Using the UK Immigration: ID Check app for Ukraine nationals

May 2024 · 7 minute read

You can use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to complete the identity verification stage of your Ukraine Family Scheme or a Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme visa application.

The app will:

The app will only work once you start your application online at GOV.UK. When you get to the identity verification stage you will be told to open or download it.

This app is only available in English.

If you cannot use the app

If you cannot use the app you’ll be asked to upload a copy of the photograph page of your passport on the application form instead. You will then need to complete a separate form and book an appointment to enrol your biometrics within 6 months of arriving in the UK.

Check if you can use the app on your phone

Android users

You will need:

Download the app from the Google Play Store.

iPhone users

The ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app is available for iPhone 7 and newer models. You will need:

Download the app from the App Store.

Whichever phone you use, the app will need access to the camera. If the app does not request access, enable it in your settings.

Making your application

You must start your application and create your UK Visas and Immigration account online at GOV.UK before you use the app.

You’ll then need to sign in to start your application, with your passport number, date of birth and a one time security code sent to either your email or phone.

You will use this account to fill out your application, view and prove your status.

Asking someone to help with your application

You can add someone else to access your account if they’re helping you with your application.

You can give them access to your application by adding their email and phone number.

How to use the app

You’ll need steady internet access and some battery power.

You’ll be guided through connecting the app.

Using the QR code

A QR code is a black and white square barcode that connects the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to your application. You can find the QR code on the web page for your application when you select ‘Confirm your identity’. It does not appear in your identity document.

If you are completing all of your application on a smartphone, you will not need to scan a QR code.

QR code example:

Scanning the QR code

  • Open the app and select ‘QR code’ when you are asked how you are connecting the app.
  • Hold your device in front of the code and move it closer until the code is recognised.
  • Using the connection code

    If you cannot use the QR code, you can use a connection code instead.

    Open the app and select ‘Connection code’ when you are asked how you are connecting to the app. You will be given a connection code that you will need to enter on the web page of your application.

    Take a picture of your passport

    Take a picture of the photo page of your passport using your phone’s camera. The full page must be inside the frame, including the 2 lines of numbers and letters at the bottom of the page. Make sure your phone camera is focused on the text on the page.

    Try taking the photo of your document at arm’s length if you are having problems.

    The app will prompt you to adjust your phone to make sure you capture your document correctly. These prompts will appear in a text box at the top of your screen.

    Make sure you include the entire photo page in your picture.

    Scan your passport

    The following symbol shows that your passport has a biometric chip and can be scanned by the app.

    If you do not have a passport with a biometric chip, you’ll only need to take a picture of the photo page.

    Remove any cases or covers from your passport and phone.

    Select the ‘continue’ button in the app when you are ready to start scanning your document.

    Place the phone on top of your document when the app tells you to ‘check your document’s information’. If the volume on your phone is turned up, you will hear a beep when your document has been recognised.

    If your phone doesn’t recognise the passport after a few seconds, then slowly move your phone around the document until the app recognises it.

    When the app has successfully read the chip in your passport, the screen will say ‘information checked’. Do not move the phone until this message appears and the check is complete.

    If the app does not recognise your passport, the check will time out and the screen will say ‘information not found’. If this happens, you should slowly move your phone around the document until the app recognises it.

    If you are using a passport and you continue to have problems, place the phone on the reverse cover or the photo page.

    Scan your face

    The screen will flash as it scans your face. Hold your phone’s camera in front of your face until the scanning is complete.

    You can skip this step and provide different evidence to prove your identity if a flashing light may cause you difficulties. To do this, go to the ‘Find out more’ menu and select ‘Skip this step’.

    If you are 10 or younger, you will not be asked to scan your face.

    Take your photo

    This is for the record that proves your status in the UK. Your photo is more likely to meet the requirements if someone else takes it for you.

    You must:

    You must not:

    Completing your application

    Once you have confirmed your identity, you can complete the rest of the application either on that device or any smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer.

    Once you have completed your application, you do not need to keep the app downloaded on your phone. If your application is successful, you can travel to the UK using your digital immigration status. You will not get a vignette (sticker) in your passport.

    If you need help using the app

    If you have problems using the app, for example scanning your chip or completing your application, you can call the help centre.

    All times are UK local time. The contact centre is closed on bank holidays.

    Telephone: +44 300 790 6268 - select option 3
    Telephone: +44 203 875 4669 if you are unable to dial 0300 numbers
    Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
    Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm

    Find out about call charges.

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