Visas and immigration Service and Support Centres
Appointments
For some UK visa and settlement applications, you’ll need to make an appointment at a Service and Support Centre (SSC).
You’ll be told if you need to go to an SSC when you apply for your visa.
You may be eligible for the super priority service to get a faster decision on your application. It costs £1000 per family member in addition to the application fee.
Do not go to an appointment if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.
You might be eligible for assistance if you cannot travel or cannot afford to travel to the appointment. You can ask about travel assistance when you book your appointment.
Making an appointment
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will contact you by email or post to tell you how to make an appointment.
If you’re applying with other people, everyone on the application must go to the appointment together.
If you’ve given your fingerprints before
If UKVI can reuse the fingerprints you’ve already given, they’ll email you with instructions on how to send them an image of your face and your supporting documents.
This will mean you do not have to attend an SSC to provide biometric information.
If you have reusable fingerprints but are named as a ‘responsible adult’ for a child under 16, you still have to go to the appointment with them.
If you’re applying for the super priority service, you’ll need to upload and submit your image and documents using an online tool. UKVI will tell you how to do this in the email.
If you cannot send the information through the instructions given, you’ll be able to book an appointment.
If you cannot attend an appointment because of COVID-19
If you cannot attend an appointment because of COVID-19, this will not affect your immigration status. You’ll need to attend an appointment at a later date.
What happens at your appointment
A UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) staff member will:
- take your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo)
- check the documents you have submitted
- make sure your application includes all the information needed
- upload your documents if you were unable to do this online
- tell you what happens next
You’ll usually get your documents back at the end of your appointment. UKVI may keep your travel documents, such as your passport, until your application is processed.
How long it will take
Appointments usually take less than 2 hours.
If you are only providing your biometric information, your appointment will take around 15 minutes.
Providing biometric information (fingerprints and a photo)
You will be asked to provide your fingerprints and a photo as part of your visa or settlement application. Staff will:
- take a digital photograph of your face
- scan your fingerprints (there is no ink or mess)
- ask you to provide a signature
You do not have to remove your head covering if you wear it for religious or medical reasons.
Children under 5 do not need to have their fingerprints taken or provide a signature.
What to bring
You need to bring your:
- appointment confirmation
- passport or travel documents
If you do not have a passport or travel documents, bring an identity document, for example a:
- photo driving licence
- national identity card
- UK Biometric Residence Permit
Supporting documents
Upload any supporting documents you need to provide before your appointment. UKVI will tell you how to do this. If you’re unable to upload your documents, bring them to your appointment.
If you’re applying for the super priority service, you’ll need to upload your supporting documents online. UKVI will tell you how to do this by email. You must upload the documents before your appointment.
Children under 16
Children under 16 must go to the appointment with the person named as the ‘responsible adult’ on their application.
The responsible adult must bring photo ID with them. This must be a:
- passport
- photo driving license
- national identity card
- UK Biometric Residence Permit
If the responsible adult is not the parent or legal guardian (for example they are a member of staff from the child’s school) they must also bring written proof of responsibility for the child from:
- the parent or legal guardian
- a registered foster carer or social services representative
Getting a decision
You will not get a decision on your application at your appointment. How long a decision takes depends on what you have applied for.