POST UPDATE: Since November 2018, there is a change in the process, the Applicant is required to book the appointment on the third party (Sopra Steria) website, so the steps to follow would be:
Fill up the online application on the Gov.uk website
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), if applicable
Select the service type - Standard or Priority or Super Priority
Pay the fees for the relevant service
The applicant will then be directed to a link to the Sopra Steria website to create an online account
Click on the link and then request the access code which will be sent to your registered email
Create your login and password using the access code,
Input your preferred post code(residence, work, etc.) and the nearest UKVCAS centres will be shown
Select the preferred location
Search for the available appointments - Free or Paid (GBP 100) - mostly in Croydon or Premium Lounge (Standard - GBP 200 or Out of hours - GBP 260) - at 20 Mark Lane, London EC3R 7AF
Select the required type of appointment, the date and time of the appointment and then confirm the free appointment. If the appointment is Paid or Premium Lounge, then confirm the appointment by making a payment
An email will be sent with the appointment details
Note: The date of application is the date when you pay the UKVI fees at step 4 above and hence, if you wish to travel outside the UK then please make sure that your current leave to remain will still be valid on the date of your return to the UK.
If your current leave will be expired by the date you plan to return to the UK, then you should not travel outside the UK from the date of payment of the UKVI fees till you get a new approved Biometric Residence Permit or till the time the application is decided.
If the an applicant travels outside the UK before getting a decision on the application, then the application will be treated as withdrawn and no refunds will be given by UKVI.
Disclaimer: The above article is merely the opinion of the author for informational purposes and shall not be relied upon as an advice.
Every Applicant's circumstances are different, hence, it is advisable that you consult a Qualified Immigration Lawyer before filing any UK Visa Applications.
Further, the information in this article is current and relevant as on the date of publishing, the UK Immigration rules are subject to change on a regular basis.
Hence, it is advisable that you consult a Qualified Immigration Lawyer before filing any UK Visa Applications.