Biometric permits on the cards for Tier 1 and Tier 5 UK Visa applicants

If Parliament approve the regulations, migrants who apply to extend their stay in the UK under Tier 1 or Tier 5 (Temporary worker) of the points-based system will need to enroll their biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) as part of their UK Visa application from 14 December 2010.  The permits will replace the stickers or “vignettes” which migrants currently hold in their passports.

If you make your application to extend your stay in the UK by post, the Border Agency will send you a letter after receiving your application. The letter will tell you how to book an appointment to enrol your biometric information at one of the biometric enrolment centres. Alternatively, you may be able to enrol your biometric information without booking an appointment, for an additional fee (payable to Post Office Ltd), at a limited number of Crown post offices. The letter will tell you whether there is a participating post office near you.

If you make your application in person at one of the public enquiry offices, you can enrol your biometric information at the same time. You must book an appointment to make your application in person.

Enrolling biometric information is a quick and clean process. The agency will take a digital photograph of your face, and your fingers will be scanned when you place them on a glass screen. The process takes less than five minutes, although appointments will be made for approximately half an hour.

---

The UK Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with their  UK immigration applications to the British High Commission.