The introduction of the UK Immigration ID app has made the application process more straightforward for those who are able to use it.
It allows visa applicants to prove their identity without having to book and attend a visa centre appointment. It is designed to check that the applicant’s identity document is genuine and verify that the document is indeed theirs.
The app marks the beginning of a welcome effort by the Home Office to make the immigration process more technologically-driven and streamlined.
At present, the app is solely available to nationals of the EEA (plus Switzerland) and to Hong Kong British national Overseas (BNO) status holders.
However, the intention of the Home Office is to make the app available to applicants from other countries in due course.
In order to use the app, you must use either use your biometric passport from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, or your biometric British national (overseas) (BNO), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or European Economic Area (EEA) passport if you’re applying for the British National Overseas Visa.
The app will only work once you start an application online at GOV.UK. You will need to download the app once you reach the identity verification stage.
Before using the app, you will need to enable your Near Field Communication (NFC) function for contactless payments. You will need to then scan your QR code or connection code to connect to the app. Please note that if you are completing all of your application on a smart phone, there will be no need to scan the QR code. Once you are connected, you will then have to take an image of your passport, place your phone for information verification and then take a photo of yourself. This will end the identity verification process.
At this point, you can either continue filling the form on your smartphone or log back onto your online application on a PC. You will then be able to proceed to submit your application and wait for a decision from the Home Office.
Depending on the application that you will be applying for, you will receive a digital status and letter confirming that your application will be successful. You will then be advised regarding next steps and whether you will need to obtain a physical visa or whether the digital status will suffice as it is linked to your passport.
Unfortunately, one of the downsides of using the UK Immigration ID Check’ smartphone app for Skilled Worker applications is that you will not be able to avail of the 5 day working priority service if the app is used for submission.
Nevertheless, the Home Office is committed to making it easier for applicants to submit immigration applications and the app is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
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