UKVI New York shared the below update on biometric appointments in the US on Friday, 14 August 2020:

As global travel and public health restrictions begin to lift, the UK visa system is opening in a phased manner with health measures in place to ensure it is safe for customers and staff. We wanted to provide an update around access to biometric appointments in the US for customers seeking to study in the UK this fall, as we know that this is generating some concern.

There has been limited appointment availability across the USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) network as operations restart. We continue to work with USCIS to increase access at the ASCs in accordance with the health protocols that have been introduced. We are pleased to inform you that a number of additional slots have been opened this week and we encourage customers to continue to check the appointment calendar in the online application portal. In addition, Priority Visa services have now resumed and customers will be able to purchase these services when booking their ASC appointment.

Alternatively, there is also the option to enrol at VFS Premium Application Centres (PACs). For customers who have an ASC appointment but require an earlier date, VFS global are offering to assist with switching to a Premium Application Centre appointment without beginning a new application;

https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/us/en/news/notice-for-tier-4-students-needin...

VFS are also extending capacity at the PACs with Saturday service for students beginning in some locations on 15th August. Appointments are available to book online and VFS will also be happy to assist using the “Get In Touch” option on the above webpage.

Please note that VFS PAC services are an alternative option for customers who do not want to wait for an ASC appointment, but do attract an additional fee.

In addition, UKVI is aware that ongoing global restrictions mean that some students may face delays in their travel plans to begin their studies. Please note that for students, there are also a number of concessions in place, recognising some individuals are not able to travel in time for their courses. This includes allowing students overseas to begin their courses via distance learning, before traveling when restrictions allow. Whilst not ideal, this does mean students can plan and start their studies. We’ve included the link to the Covid-19 T4 guidance which sets this, and other concessions, out in detail. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tier-4-s...