You must firstly submit your application online, pay the immigration health surcharge fee, biometric enrolment fee (currently £19.20) and the application fee.
If you have previously submitted your biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) to the UKVI before, you may be invited to use the UK Immigration app to complete your application. If eligible to use the app, you will be instructed to download this following submitting your application. Using this app will mean that the biometrics that you submitted previously will be re-used.
If you are instructed to use the app, you will be asked to take a photo of yourself and your travel documents and upload your mandatory and optional documents using your smartphone. If eligible to use the app, you will not be required to attend a UKVCAS centre.
Previously those making Student route applications were directed to use Sopra Steria’s IDV app in order to re-use their biometrics. We understand that the IDV app is no longer in use for those making Student route applications, and only available for a small number of alternative immigration categories. Please see the Sopra Steria website for further details.
If you are not eligible to use the UK Immigration app, you will be directed to Sopra Steria's website to book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point centre. A combination of free appointments and chargeable appointments are available at all service points across the UK. The only exception to this is if you book an appointment at the Premium Lounge which will always incur a fee.
Non-chargeable appointments are released into Sopra Steria’s booking system each day up to 28 days in advance of an appointment. Appointments are mainly available from 9am from Monday to Saturday. As free appointments book up quickly, you may need to check the booking system regularly to find a slot that works for you.
Chargeable appointments are released to Sopra Steria’s booking system at midnight each day. There is now a single price for all chargeable appointments with no additional costs for same day, out of hours or next day appointments. Please refer to Sopra Steria’s website for further details concerning the booking process and the chargeable fee rate.
You can scan and upload your documents prior to your appointment or with assistance at your appointment. If you choose to scan and upload your documents prior to your appointment, we recommend taking a hard copy of all your original documents to your appointment in case there have been any issues uploading your documents.
If you choose to scan your documents at one of UKVCAS' core appointment centres with assistance from UKVCAS, there will be a charge for doing so. We understand that the charge for this service is currently £56 per person. The document scanning service remains part of the service if you attend the Premium Lounge or are using a Mobile Pop-up or the VIP service.
You will be able to leave your appointment with all your original documents as you are no longer required to submit original documents with your application. Although your original passport will be returned to you at your appointment, you should not travel outside the UK until you receive a decision on your application, unless you want to withdraw your application (please see the section on Travelling outside the UK before you receive a decision).
The Sopra Steria information provides guidance on cancellations and refunds if you have booked an appointment which you can no longer attend.
EU and EEA nationals
If you are an EU or EEA national and you have a passport with a biometric chip in it, you will not be required to make an appointment to give your biometrics at a UKVCAS centre. Instead, you will be able to use the UK Immigration ID check app to scan and upload your passport and a photo. See the gov.uk website for further details on this and also the application process that applies to you.
