IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The High Commission of India in the United Kingdom has announced that biometric enrollment will soon become mandatory for applicants in seven visa categories, including employment visas.

What does the change mean? Beginning Aug. 19, visa applicants will be required to appear in person and submit biometrics (a facial image and fingerprints) when applying for employment, journalist, research, student, visit (applicable only to Pakistani nationals), project or missionary visas. The change will take effect at all 14 Indian Visa Application Centres in the U.K.

  • Implementation time frame: Aug. 19.
  • Visas/permits affected: Employment, journalist, research, student, visit (Pakistani nationals only), project and missionary visas.
  • Who is affected: Individuals applying for Indian employment visas or other designated visas at an Indian Visa Application Centre in the U.K.
  • Impact on processing times: Applicants may experience delays as the program is implemented.
  • Next steps: BAL will continue to monitor the rollout of the biometrics program and will provide updates if needed on the specifics of the biometrics process.

Background: Biometrics will be taken when visa applications are submitted at any of the 14 Indian Visa Application Centres. Applicants must appear in person to submit biometrics. Exceptions to the biometrics requirements will be made for applicants under 12 or over 70 years old.

BAL Analysis: The introduction of mandatory biometrics enrollment adds a step to the visa application process for those applying for Indian visas in the U.K. Contact your BAL professional if you have questions about the program.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.

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