IDV app success
for SSW client
23 September 2020
As UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) across the country return to service following the easing of lockdown restrictions, thousands of applicants have been facing difficulties securing an appointment as centres tackle the backlog of cases that have been delayed during the pandemic.
In a bid to speed up the processing of pending cases, the Home Office last month launched a temporary solution to enable some applicants to complete the visa application submission process without having to attend an ‘in person’ appointment at a UKVCAS service point.
The IDV Smartphone App
The introduction of the Home Office’s new Identity Verification (IDV) mobile app allows certain applicants to submit facial images and supporting visa documentation via their smartphone. Eligible customers are contacted directly and invited to download the app onto their device, where they are able to log in, upload and submit the required information in support of their application.
The introduction of the IDV app was purported to be a simple and more straightforward solution. However, it has received mixed reviews from many applicants.
Since the app launched, a number of eligible Home Office customers are still awaiting an invitation to use the facility. Of the lucky few invited to utilise the digital application process, many are still subsequently awaiting a decision on their application.
SSW client one of the first IDV app success stories
At Smith Stone Walters, we pride ourselves on providing a ‘WOW’ service to all of our clients. At a time where there is much uncertainty surrounding immigration and rules are changing by the day, going above and beyond to support our clients has never been more important.
Smith Stone Walters consultant Molly recently demonstrated ‘WOW’ service when she worked with a client to successfully secure one of the first ever immigration decisions via the IDV app.
On 30 March 2020 Molly’s client, a Chinese national, submitted an application to switch from a Tier 4 (student) visa to a Tier 2 (General) visa. The initial application was submitted online using the standard processing route and on 24 August, almost five months later, the client received an invitation to submit her biometric information using the new IDV app.
On 27 August, Molly provided the client with one to one support whilst she submitted her application using the app, staying on the phone to guide her through each stage of the process. Having overcome some initial technical issues with the access code, Molly was able to guide the client through the process step by step and ensure the necessary facial recognition data was uploaded successfully via the app.
Just eighteen days later, Molly received email confirmation from the Home Office stating the application had been successfully approved and her client’s new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card would be issued shortly.
Speak to an immigration advisor
Smith Stone Walters’ team of immigration advisors are based in global offices in London, New York, Hong Kong and Mumbai, providing a worldwide network of support for our clients.
If you need support to reach your immigration goals, we would be delighted to help. Contact a SSW consultant today.
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