Appointments

What proving your identity involves

Every application needs your identity confirmed. In practice this means one of two things: capturing your biometric information in person, or verifying your identity document and face digitally through the ID Check app.

• Biometrics collected at an appointment are your fingerprints and a photograph of your face.
• The system tells you which method applies to you when you begin the online application — you do not choose freely.
• You will not receive a decision on your application at the appointment itself; processing happens afterwards.
• You are told separately what supporting documents and evidence your particular application needs — requirements vary by route.

The UK Immigration: ID Check app

Some applicants can prove their identity without attending any appointment by using the free UK Immigration: ID Check app. You are told when you start your application whether this option is open to you. The app checks that your identity document is genuine and confirms the document belongs to you by scanning the document, reading its biometric chip, and matching your face to a selfie you take.

If you use the app successfully, in most cases you will not need to attend an in-person appointment, and you do not need to send your passport anywhere to be checked. If your device cannot read your document's chip, you will still have to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre or UKVCAS service point instead.

• Acceptable documents include biometric passports from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, and biometric BNO, HKSAR or EEA passports.
• An expired biometric residence permit (BRP) can be used in the app for up to 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card.
• Device requirements: Android 8.0 or later with NFC, or an iPhone 7 or newer running iOS 15 or later; both need a camera and internet connection.
• If you do not have a compatible phone, you can use the app on a family member's or friend's phone.
• The app is only available in English, and you must start your application online on GOV.UK before using it.
• EU Settlement Scheme applicants use a different app, not this one.

Appointments abroad: Visa Application Centres

If you are applying from outside the UK and cannot use the app, you book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). These centres are run for the Home Office by commercial partners such as VFS Global and TLScontact, and there are centres in many countries. At the appointment your fingerprints and photograph are taken.

Most centres offer free appointments, typically available within 5 working days. In some locations a standard appointment carries a fee of £76.50. Additional paid services — such as document scanning or faster handling — may be offered, but paying for these does not make your application more likely to succeed.

• Book your appointment online after submitting your application.
• Children under 5 have only a photograph taken and do not give fingerprints.
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

Appointments in the UK: UKVCAS service points

If you are applying from inside the UK — for a visa, to settle, or for citizenship — and you cannot verify your identity through the app, you attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. You create a UKVCAS account when you apply and book your appointment online. At the service point you provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).

The cost of a UKVCAS appointment depends on the type of service point and whether you choose extra services. Some appointments are free; others, and add-ons such as out-of-hours, weekend, next-day or same-day appointments, are charged. You can usually submit your supporting documents by uploading them into the UKVCAS online service, or have them scanned at your appointment; EU Settlement Scheme applicants upload their documents when they apply.

The 240-day deadline

There is a firm time limit on completing this step. You must prove your identity — by booking and attending an appointment, or by using the app — within 240 days of submitting your application online. If you miss this window, your application lapses and you have to start a new one.