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Booking an appointment

This section explains how you can book an appointment with us, using our new online booking service or by phone.

You need to book an appointment if:

  • you want to apply in person and get a same-day decision at one of our seven public enquiry offices - this is called a 'premium application', and you will need to pay a higher application fee; or
  • you have made your application by post, but you need to enrol your biometric information at a biometric enrolment centre or a public enquiry office to get an identity card for foreign nationals as part of your application.

Before you use the service, we advise you to read all the information provided on this website about your type of immigration application, and the relevant guidance notes. If you want to make a premium application, you should also check whether this service is available for your application type.

Online booking

Online booking is a fast, simple and convenient way of securing an appointment, allowing you to book when it suits you.

The online booking service can be used by individuals and by family groups of up to 10 people who are applying together. You can securely:

  • search for an appointment based on date, time, location and application type;
  • request and confirm an appointment slot;
  • receive a request confirmation; and
  • view and print your appointment booking after it has been confirmed.

You can find a link to the online booking website on the right side of this page.

Before you can book an appointment, you will need to register to use the service. You will then be sent login details, which will allow you to return to the website and book your appointment.

Requirements for online booking - premium applications

You can book an appointment to make a premium application in person if:

  • you have a valid email address;
  • there are not more than 10 people in your family group (including yourself) who require an appointment;
  • the premium application service is available for your application type;
  • you understand that applying in person is a premium service, and that you will need to pay a premium fee when you attend your appointment; and
  • you understand that the date of your appointment must be before your current permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom expires.

Requirements for online booking - postal applications

If you have applied by post and we have sent you a letter telling you that you must enrol your biometrics, you must book an appointment to do this. You can book your appointment online if:

  • you have a valid email address;
  • there are not more than 10 people in your family group (including yourself) who require an appointment; and
  • you have a case reference identification number, provided to you in your biometric notification letter from the UK Border Agency.

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Booking by phone

Our telephone booking service is the only way to book an appointment for large family groups of 11 people or more who are applying together - and it is also available to all customers who prefer to make an appointment by telephone.

You can book an appointment for a premium application by phoning 0870 606 7766.

If you applied by post, you can book an appointment to enrol your biometrics by phoning 0300 123 8895.

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Do it online

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