UK Immigration ID Check App

How to scan a document on the ID Check app

Tips for scanning a passport on the UK Immigration: ID Check app -

• Take a picture of the passport page which displays your photograph using your phone’s camera.

• Make sure that the full page is inside of the frame (including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom of the page).

• Make sure that the camera is in focus.

How to scan the BRP chip on iPhone or Android:

• Take a picture of the back of the biometric residence permit (BRP) using your phone’s camera.

• Make sure the full card is inside of the frame (including the three lines of numbers and letters at the bottom of the page).

• If the app believes that you aren’t capturing your biometric residence permit (BRP) correctly then it will notify you on how to improve your scanning of the BRP.

• You will need to repeat the above sets and take a picture of the front of your biometric residence permit (BRP) too.

How to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to check the information of a document

1. Remove any cases and covers from both your phone and your document.

2. When you are ready and on the app click the ‘Check now’ button.

3. When the app says ‘check your document’s information’, place your phone directly on the top of your document. If your sound is on then you will hear a beep to signify that your document has been recognised and the phrase ‘information checked’ will pop-up on the screen.

4. If your phone does not recognise your document the first time then move your phone around the document until it does get recognised by the app. After a while the app will time out and the app will show ‘information not found’ - in these cases you will have to repeat the process.

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UK immigration ID check chip not found

If the app is unable to read the biometric chip in your passport on your iPhone or Android then you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment in order to provide your biometric information. 

The UK Immigration ID Check App is not working

If the UK Immigration ID Check app is not working and you are unable to provide your biometrics this way, then you will have to arrange and attend an in-person biometrics appointment.

Additional information about document checks

• If you have a Hong Kong SAR passport then you will need to place your phone on the back of your document. You may need to move your phone around the document for the chip to be recoginised.
• When checking a BRP you will need to ensure that the side with the chip is facing up.
• If after several attempts the app is not recognising your document that you can choose to confirm your identity another way (by attending an in-person biometrics appointment, a Visa Application Centre or a UKVCAS appointment.

Using the UK Immigration ID Check app to scan your face

As part of the identity checks the app will need to scan your face - as part of the process the screen will flash whilst it is scanning your face. If the screen flashing will cause you difficulty then you can skip this step and instead you will be required to prove your identity another way. Children aged 10 or younger will not be required to complete this step.

Using the ID Check app to take a photograph of yourself

When it comes to taking a photograph of yourself it is best practice to follow these steps:

• Use a light, plain backdrop with even lighting.

• Keep your head straight and look directly at the camera.

• Have a neutral expression and make sure your eyes are open.

• Include your head, shoulders, and upper body.

• DON’T cover your face or eyes.

• DON'T wear a head covering (unless it’s for medical or religious reasons).

• DON’T have any shadows, objects or people behind you.

How to complete your application

When you have completed the steps above you will be required to complete the rest of the application - you can complete this application on any device (it does not have to be done on your phone).

After you have completed your visa application, you can delete the app. If your immigration application is successful then you will receive a digital immigration status which will allow you to travel to the UK.

UK visa processing time after biometrics

Once you have provided your biometric information using the immigration app, your immigration or visa application will be processed. The visa processing time is dependent on a range of factors such as the complexity of the application or the visa being applied for. For further information about this, head over to our dedicated article.

How can Paragon Law help?

At Paragon Law, our immigration lawyers and solicitors have been assisting individuals to navigate the UK Immigration ID Check app since it was launched. If you require additional support or advice about using the mobile app, your eligibility to use the app, or with an immigration or visa application then please get in touch with us to arrange an appointment.