UKVI updates biometric guidance for student

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has published a series of updates to its internal caseworker guidance on managing biometric information for visa and immigration applicants. The changes affect policies on enrolment, reuse, and the retention of biometric data.

According to the source guidance published on GOV.UK, several key documents have been revised. These updates provide clearer instructions for staff processing applications, including those from students and post-study work visa seekers.

Key changes to biometric enrolment

The 'Biometric enrolment: policy guidance' has been updated multiple times. Recent changes confirm that greyscale facial images cannot be accepted for applications. The guidance also reflects updates related to the decommissioning of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs), which are no longer issued.

A specific process has been added for non-EEA nationals who are detained in prison or an immigration removal centre in the UK and make an application to the EU Settlement Scheme. Furthermore, the guidance now sets out the process for supplying biometrics in Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) applications.

Rules for biometric reuse and special cases

The guidance on 'biometric reuse' has been clarified. It now explicitly states that children aged under five cannot have their biometrics reused. These children must attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in person to enrol.

The source also states that UKVI is unable to offer biometric reuse for individuals who are overseas. The 'Unable to travel to a Visa Application Centre to enrol biometrics (overseas applications)' guidance has been updated to provide clearer criteria for excusal. The subjectivity test in the unsafe journeys criterion has been removed.

The enrolment guidance explains the approach where individuals are prevented from leaving or entering a country or territory by the controlling authorities. It also sets out who is authorised to agree to reuse biometrics or excuse enrolment for long-term reasons.

Retention and usage of biometric data

Guidance on the 'Retention and usage of biometric information' has been updated with a new section on facial images captured at eGates and immigration control. However, a later update removed the reference to eGates from this document.

The rules that apply depending on whether fingerprints are enrolled or re-used from 1 July 2021 or before that date have also been clarified. Accessible versions of the 'biometric reuse' and 'retention and usage of biometric information' guides have been added to the collection.

Other removed or outdated guidance includes 'Biometric Residence Permits for overseas applicants: alternatives to customer collection at Post Office'. The source notes that biometric enrolment at Post Offices ended on 31 July 2021.