Any updates re: Sopra Steria appointments?

- your visa was granted for 5 years and so now they need updated biometrics, since it’s been so long since you last gave them

- you haven’t given biometrics inside the UK yet so maybe they need to capture them on their UK system (but I don’t know if this also is the case for other people who are applying for their first in-country visa)

Yup, both of these.

My biometrics were given in the USA, but have been advised they can reuse. It’s only been 2.5 years for me though - but this will be my first in-country visa.

My biometrics were given in the USA, but have been advised they can reuse. It’s only been 2.5 years for me though - but this will be my first in-country visa.

I did wonder, as I had a feeling some members who were on their first extension have been told they can reuse biometrics. It might be the 5 years thing then.

As I have previously commented - my wife had her first extension - application submitted 11th May - told she had to attend an appointment - appointment  8th July with BRP issued 3 weeks later.
I have no idea why she could not reuse her biometrics - they have been checked at airports ok, but just under 3 months from application to new BRP - not bad under the circumstances

Has anyone who has chosen to use the IDV app had a follow up email yet after Friday’s deadline to opt out?


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Has anyone who has chosen to use the IDV app had a follow up email yet after Friday’s deadline to opt out?


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Not heard anything yet....

I've opted for the app and heard nothing yet. I keep hoping one of us will so we at least know the app is up and running. Sigh. I suspect we're in for a long wait still.

I love the fact that I'm going to have a photo taken during COVID-19 for my updated biometric card (which I'm guessing will be permanent). I haven't had my haircut since February and look like a wild woman! (I probably won't have it cut for quite some time either, since we're being super careful.)

I'll always remember 2020.

I love the fact that I'm going to have a photo taken during COVID-19 for my updated biometric card (which I'm guessing will be permanent). I haven't had my haircut since February and look like a wild woman! (I probably won't have it cut for quite some time either, since we're being super careful.)

I'll always remember 2020.

Same here. And mine is now blue I hadn't been thinking about a visa photo when I made the choice to colour it.

I have been so tempted to cut it myself (I have been doing my bangs aka "fringe" myself), but I will wait until I have to take the picture. It could be truly awful.

Has anyone who OPTED OUT of the IDV App/reuse biometrics had any further emails on next steps or being invited to book
An appointment ? We opted out on the 5th of August have not heard anything yet....


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Hi everyone

We're in the process of completing my wife's FLR(M) application.  Her visa expires on 24 September so we're aiming to hit submit on the online form in mid-September.

We wondered if someone would be able to give us a run through of what to expect once we do that - including the options available to expedite the process. We understand the biometric centres have been closed/there is a significant backlog, and have also heard about an app being introduced in its place?

We're keen to know what options we have as we'd like to visit family internationally in the coming months and know this won't be possible while the application is being processed.

Thanks so much for any help!

J&D x

FLR(M) seem to be low priority for them, many of us have been waiting months. Some of us were told they'd be reusing our biometrics but are waiting for more information. Others have opted out of reusing them and are waiting for more information. A couple people have been invited to do biometrics as theirs couldn't be reused and they were able to schedule fairly quickly (they are only inviting in order of application). We don't know what may change in the next month, but I would not make any travel plans until you have the visa in hand. The sooner you are able to apply, the better (28 days before meeting 30 months in the UK is the earliest you can, up until the expiry of the visa). Right now you just have to be patient and roll with whatever options are available.

FLR(M) seem to be low priority for them, many of us have been waiting months. Some of us were told they'd be reusing our biometrics but are waiting for more information. Others have opted out of reusing them and are waiting for more information. A couple people have been invited to do biometrics as theirs couldn't be reused and they were able to schedule fairly quickly (they are only inviting in order of application). We don't know what may change in the next month, but I would not make any travel plans until you have the visa in hand. The sooner you are able to apply, the better (28 days before meeting 30 months in the UK is the earliest you can, up until the expiry of the visa). Right now you just have to be patient and roll with whatever options are available.

Thanks margo - that's really helpful.

We were looking at spending Xmas in the States, but sounds like that might be tight.  We will likely need to wait until mid-September to submit as we have prepared all documents on that basis..

Has anyone tried adding more documents to UKVCAS after hitting “submit” on their website, I have uploaded an additional document but I can’t see the “submit” button now.