Biometrics appointment in NYC

We will be making an application for a Settlement Visa using the Priority Service out of NY and want to know how long we can expect to wait to receive the appointment for the biometrics. Our nearest Application Support Centre is the one in NYC. Has anyone been through this recently?

It usually only takes a couple of days to get an appointment, maybe a week at most - just depends what they have available.

You can choose which Application Support Center to go to, so if there aren't any good appointments at the NYC center, and there's another center you can get to instead, you can always book an appointment at the other one.

Some people have also had luck booking an appointment for a few days ahead, but then just turning up at the centre a couple of days earlier as a walk-in.

The appointment is very straightforward and shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes. It's done by USCIS on behalf of UKVI, so they are just there to take your fingerprints and photo and nothing else - they don't care what visa you're applying for or what documents you are sending.

So, you just take with you your passport and the printed biometrics appointment confirmation. When you get there, they will check your ID, make sure it matches the appointment confirmation, and will then stamp the confirmation sheet. Then they will take your fingerprints and a digital photo, and send you home.

Once you have finished the appointment, you just place your passport and stamped biometrics confirmation in the package with your other documents and mail it to Sheffield within 5 days.

We will be making an application for a Settlement Visa using the Priority Service out of NY and want to know how long we can expect to wait to receive the appointment for the biometrics. Our nearest Application Support Centre is the one in NYC. Has anyone been through this recently?

You will be prompted to make your biometrics appointment after you have submitted your online application. (Don't do this until you are absolutely ready to send off your package.)
Generally biometircs appointments are available within a couple of days.

Just to clarify, you will be sending your application to Sheffield, not New York as only non settlement applications are processed there.

Thank you both, that's very helpful and reassuring! We do know the documents go to Sheffield but affirmation is always welcome.

Ah, yes, I forgot to mention how to book the biometrics.

As larrabee said, it's part of the online application. When you fill out the application, you will be prompted to:
- pay the IHS surcharge (if it's a spousal visa)
- book a biometrics appointment
- choose/confirm a UK post office to pick up the BRP card (if it's a spousal visa)
- pay for the visa
- submit the application

Also, as mentioned, don't submit the application until you have checked and double-checked all your documents and have everything ready to be mailed.

A reminder: Don't forget you need to print and fill out VAF4a Appendix 2 as well as the online application form: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/270484/VAF4A-Appendix2.pdf

If you want to post a list of all the documents you are including here on the forum, feel free, and we can check that you aren't missing anything important.

Excellent, it's great to know there's support out there if needed. 

NYC was the most convenient place for me as well. I submitted my application July 11th and the center in Manhattan didn't have appointments nearly two weeks, which was longer than I wanted to wait. I ended up going to the one in LIC (convenient to Court Square and Queensboro Plaza subway stops), which had free spots that week. I arrived a little early for my appointment I was in and out in about 15 minutes.

Thanks, that's a useful tip. Good luck with your application, I hope it comes through soon!