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.

Do not go to an appointment if you have coronavirus symptoms.

Making an appointment

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will contact you by email or post to tell you how to make an appointment.

It may take longer than usual to get an appointment. There are currently a reduced number of appointments available because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Your appointment will be prioritised if you have compelling or compassionate circumstances.

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 cannot send the information through the instructions given, you’ll be able to book an appointment.

If you cannot attend an appointment because of coronavirus

If you cannot or do not want to attend an appointment because of coronavirus, this will not affect your immigration status. You’ll need to attend an appointment at a later date.

If you have immigration queries related to coronavirus, contact the Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre. If you send an email, it must be in English.

What happens at your appointment

A UKVI staff member will take your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) and check your passport or travel documents.

You must follow the centre’s social distancing measures.

UKVI may take your travel documents - you’ll get them back if you are granted leave.

How long it will take

Your appointment will take around 30 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

Do not take any supporting information to your appointment. You must send this by email or post. UKVI will contact you to tell you how to do this.

Joint applications

Everyone on the application must go to the appointment together, unless they have fingerprints that can be reused. They’ll be told how to send their information without having to go to the appointment.

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.

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.