If you are going to extend your student visa in the UK, Read here!

From 16 June 2008, both the main applicant and any dependents applying for an extension of stay (further leave to remain) in the United Kingdom using application forms for students FLR(S) will also need to complete the new section (7) of the application form which covers biometric immigration documents. Biometric immigration document is the legal term for identity cards for foreign nationals.

The requirement to complete this section of the two forms was introduced for the main applicant from 28 April 2008, and extends to dependents applying from 16 June 2008.

Postal applications

If you are applying by post you will only need to apply for a biometric immigration document if you live at an address within the following London postcode areas:

• E1 – 18
• EC1 – 4
• N1 – 22
• NW1 – 11
• SE1 – 28
• SW1 – 20
• W1 – 14
• WC1 – 2.

If you post your application on or before 25 July 2008, when UK Border Agency receive your postal application for your extension they will send you a letter asking you to make an appointment at our public enquiry office in Croydon to enrol your biometrics (have your fingerprints recorded and photograph taken). If you do not book an appointment, they may not accept your application as valid and they will return any fee you have paid. If you book an appointment and fail to attend or refuse to provide your biometrics, your application may be refused.

All dependants included in your application will need to provide their biometrics. This will involve a photograph being taken of all applicants and fingerprints of applicants aged six or over. If an applicant or dependent is aged under 16, the biometric registration process must only take place in the presence of an adult who is the child’s parent, guardian or a person who takes responsibility for the child during that time. You must give UK Border Agency the name of this adult when you make your appointment and this must be the same person who is named of person who apply in person at one of the public enquiry offices ( section A7.1 of the application form).

You will not have to pay an additional fee when you attend the appointment. If your application to extend your stay is successful, you will still receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport, rather than an identity card.

If you post your application on or after 26 July 2008 you will not need to provide your biometrics.

If you are applying in person at our public enquiry office in Croydon (a premium application) you will also need to apply for a biometric immigration document regardless of your postcode. Your fingerprints will be recorded and photograph taken as part of the application process on the day you attend the public enquiry office.

Student visitor

Please note that student visitors are not be able to extend your stay in the United Kingdom as a student visitor. There are no provisions in the student visitor rules for extensions to be granted. You can only obtain leave (permission to enter the United Kingdom) as a student visitor by applying for a student visitor visa at a British diplomatic post abroad or by seeking leave from an immigration officer when you arrive in the United Kingdom.

You can download the application form and guide here

source: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

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