Identity cards for UK Tier 2 visa holders from next month

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Skilled migrant workers and their dependents extending their visa under the Tier 2 visa scheme will from 6 January 2010 need to provide biometric information and obtain an identity card. Migrants in a number of other visa categories are already required to submit their fingerprints and photograph and apply for an identity card.

As more and more people need to enrol their biometrics the UK Government has made it easier for immigrants to provide their details:

  • Immigrants can now go to eleven Home Office biometric enrolment centres around the UK. You can make appointments online or by phone.

  • If you live in certain areas in the UK you can enroll your biometrics at certain Post Officers. There is no need to book an appointment. This is for a trial period and is an invitation only service. There will be seventeen post offices taking part in the trial.

  • For an additional fee applications can be made on a same day basis at seven UKBA public enquiry offices. As the Croydon office is frequently very busy it may be worth considering one of the regional offices in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Solihull and Sheffield.