Identity Cards for the UK

As of November 25, 2008, some categories of UK immigration were switched over to using identity cards instead of vignettes or stickers in their passports. Students and spouses were of the few categories that were chosen to make this change. However, the UK immigration department has made an announced that even more immigrants could be switched over to using these new identity cards if it gets approved by Parliament.

The UK immigration department is hoping to see these changes take place in the first quarter of 2009. This would mean that immigrants that fall under certain categories will be forced to provide biometrics as part of their application. All such information would then be placed on the identity cards. These changes could take place as soon as March 31, 2009.

Some of the categories that are likely to be affected by this new change would be academic visitors and people who are receiving private medical treatment. These changes could also affect domestic workers of private households and retired persons. Other categories are likely to be added to the mix later on.

There will be some people who will be unaffected by these changes. This includes people who already have a permanent residence in the UK, as well as people who are applying for indefinite leave. The UK Border Agency has also noted that biometrics information will have to be provided before anyone can be granted leave. This will help the UK Border Agency fight abuse in the system. The final details are still being worked out.