biometric data collection

[prairie_girl]

Hi there! I'm getting ready to apply for a UK WHVisa, and am concerned about the new biometric data collection. as I understand it, you have to go in person, but the nearest location they list is 1500km away from me! Is there any other way to do it, or a phone number to ask that doesn't cost over $3/minute? Or will I just have to suck it up and book a flight out (ouch!)? Thanks for any info.

[riverfox]

AS far as I'm aware all biometric data has to be collected in person, which means unfortunately you'll have to find a way to get to your nearest center. Sorry this isn't much help.

You could always attempt e-mailing them instead of calling however you will have more luck getting a straight answer from them if you call. I've had too many problems communicating with them via e-mail to whole heartedly recommend it. but it does cost less.

[prairie_girl]

Thanks for replying. I was afraid someone would say that, it seems to be the consensus of all the information I've found, and the gist of the (very round-about) reply to my email. Oh, well, I guess it's an excuse to travel this spring break!

[fly10]

Hi,

So I was wondering what you ended up doing. I live in Winnipeg and I need a student visa soon. Is there any way to get biometrics done in Winnipeg or am I supposed to fly to Toronto? It seems a little bit stupid to me that we should have to pay an extra $400 because of the flight to get a visa.

How long did it take to recieve the visa after the biometrics are done? would it be possible to have a stopover flight in toronto, get the biometrics done, wait a few days to get the visa and then keep going? or does it take a few weeks of processing?

[JennaRose]

You could do a stop-over flight but its taking a risk that it will take longer to process the application then your stay is. When i got my visa i applied on wednesday, got an email the following day saying it was sent to ottawa and on friday they said it was approved. On monday i recieved it in the mail. The majority of visa's are issued fairly quickly, but you always run the risk if it being delayed for one reason or another.

my best advice, travel to toronto on a holiday of sorts, get your application done, enjoy your stay and plan activities around it, then have them mail you your visa when its fully processed so theres no worry about when its finished. im assuming by stop-over flight you mean on the way to the uk, i wouldn't advise it just in case your visa application is rejected, then your stuck with a uk plane ticket which you would have to have a return flight with.