eVisa and biometrics

1. Apply for your Student visa

• Complete your online visa application
• Receive your visa decision

2. Create your UKVI account (eVisa)

You will be asked to:

• Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app OR
• Book a biometrics appointment (if required)

3. Provide biometrics (if required)

You will need to attend a visa application centre (VAC) if:

• You cannot use the app.
• UKVI instructs you to attend.

4. Travel to the UK

Before travelling:

• Check your visa start date

Do NOT travel before your visa start date - your student visa will only be activated if you enter the UK once it is granted.

Bring with you:

• Passport,
• Visa decision confirmation, and
• CAS.

5. Access your eVisa

After your visa is granted:

• Log into your UKVI account.
• Check your immigration status.
• Notify UKVI immediately if you see any errors.

What you must do at enrolment

• Access your eVisa.
• Generate a share code.
• Provide it to the University.

This is required for full enrolment.

1. Apply online before your visa expires

• Submit your Student visa extension application.
• You must apply before your current visa expires.

2. Stay in the UK during your application

• Do NOT travel outside the UK while your application is pending or your application may be withdrawn automatically.

3. Create/access your UKVI account

• You will use your UKVI account to manage your eVisa.

4. Provide biometrics (if required)

You may:

• Use the ID Check app, OR
• Attend a UKVCAS appointment.

5. Wait for your decision

• Processing times vary.
• You can remain in the UK while waiting visa decision (if you applied before your current visa expires).

6. Access your new eVisa

Once UKVI account is activated you can check your updated immigration status online and generate share codes

What you must do after activation

• Generate a new general share code (do not use employer or renting share code).
• Provide it to internationalsupport@solent.ac.uk.

This ensures your student record is updated.

You DO NOT need an appointment if:

• You used the ID Check app successfully.

You DO need an appointment if:

• You were instructed by UKVI.
• You could not use the app.

During your visa application process, you will have the option to choose a VFS Global centre where you can provide your biometrics. VFS Global centres across the UK:

The nearest centre is within a walking distance from Solent University. A full list of centres can be found here.

What you need to know about your appointment:

• You need to print or show your biometric invitation letter from VFS Global when you attend your pre-booked appointment.
• Make sure you arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time, as late arrival will require you to book another appointment.
• They will capture your biometrics by taking your photograph, fingerprints and digital signature.
• All information is then sent securely to UKVI.

At your appointment at a VFS Global centre, you will provide your biometrics and confirm your identify using your original passport.

There is also an option to scan your original documents requested in your visa application. Following your appointment, you will be able to leave the service point with all your original documents (and passport) and await a decision pending the application method you have chosen.

Should you leave the UK while your visa application is pending, your application will be cancelled, and you may not be allowed entry back to the UK.

Please remember that you must submit your biometrics before the deadline stated in your visa application. Failure to provide your biometrics will result in visa rejection. You can still travel within UK common travel area, including Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Wales and the Channel Islands.

The UK immigration: ID check app lets you use your excising BRP card to complete the identity verification. You will need to scan your BRP card or the cover of your biometric passport. We recommend removing your phone case. If your phone does not support the NFC reader, it is safe to use your friends’ phone to complete that step.

If you are making a visa application in person, your biometric data will be taken on the day.

• Try a different phone.
• Improve lighting when scanning passport.

• Check spam/junk folder.
• Allow a few days for processing.

• Use your original application email.
• Reset password if needed.

• Report to UKVI immediately.
• Contact the university for advice.