If you’re currently applying for further leave to remain, settlement or naturalisation from within the UK, you will most likely need to make an appointment with UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) at one of the UKVCAS centres for your application to be processed.
UKVCAS is the digital system, launched by the Home Office in 2018, to administer all UK visa, settlement and citizenship applications submitted within the country. The system is operated by Sopra Steria, a private company, on behalf of the Home Office.
When you submit your online application, you will be told whether you need to use the services of UKVCAS to complete your application.
The appointment is used to verify your identity, your biometric information will be enrolled, and any supporting documentation for the application will be digitised and checked.
UKVCAS is then responsible for submitting any biometric information and supporting documentation to UKVI for processing to be completed and a decision to be made.
With limited availability of appointments and in many cases, the need to travel some distance to a centre that will cater for your application needs, it’s critical for your application that everything is in order before you book and attend your appointment. All appointments at any UKVCAS centre must also be made in advance.
The following services are available and can be booked online via the UKVCAS website:
Centre locations, facilities and fees are subject to change and applicants are advised to check the UKVCAS website before making their application to confirm opening times, addresses and service availability.
You can only attend a service point if you have an appointment.
You can book an appointment up to 28 days in advance at any of the service points. You can book an appointment in the following two ways:
Free appointments are made available on the online booking system at 09.00, while chargeable appointments are released at midnight.
When booking an appointment you will be asked to choose a location by inputting a postcode convenient to you, and to choose a date and time from the available slots.
If you are unable to find an appointment at your desired location, date or time, you can search again using a different postcode or click on the link to see appointment availability for the following week.
You can book an appointment for yourself, or for a group of people where you all hold what’s known as a lead applicant/dependent relationship. If you have applied offline by making a paper application to UKVI directly, you will need to go through the appointment booking process for each group member separately.
At your UKVCAS appointment, you will have your identity confirmed, enrol any biometric information that may be required, and submit any documentation in support that you have not already uploaded online.
As such, you will need to attend with your supporting documentation, where required. You will be provided with a list of supporting documents you need to provide when you submit your application. You will also need to take your appointment confirmation email, and your passport or travel document.
At your appointment, you will be asked to provide any required biometric information, namely, a digital photograph of your face, a scan of your fingerprints and a digital copy of your signature. Any documentation not already uploaded will be digitised and checked. Finally, you will need to confirm that you are happy to send your application to UKVI.
The appointment time itself is relatively quick and can take as little as between half an hour to one hour.
Following your appointment, UKVCAS will then submit your biometric information and supporting documentation to UKVI for a decision to be made. This will usually take around eight weeks, unless you have paid for a priority service.
Last updated: 1 July 2022