Scanning fingerprints on entering UK

What visa are you on that you didn't have to submit biometrics?

Biometrics are actually a pretty recent requirement for visa applications made in the US - I think they were only introduced for US applicants in December 2007, so anyone who got their visa before December 2007 will not have submitted biometrics (presumably this is the case in Cadenza's situation).
 
I just did a Google search on biometrics and one of the first results regarding the introduction of biometrics was actually from this very website:

http://www.uk-yankee.com/articles/item/new-biometric-requirements-for-us-based-visa-applicants

Biometrics are actually a pretty recent requirement for visa applications made in the US - I think they were only introduced for US applicants in December 2007, so anyone who got their visa before December 2007 will not have submitted biometrics (presumably this is the case in Cadenza's situation).

You got it. It's all in the timing.

I was one of the very first people on UKY to go through the biometrics process! 

What about if you do IRIS? Would they finger print you as well?

IRIS is a biometric process anyways- far more than fingerprints- because it does the retinal scanning.

I should mention I was never fingerprinted entering Manchester...only in Heathrow.

Manchester is where I always fly into, this last time was the first time I was fingerprinted, but also the first time I was entering on a fiancee visa rather than a visit visa

The last time I entered the UK, via Birmingham Airport, they had all non-EU citizens stand at a particular point once they got to the front of the line at immigration, prior to approaching one of the immigration officers. I realized afterwards that they had one of those backscatter "nude-o-scopes" that was pointed at that point.

What ticked me off, though, is that the viewing monitor is in full view of anyone walking by, on the way out to baggage claim (with a few immigration offiers huddled around it) -- I took a glance and could see the figure of the man at the front of the line at that point. grrrr!!!

When I came into the UK for a visitor the first two times I came, I didnt need to scan my finerprints.  When I came into the UK with Entry Clearance as a Proposed Civil partner they did, I assume it was to match up my fingerprints with the biometrics I had given back in the US to make sure I am who I claim to be.

When I came into the UK for a visitor the first two times I came, I didnt need to scan my finerprints.  When I came into the UK with Entry Clearance as a Proposed Civil partner they did, I assume it was to match up my fingerprints with the biometrics I had given back in the US to make sure I am who I claim to be.

Exactly.

It's being rolled out to all UK international airports over a set period of time. It started in late 2009 and should be in all locations in the near future. This would only be for those visa holders who had to submit biometrics as part of the application process.

I received my spouse visa in 2008, I had to give biometrics. As this program was just starting the last time I travelled (Nov 09) I've never had to have my prints taken at the border. My ILR was issued in April 2010 so I wouldn't have had to give my prints after that date as biometrics are not required for ILR applications.

I have my British Passport now so I won't ever have to worry about it.

Forgot to say that was November 2, 2010 at Heathrow.