Identity Cards for Foreign Nationals (“ICFNs”) – Update

Further to our Law-Now of 6 October 2009, the UK Border Agency (“UKBA”) has now provided further information on applying for ICFNs. Biometrics must be given as part of the ICFN application process and is currently obligatory for those applying for ancestry extensions, domestic workers, academic visitors and visitors for medical treatment.

From 6 January 2010, those applying for extensions of their work permits under Tier 2 must also provide biometrics, which means appearing in-person at a biometric collection centre. Highly Skilled Migrants will also be affected later in 2010.

We have previously expressed concern about the availability of biometric appointments resulting in severe delays for those required to apply for an ICFN. The UKBA has previously stated that Post Offices will be available as biometric centres, and has now released details of those that have been approved to give this service.

Biometric Enrolment at Post Offices – Locations

Applicants living in London can submit their biometric data at a designated Post Office in Old Street. Battersea, Camden and Earls Court Post Offices are due to be added to the approved list shortly. The Public Enquiry Office in Croydon also offers appointments, as does the Passport Office in Elephant and Castle.

Outside of London, biometric data can be submitted at specific Post Offices in Beckenham, Bracknell, Cambridge, Durham, Kingstanding, Middleton, Romsey, South Shields and Aberdeen.

Biometric Enrolment at Post Offices – Eligibility

Applicants who are required to give biometrics and who have submitted the application by post, may now qualify to submit their biometric data at designated Post Offices.  Eligibility will be governed by the applicant's home address postcode. Those eligible will receive a letter of invitation from the UKBA, but may then simply walk-in (a prior appointment will not be needed). To prove eligibility, it is necessary to take the UKBA letter of invitation – the back page of this letter must be presented to the Post Office representative. Applicants will also be charged a handling fee of £8.00, which will be payable by cash or debit card at the Post Office.

Biometric Enrolment at Mobile Units

Mobile units currently exist to serve applicants who cannot attend a fixed biometric location due to medical reasons only.

We have been in contact with the UKBA in order to extend this service to fee paying customers, but they have indicated that biometric enrolment using mobile units will only be possible for applicants who are able to pay a substantial fee (of several thousands of pounds). The fee would be considerable to reflect the cost of sending a mobile unit to a particular location for one individual, and is therefore unlikely to be an option for the majority of applicants. However, if this fee were paid, the processing of the application would be prioritised and a faster turnaround time would apply.

As the UKBA does not yet have the ability to charge for biometric enrolment at mobile units, this service could not be rolled out before April 2010, and UKBA thinking on such a service is still in its infancy.