Booking biometrics appointment

Hello guys!

So we've been given the deadline to book our biometrics by 22nd Jan.

I'm up today at 6 AM to try and get a slot to book at the Birmingham core center (there seem to be only two core places, which are both in Birmingham).

I see there are a few available for Monday 4th Jan, however, none of them are free. They cost £110.

Do they even have free ones any more? or do I just need to bite the bullet and pay?

I heard about someone doing it through a biometrics app, is that a better process? how do I find out more about that?

Thanks!

I'm not sure of all the ins and outs of it but people have had success booking just after midnight. Good luck getting an appointment that suits you.

Like Larrabee has mentioned, it is best to check just after midnight, I've heard about loads of applicants using this approach to get themselves an appointment. They do get snapped up very quickly.

Thanks guys, i'll keep checking! I didn't realise there may be spots after midnight.

If I don't get one before 22nd Jan, would it be a problem?

The Visa expires on 15th Feb.

Thanks guys, i'll keep checking! I didn't realise there may be spots after midnight.

If I don't get one before 22nd Jan, would it be a problem?

I'm not sure how strict they are with the deadline... earlier this year, some people had to wait 5-6 months to give biometrics because of Covid delays/centres being shut, so I don't know if it will matter if you can't get one by 22nd Jan.

Having said that, back in Aug/Sept/Oct, a lot of people ended up having to pay for a £110 appointment anyway, because there were just never any free appointments available when they checked, so you may find that you just have to pay for the £110 appointment if you don't have any luck with booking a free one.

The Visa expires on 15th Feb.

As long as you have applied online before 15th Feb, it doesn't matter whether or not you attend biometrics before your visa expires. If your visa expires before your appointment/before you get the new visa, your immigration status will be automatically extended under Section 3C Leave while your visa is processing.