The Biometrics Appointment
Written by Ashley Kelmore, Posted in Move to UK: Before You Go, Visas
It’s called ‘biometrics’ because they take both your finger- and hand-prints as well as a photograph.
Plus it sounds super futuristic and kind of scary, so they probably like that.
Because it’s a necessary part of the visa process, I want you to know what to expect.
- Bring whatever the immigration attorney / website says to bring, including a letter with your appointment details. You’ll also need your passport, and a couple of passport photos.
- When you arrive you’ll check in, they’ll look at your appointment sheet and stamp it, and then direct you to sit in a certain place and give you a number. When your number is called, they’ll take your appointment sheet and enter some information into their system.
- They’ll take a picture of you, and then print you. They don’t ink up your hand anymore – they just put your hand on this glass thing that takes it all digitally
That’s it! I think we were done in maybe 30 minutes?
Also, random: be prepared to need to pay cash for parking at the location. We had no cash on us and almost missed our appointment. I don’t know how they get away with charging people to park at a government facility that they need to go to, but they do.
