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<p>The majority of customers will be able to submit their biometrics and supporting
information for their visa application via a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service
(UK VCAS) centre, which are run by Sopra Steria Ltd (SSL) on behalf of UK Visas &
Immigration (UKVI). However, Individuals who have higher needs, may be vulnerable,
or whose circumstances may be complex and would benefit from face to face interaction
with the Home Office are directed to Service and Support Centres (SSC) where they
will receive support with their application. The SSCs are all based in pre-existing
locations which were previously used as premium service centres, which broadly align
with the postal districts of our customers.</p><p>There are currently six core UKVCAS
service points and seven core SSC’s across the UK at which application submission
services are offered. The SSCs are based in Belfast, Cardiff, Croydon, Glasgow, Liverpool,
Sheffield and Solihull.</p><p>SSL undertook market research to identify initial service
locations for the UKVCAS service points; their research included the impact on customer
travel time, cost and accessibility. Beyond that, SSL offer a range of enhanced services
in a further 50 UKVCAS locations. These services enable customers to submit their
biometric information (photo and fingerprints) and supporting evidence in one location.
62% of customers will, on average, have to travel less than 25 miles to visit a core
service centre, with 78% travelling less than 50 miles. Appointments may be offered
for individual customers and/or family groups to enrol their biometrics together.</p>
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