Entry Clearance applicants (those applying to enter the UK from abroad) are required to attend a biometrics appointment after submission of their application in their country of nationality or where they hold residency.
While many visa application centers (VACs) have re-opened and are resuming most services post COVID-19 lockdown, some remain closed.
To address this issue, the Home Office has updated its Coronavirus guidance relating to advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents. Those applicants whose VAC remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions will be allowed to visit a VAC in any country worldwide, subject to that country’s entry requirements, in order to submit their biometrics. This will apply to any type of application.
Applicants should be aware that this is a temporary concession provided by the Home Office, and will be reviewed by 30 November 2020.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2020
Paralegal in our General Immigration team