your face and your supporting documents"
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavi...y-uk-residents

Judging from the comments I've been seeing in various groups, the numbers are pretty high, and all, including us, are awaiting for the further instructions. There have been a small number that have been asked to forward certain documents by email.

So in the meantime, there's little to do except continue with life as normal until you receive contact. No doubt it will take a long wait as UKCVAS & UKVI haven't got the technology ready yet apparently (whatever that really means).

cangrande22

I noticed in the link you shared a mention:

“If UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can reuse the fingerprints you’ve already given, you’ll be emailed with instructions on how to send them an image of your face and your supporting documents.“

we are all in the same boat unfortunately our attorney confirmed none of his clients who’ve been asked to reuse biometrics have had their applications processed yet.

I really hope we’re talking about a matter of days or weeks to get this finished.

In the past biometrics were done at the Post Office; the way it still is for passports. Perhaps that might be re-initiated.