Guidance

Biometric information: caseworker guidance

Immigration staff guidance on managing an applicant's biometric information.

Published 20 November 2013
Last updated 14 February 2024 + show all updates
  1. Updated Biometric reuse guidance to make it clear that we are unable to offer biometric reuse for individuals who are overseas. Also updated Unable to travel to a Visa Application Centre to enrol biometrics guidance to make it clear when individuals should request to be excused from attending a Visa Application Centre and where they meet the criterion.

  2. Guidance on enrolment updated to explain our approach where individuals are prevented from leaving or entering a country or territory by the controlling authorities.

  3. Updated Biometric information: enrolment guidance to set out the process for supplying biometrics in ETA applications.

  4. The enrolment guidance has been updated to set out who is authorised to agree to reuse biometrics or excuse them in the long term reasons section.

  5. 'Retention and usage of biometric information': removed reference to eGates.

  6. Guidance on biometric enrolment and biometric reuse updated.

  7. Added accessible version of 'Unable to travel to a Visa Application Centre to enrol biometrics (overseas applications)'.

  8. Added the document 'Unable to travel to a Visa Application Centre to enrol biometrics (overseas applications)'.

  9. Accessible versions added.

  10. 'Biometric information: enrolment' updated: addition of process for non-EEA nationals who are detained in prison or in an immigration removal centre in the UK and make an application to the EU Settlement Scheme.

  11. Updates to 'Retention and usage of biometric information guidance' around the use and retention rules that apply depending on whether fingerprints are enrolled or re-used from 1 July 2021 or before that date.

  12. Updated biometric reuse and biometric information: enrolment guidance documents.

  13. Updated 'Biometric reuse' guidance.

  14. Updated Biometric Residence Permits for overseas applicants: alternatives to customer collection at Post Office guide.

  15. Updated 'Biometric information: introduction' with regards to biometric residence permits and how they are used with our online services and at the border.

  16. Introduction document updated, including information about when biometrics must be enrolled and the information about the use of eGates

  17. Updated 'Biometric Information: introduction' guidance. Added new guidance: 'Retention and usage of biometric information' and 'Biometric reuse'.

  18. Added information about biometric enrolment at Post Offices ending on 31 July 2021 to details section.

  19. Updated biometric information - introduction guidance.

  20. Updated to add 'Biometric Residence Permits for overseas applicants: alternatives to customer collection at Post Office'

  21. Updated biometric information: introduction.

  22. Updated guidance documents.

  23. Updated guidance.

  24. Updated guidance.

  25. Updated guides.

  26. Updated guidance.

  27. Updated attachment

  28. First published.