24 June 2022

As part of the European Union Settlement Scheme (‘EUSS’) and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Home Office has introduced several identity verification (‘IDV’) apps. These apps enable users to enrol their biometric information and avoid having to book and attend a biometrics appointment at a UKVCAS centre. In this article, we look at who can use each app and what each app is used for.

IDV apps
The Home Office currently has three IDV apps:

• EU Exit: ID Document Check app;
• UK Immigration: ID Check app; and
• UKVCAS IDV app.

EU Exit: ID Document Check app
The EU Exit: ID Document Check app was introduced as part of the EUSS. It was launched to streamline the application process, given the large number of expected applicants; to date there have been more than 6.5 million applications to the EUSS.

The EU Exit: ID Document Check app can only be used by individuals applying under the EUSS who hold an EU, EEA or Swiss biometric passport or biometric residence card (‘BRC’).

The app can be used for applications for entry clearance and permission to stay.

UK Immigration: ID Check app
The UK Immigration: ID Check app is available for applicants under the following routes:

• Work;
• Temporary Work;
• Student;
• Graduate;
• British National (Overseas) (‘BN(O)’); and
• Ukraine Schemes.

Individuals applying under any of the above routes must hold one of the following documents:

• A biometric EU, EEA or Swiss passport;
• A biometric residence permit (‘BRP’);
• A BN(O) or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region biometric passport; or
• A valid Ukrainian international passport.

The app can be used for applications for entry clearance and permission to stay.

UKVCAS IDV app
The UKVCAS IDV app can be used for the following applications:

• Nationality;
• SET-M; and
• BRP and BRC replacements.

Unlike with the other apps, individuals must submit their online application and wait seven to 10 days for the Home Office to determine whether or not they can use the app or must attend a biometrics appointment to enrol their biometric information.

Individuals should be able to use the app if they have attended a biometric enrolment appointment as part of a previous application and the Home Office is able to access and rely on the biometric information that has been previously enrolled.

The app is not usually used for applications for permission to stay with the exception of applications for indefinite leave to remain in the UK (‘ILR’) as a partner of a person or parent of a child already settled in the UK.

Get in touch
To learn more about forthcoming changes to UK immigration law, see our website, contact your assigned LDI lawyer or email enquiries@lauradevine.com.