When I was in at the Birmingham PEO today I tried to do as much snooping as possible around the process of Biometrics and ID Cards for those who are going to be issued them. I saw the new Biometric area at the PEO and it appeared that they were doing some training in the new room, with some of the IO's being Enrolers and some being Enrolees. It would appear to be a two part process of fingerprints and pictures being taken.
It also appears that EVERYONE applying for FLR(M) and FLR(S) will have to now go through biometrics and ID Cards. So everyone who has posted their application post the 25 November and anyone doing an in person post the 25 November will go through this process. As of right now only Croydon is taking in person applications and the UKBA website says they have no appointments available for December. Birmingham is supposed to go live 5th December, bit is not accepting appointments for December either with the rest sometime in the month of December and no word on what is happening in Northern Ireland. My guess is that it is going to be near impossible to get premium processing of FLR(S) or FLR(M) for a while.
I also picked up a pamphlet titled "Identiy Cards for Foreign Nations: Biometric Enrolment Process"
For those applying by post, it lists the following process:
- Application and fee posted by applicant
- Application received and fee processed
- Application data entry into case system
- Application validated (correct application form and documents including photos)
- Applicant identified as requiring biometrics
- Biometric Notification letter sent to applicant
- Appointment made by applicant (booked through call centre)
- Applicant arrives at biometric enrolment centre reception (having passed through security)
- Appointment checked and ticket issued
- Biometrics captured and results checked (fingerprints and photograph)
- Applicant leaves biometric enrolment centre
- Passport and documents returned to applicant with decision
- Identity Card issued by secure deliver to address provided for successful applicants
This means that the overall process is going to be extended for postal applications. If you do not attend you Biometrics appointment, UKBA is likely to cancel your application and return it to you. You will also receive your ID seperately from your passport. It will become VERY important that you DO NOT TRAVEL outside of the UK prior to receiving your ID, as you will run into big trouble with UKBA. I know this is very tough for newlyweds who want to go on a honeymoon, but you are in a real tough situation, you cannot re-enter the UK on your Fiancé(e) Visa and you cannot re-enter the UK without your ID card.
The process for in person/premium applications is:
- Applicant makes PEO appointment
- Applicant arrives at PEO reception (having passed through security)
- Application checked by reception (correct form and documents including photos) & ticket issued
- Applicant pays application fee
- Application data entry into case system
- Biometrics captured & results checked (fingerprints and photograph)
- Application considered
- Decision made (whether to grant or refuse)
- Applicant leaves PEO
- Identity Card issued by secure delivery to address provided for successful applicants
The pamphlet says that it will take 3-5 business days to receive the ID card.
Now we need a real world experience to help flesh out this process for folks.
[Edit - Made a mistake on the start, it is NOVEMBER not December as previously stated]
