What happens at the UKVCAS biometrics appointment

Once you've submitted your settlement application online, the next step is usually biometric enrolment — but not always in person. Here's what actually happens, in order.

Last verified: 2026-07-04 against gov.uk/ukvcas and gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-immigration-id-check-app.

Step 1 — find out if you actually need an appointment

Some applicants don't need to attend a UKVCAS service point at all. If your fingerprints can be reused from a recent application — this applies to some people applying for ILR after a Skilled Worker, Student, or Graduate visa, among others — you may only need to provide a new facial image through the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app rather than book an appointment. The app only becomes available once you reach the identity verification stage of your online application — GOV.UK's guidance is that "you will be told to open or download it" at that point, and you'll separately get an email from UKVCAS confirming whether you've been invited to use the app or need to book an appointment instead. Don't assume either way until you've had that email.

If you do use the app, you'll scan the biometric chip in your passport or BRP and take a facial scan and selfie — GOV.UK specifies this should be "in even lighting, against a plain, light-coloured background," with a neutral expression and your eyes visible.

Step 2 — book your appointment (if you need one)

If you're not eligible for the app, you book online through your UKVCAS account. GOV.UK is explicit: "you can only attend a service point if you have an appointment" — turning up without one won't work. Standard appointments at core service points are generally free; you can pay extra for out-of-hours or weekend slots, or for a next-day or same-day appointment if your timeline is tight. Exact pricing depends on the service point and which extras you choose — check your own booking screen for the figure that applies to you rather than relying on a headline number, since this varies by location and appointment type.

Step 3 — what to bring

A printed copy of your appointment confirmation, including its QR code — GOV.UK specifically calls out that you need the printed document, not just the digital confirmation on your phone.
Your passport or other travel document.
Any supporting documents for your application that you haven't already uploaded online, or that need to be verified in person.

Step 4 — what happens in the appointment

You'll give your fingerprints and have a photo taken, and any documents you haven't already submitted digitally will be scanned or checked. This is a biometric enrolment and document-verification step, not a decision meeting — GOV.UK is direct that "you will not get a decision on your application at your appointment." Nobody at the appointment can tell you the outcome or speed up the underlying decision.

Step 5 — after the appointment

Your application continues through processing on the same timeline it would have followed anyway — the appointment doesn't reset or restart your clock. You'll be notified of the decision through the same online account you used to apply, so keep your login details and check it periodically rather than waiting for an email that might land in spam.