Briefings & Newsletters
Biometrics Pilot Scheme starts at UK Border Agency’s Croydon Public Enquiry Office 28 April 08
Date: 17th April 2008
Categories: Immigration
The UK immigration authorities are introducing a requirement for foreign nationals to give their fingerprints (10 finger scans) and a live digital facial photo before their UK residence permits will be extended. A pilot scheme is about to be launched for a limited group initially including all those applying for extended permission to stay as a student (all those applying on form FLR(S) ) or on the basis of marriage, civil partnership or cohabitation (form FLR(M) ) to a UK citizen or someone with permanent residence. At the start this will be for those aged over 18 only (therefore not students under 18 at school for example).
The pilot applies to those who apply in these categories by post or (as from 28 April 2008) in person to the Croydon Public Enquiry Office of the UK Border Agency. To apply in person the applicant will need to book an appointment for the biometrics to be taken but their applications can still be considered the same day. If they wish to use our services for the premium service at the UKBA they still have to go to Croydon for this part of the process though they can then leave and let the representative complete the application.
The pilot will include anyone applying by post from certain postcodes in London. They will be sent a letter inviting them to attend for the biometric registration once they submit their postal application.
People applying in other categories will be added to the pilot fairly swiftly afterwards. For example under 18-year old students and the dependants of those in the above categories will have to undergo a biometric registration from 16 June. Eventually any person who applies for an extension of stay, settlement or a new residence permit will be required to apply for a biometric immigration document and submit biometric information as part of their application.
Later this year the process will lead to the issue of a biometric immigration document. For those in the pilot the data is being stored at present and their passports endorsed as normal.