Frequently Asked Questions

BIOMETRICS APPOINTMENT

1. What documents do I need to bring to the biometrics appointment?

You should bring your valid passport (which must be valid on the day of the appointment) and any additional documents that IAS has specifically confirmed with you in advance. If further documentation is required, we will notify you prior to the appointment.

2. Do I need to pay any government fees on the day of biometrics?

In most cases, the AIMA government fee is paid at the time of the appointment. Depending on the specific case, the payment may either be made directly by the applicant at AIMA or processed by IAS on the client’s behalf if previously arranged.

3. Can the biometrics appointment be rescheduled?

Biometrics appointments are assigned exclusively by AIMA and cannot be directly changed by IAS. In situations where there is a valid justification, IAS may submit a formal rescheduling request supported by appropriate documentation; however, approval remains entirely at AIMA’s discretion.

4. My family members did not all receive appointments at the same time. Is this normal?

Yes. Family biometrics appointments are often scheduled separately from the main applicant and from one another. It is common for only some family members to receive appointments initially, with additional appointments being released progressively by AIMA over the following days or weeks. IAS will continue to monitor availability and inform clients as soon as further appointments become available.

5. Will someone from IAS be present at the biometrics appointment?

Yes. A member of the IAS team will be present at AIMA on the day of your appointment to assist with check-in procedures and guide you throughout the process.

6. Will I receive my residence card on the same day as the biometrics appointment?

No. The residence card is not issued on the day of the appointment. Following biometrics collection, AIMA completes its internal processing, after which the card is produced and issued at a later stage, usually several weeks after the appointment.

7. How will I receive my residence card once it is issued?

Once issued, the residence card is normally sent to IAS. We will then coordinate delivery to you or temporarily retain the card where necessary, for example to consolidate shipping with family members’ cards.

8. What should I expect on the day of the appointment?

Clients should arrive approximately 10–15 minutes before the scheduled appointment time. Delays may occur, particularly for afternoon appointments. The IAS team will coordinate timing and provide guidance on the day as needed.
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