18/12/2007

Biometric testing already causing visa delays

By April 2008 all visa applicants over five years old will be required to supply biometric data before they are issued with visas to travel to the UK reminds Caron Pope, Partner, Immigration of Cameron McKenna. For expatriates and their families coming to the UK and requiring a visa will have to provide a biometric test. All visa applicants must now attend in person at the relevant (often outsourced) location overseas while applying for a visa. This will usually involve making an appointment and despite assurances that biometric testing will not delay visa applications, a lack of available appointment times (resulting in severe delays) have been noted. Biometric testing is already used in more than 11 countries with roll out in Australia and USA by end of 2007. Extensions to biometric data collection are in the pipeline. The UK plans to introduce ID cards for all non EEA nationals, advises CMS Cameron McKenna. Initial roll out (in 2008) will relate to those already in the UK and who apply for an extension or change their status. British citizens will have to provide biometric data from 2009, when they apply for a first adult passport or renew an existing passport.

For further details see www.law-now.com.

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