The identity cards for foreign nationals programme has reached another milestone, with the roll-out of biometric enrolment facilities to 17 post offices around the UK.

These facilities have been introduced over the past few weeks, to increase the options available to migrants who need to enrol their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) when they make an application to the UK Border Agency. This process is now complete, giving postal applicants in certain postcodes the option to use one of these post offices instead of the 11 Home Office biometric enrolment centres nationwide.

Biometric enrolment at the 17 post offices is a walk-in service, with no need to book an appointment. However, it is currently available only to applicants who have been sent an invitation to use it. Applicants who use the service will need to pay an additional fee of £8.00 to Post Office Ltd.

From 6 January 2010, skilled workers who want to extend their stay under Tier 2 of the points-based system will need to have their fingerprints and photographs taken before we make a decision on their application. Successful applicants and their dependants will receive identity cards for foreign nationals, fixing their identities and helping to prevent illegal immigration and illegal working.

For more information about identity cards, see the Identity cards for foreign nationals section of this website.