Under an agreement to be implemented from August 2009, the biometric data of those applying for a UK visa in the United States will be checked against the US Department of Homeland Security’s watch list of criminals and immigration offenders.  

1. Why is the Department of Homeland Security collecting biometric data of applicants for UK visas?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is collecting biometric data in the USA to make the process easier and more convenient.  When an individual submits an application and payment on-line, they may also make an appointment at one of 130+ Application Support Centers (ASCs) located throughout the United States.   

2. What should I expect when I arrive at the Application Support Center (ASC) for my biometric appointment?

The ASCs have standardized operational procedures that include:

• Security confirms the appointment and checks the travel document,
• A receptionist verifies the application and directs the applicant to a waiting area,
• A biometric technician digitally scans all 10 fingerprints and takes a digital photograph.

3. Will staff at the Application Support Centers keep my data?

No. The ASC staff will collect the biometric data and then transmit it to the UK via a secure link to UK government systems where it is stored on a secure database.  

4. Will my data be stored at the Application Support Center?

No, the Application Support Center will not store or hold the data.  

5. How is the data protected?

ASC staff follows standard operating procedures agreed with the United Kingdom Border Agency (International Group) (UKBAIG) to ensure that the data is processed and protected in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.  The data is transmitted on a secure accredited system, approved by both DHS and the UKBAIG.

6. Will my biometric data be shared with the Department of Homeland Security?

Biometric data collected at the ASC is transmitted immediately to UK government systems.  ASC staff will not hold or use that data for any purpose.

From August 2009, the biometric data of applicants for UK visas in the USA will be transmitted from UK Government systems to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for checking against the department’s watch list of criminals and immigration offenders. The outcome of the check will inform the consideration of the visa application.  

NB. It remains the case that information provided by applicants for a visa for the UK may be disclosed to foreign government departments and agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, where disclosure assists those bodies and the UK Border Agency to perform their functions.

7.  What will the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) do with this information?

On completion of a check against DHS’s watch list, DHS will destroy the biometric information provided.  DHS will retain and act only if there is a match to an outstanding immigration or criminal offence.  DHS will retain such data until any law enforcement action has concluded or for a maximum of ten years.  

8.  How long will the UK Border Agency keep my biometric data?

Biometric data will be destroyed within ten years of the date on which the data was provided.  Where an applicant proves that he or she is either a British citizen or a Commonwealth citizen with a right of abode under 2(1)(b) of the Immigration Act 1971, the data will be destroyed as soon as reasonably practicable.