Will UK visa applicants be accepted on a walk-in basis for biometric appointments at ASC locations once services resume?
Updates with answer at bottom
Today, 4/15/2019, I went to my scheduled biometrics appointment where I received the same slip of paper shown in a previous question: Why are UK visa biometrics appointments suspended at USCIS Application Support Centers?
One answer to that question quoted from the VFS Global website:
If you are an affected customer and have missed your appointment due to this service interruption, you may present at your chosen ASC location on a ‘walk-in’ basis, as soon as you see the message on this page that service has been restored.
However, the VFS Global website currently doesn't mention this bit about a 'walk-in' basis once the problem clears up. Does anyone have a screenshot of this earlier update? My stage 1 visa endorsement letter is only good for three months, two and a half months have already passed, and my worry is that even if this issue does clear up before my letter expires, I'll have to reschedule a biometrics appointment and with the backlog of applicants, the earliest possible appointment time may be well after my letter expires. My hope is that with this evidence, I may indeed walk-in at my appointed ASC location even if VFS Global later decides to do reschedulings rather than take walk-ins. I realize it's quite a long-shot.
Also, any update on the why these services have been suspended?
Update on the why: Bureaucratic glitch: UK suspends visa enrolment for American citizens
Update on Walk-ins: According to the most recent update on the VFS site (VFS UKVI Update) biometric services at non-premium ASC sites will resume April 18th. They are assigning dates on which you may walk-in at either PACs or your original ASC based on your original appointment date. Reference the table below.
Update 4/18: Despite my original appointment being on April 15th and therefore I should wait to go on April 25th, I took my chances and just walked in this morning. Nobody hassled me about showing up on the wrong date. My application is now in the hands of UPS and VFS.
Best Answer
VFS Global provided an update today with a helpful infographic on when applicants may visit a premium application centre. Presumably they will keep updating the schedule in the above mentioned link until normal operations are restored at USCIS application centers.
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Can I walk-in to ASC for biometrics?
Due to COVID-19, USCIS biometrics appointment walk-ins are currently not permitted. Individuals must appear for their appointment at an ASC only at the exact time and date specified by the agency on Form I-797C, which is the ASC appointment notice.Can I go to VFS for biometric without appointment?
Only book a biometric appointment after you have received your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Please only book one appointment to provide your biometrics. If you cannot attend your appointment, or wish to schedule an appointment at a different location, please cancel your original appointment as soon as possible.Can I walk-in for biometrics appointment UK?
You'll usually need to attend an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide your biometric information. You can provide your supporting documents either by: uploading them into the UKVCAS online service.Can I walk-in for UK visa?
For those with last-minute travel plans, VFS Global has introduced the Walk-In Without Appointment service, which allows UK visa applicants who do not have an appointment can walk into the Visa Application Centre and submit their documents.Uk Spouse Visa 2021: Series 3- Biometrics Appointment
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Sora Shimazaki, Sora Shimazaki, Nataliya Vaitkevich, Olga Lioncat