Photos not needed for UK visit visas now?

[Mister Fixit]

I have just complete my wife's 5th UK visit visa application and noticed there have been some changes since  the last time I did one in 2016.

 

I can't see anywhere where I can attach a photo to the printed application and no mention of providing one in the supporting information.

 

Is it not necessary to provide a photo any more?  Do they use the one they take when being fingerprinted?  Have I missed something obvious?

 

We do have a few spares so she will take them with her on Friday just in case.

 

 

Edited April 18, 2018 by Mister Fixit
Butterfingers

[theoldgit]

In the guidance supplied by the UKVI in respect of supporting documentation, photographs have been specifically excluded for some time, along with details of car or motorcycle ownership, flight tickets, hotel reservations, travel insurance and the like.

 

 

 

 

 

[Mister Fixit]

Thanks.  I saw the items you mentioned such as tickets etc in their updated notes, but I don't remember seeing photos mentioned.  I'll go and check. 

 

I don't suppose it matters if they are included does it?  I can't see them turning down an application for that - can they ...?

 

They wanted all those items in 2016, so it's been changed for less than 2 years.  

Edited April 18, 2018 by Mister Fixit

[Mister Fixit]

It's confusing about what documents to include or not include with an application for a visit visa.   https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/549692/Visitor_Supporting_Documents_Guide_-_English_version.pdf

Looking at the notes for guidance, section 4 says this - 

 

'Section 4: documents you should not send unless specifically requested

This page provides guidance on the types of documents that are not required to consider your application.

 if you are applying as a family/group you do not need to provide multiple copies of the same documents

 bank statements or letters issued more than 1 year before the date of application

 driving licence

 photographs (other than passport photographs required in section 1)

 notarial certificates

 business cards

 hotel bookings

 flight bookings

 photocopies of bank cards

 credit card statements

 certificates relating to leisure activities

 evidence of car ownership

 travel insurance

 sponsor’s utility bills

 sponsor’s council tax bills

 educational certificates (unless specifically listed in section 3)

 

However, in the document checklist attached to my wife's application, it specifically says - 

 

'Information about your visit

 

Document showing any plans you have made, such as;

tour details/flight details/letter of invitation/evidence of sponsor's immigration status in the UK'

 

This all seems at odds with the documents in the lnk.  Anyone have any ideas why?

[wgdanson]

We just got her 5th UK Visitor's Visa. To be on the safe side I included everything, PHOTOS, flight, hotel, insurance, etc. We got the Visa in 10 days no problem. NOW try getting a Schengen Visa............they (Italy) want everything.

[Jip99]

3 minutes ago, wgdanson said:

We just got her 5th UK Visitor's Visa. To be on the safe side I included everything, PHOTOS, flight, hotel, insurance, etc. We got the Visa in 10 days no problem. NOW try getting a Schengen Visa............they (Italy) want everything.

 

 

Photos, flight/hotel bookings, insurance is not ‘on the safe side’ it is simply superfluous and unnecessary.

 

Five pieces of supporting paper with my last one...... took 2 days.

 

 

[wgdanson]

4 minutes ago, Jip99 said:

 

 

Photos, flight/hotel bookings, insurance is not ‘on the safe side’ it is simply superfluous and unnecessary.

 

Five pieces of supporting paper with my last one...... took 2 days.

 

 

Which five please, and TWO days, really? I am surpised that VFS can get the application to the Embassy and then back again in that time. I thought the whole idea was to prove that 'she' is going to return to LOS. What more than a return ticket do you need. They must show they will not be a burden on the NHS..............health insurance policy does that. 

Edited April 26, 2018 by wgdanson

[Jip99]

1 minute ago, wgdanson said:

Which five please, and TWO days, really?

 

Covering letter.

Sponsors letter.

Bank statement

Additional financial info (probably unnecessary)

Reasons to return letter.

 

 

Yes, really. Submitted on a Monday, approved on Wednesday, posted EMS on Thursday, received on Saturday.

[wgdanson]

2 minutes ago, Jip99 said:

 

Covering letter.

Sponsors letter.

Bank statement

Additional financial info (probably unnecessary)

Reasons to return letter.

 

 

Yes, really. Submitted on a Monday, approved on Wednesday, posted EMS on Thursday, received on Saturday.

Were the covering, sponsors and reasons to return letters not one and the same thing. Could have done it with just that and a bank statement....yours or hers, please?

[Jip99]

1 minute ago, wgdanson said:

Were the covering, sponsors and reasons to return letters not one and the same thing. Could have done it with just that and a bank statement....yours or hers, please?

 

No separate items.

 

Covering letter.. sets the scene and covers the 3 key criteria.

 

Sponsors letter is about me... but reinforces the 3 key areas.

 

Bank statement....mine, I am the sponsor. Hers have no relevance...

[wgdanson]

1 minute ago, Jip99 said:

 

No separate items.

 

Covering letter.. sets the scene and covers the 3 key criteria.

 

Sponsors letter is about me... but reinforces the 3 key areas.

 

Bank statement....mine, I am the sponsor. Hers have no relevance...

Wish we could do that for a Schengen Visa. Thanks.

[theoldgit]

 
 
Photos, flight/hotel bookings, insurance is not ‘on the safe side’ it is simply superfluous and unnecessary.  

And to be frank I doubt if they were even looked at by the decision maker as they would add nothing to the application, I imagine that’s why applicants are advised not not to submit them.
That said I’m glad your girlfriends application was approved.

[brewsterbudgen]

I have just complete my wife's 5th UK visit visa application and noticed there have been some changes since  the last time I did one in 2016.
 
I can't see anywhere where I can attach a photo to the printed application and no mention of providing one in the supporting information.
 
Is it not necessary to provide a photo any more?  Do they use the one they take when being fingerprinted?  Have I missed something obvious?
 
We do have a few spares so she will take them with her on Friday just in case.
 
 

The photo for the application form is no longer required as they take it at VFS as part of the biometrics.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Mister Fixit]

16 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

The photo for the application form is no longer required as they take it at VFS as part of the biometrics.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Yeah, I know.

However in her 4 previous apps she did the biometrics but still had to affix a photo.

 

Obviously the system has changed 

 

 

[wgdanson]

8 minutes ago, Mister Fixit said:

she did the biometrics

They are NOT biometrics, they merely take fingerprints. Biometrics is retina scan, facial dimensions etc.

[Mister Fixit]

38 minutes ago, wgdanson said:

They are NOT biometrics, they merely take fingerprints. Biometrics is retina scan, facial dimensions etc.

They did all of those in the past. I didn't ask her last week but I'd assumed they did the same. 

 

 

[wgdanson]

1 minute ago, Mister Fixit said:

They did all of those in the past. I didn't ask her last week but I'd assumed they did the same. 

 

 

The UK Visa people take a new photo AND fingerprints every time. I doubt very much that retina scans are done, they don't do it for UK Passports, and the equipment is quite expensive, for VFS. And when you DO get to UK Immigration, the guy just looks at your photo in the passport, checks your dabs and you are in. The Schengen Visa people keep the same fingerprints for five years........do they change after that?

[Mister Fixit]

6 hours ago, wgdanson said:

The UK Visa people take a new photo AND fingerprints every time. I doubt very much that retina scans are done, they don't do it for UK Passports, and the equipment is quite expensive, for VFS. And when you DO get to UK Immigration, the guy just looks at your photo in the passport, checks your dabs and you are in. The Schengen Visa people keep the same fingerprints for five years........do they change after that?

I know all that, I've done it 5 times before, and especially the part when the UK Immi officer just gives a cursory glance at the passport after you've done all that work to get the visa ...

 

The reason I mentioned biometrics is that when she did her first app in 2011 they did the lot, retina scan  and whatever, including fingerprints.  They actually said in the appointment letter to come for biometrics so I took the view they did all that every time.  

 

Perhaps they keep them on file now and check them again, but I'd find that a bit sloppy if they want to be really secure.

 

Never mind, the app is in and now we're just waiting.  Should hear early next  week (he said, biting fingernails).

 

 

Edited April 27, 2018 by Mister Fixit