The length of time it takes for your application to be processed can be an important factor in deciding when to apply and when to make travel arrangements. But UK visa processing times vary considerably, depending on factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the country or Embassy where the application is made and the applicant’s own individual circumstances and eligibility.
Visa applicants are advised to take guidance on the current processing timescales for their specific type of application.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the Home Office department responsible for the UK’s visa system.
The processing date is typically counted from when the applicant has attended their visa appointment and submitted their biometric information, or as soon as ID checks have been completed and the application is submitted using UKVI’s visa processing app.
Processing times for in-country applications are as follows (correct as at the date of publishing):
Priority service and super priority services for applications being made from outside the UK are available for work, business and family visa routes.
Where available, priority processing allows applicants for certain work and settlement routes such as the Skilled Worker visa to pay an additional fee for fast-tracked processing. Priority processing provides a decision within 5 working days, while super-priority is for a decision by the end of the next working day
Priority processing is only available to certain applicants, notably those proving their identity by attending an appointment at a UKVCAS centre or those using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. If available to you, you will be notified when making your application and given the option to purchase faster processing.
The fees for priority and super-priority processing are as follows:
Priority processing remains available to A’ rated sponsors for fast-tracked CoS allocation and other Change of Circumstances requests, for an additional fee of £200 per application. The priority requests are generally processed within 5 working days.
One factor that may affect the UK visa processing time is whether the application has to be made through UKVCAS.
UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service) was introduced in November 2018 to handle certain UK visa, settlement and citizenship applications made be applicants already in the UK.
You will be advised when making your application if you must go through UKVCAS in order for your application to be processed.
There are other factors that may affect the processing time of your UK visa application. These include:
Summer is generally the busiest time for UKVI, and other factors such as Home Office priorities may impact processing.
The country that you apply for your UK visa from may affect the processing time for several reasons, including the relationship and arrangements between the UK and your country, the administrative systems within each country, current conditions within either country, endorsing documents from your country or finding their equivalent in the UK, whether that country is part of the EEA and so on.
It is always advised to check with the UK embassy or consulate in your country for any such issues that could lead to visa processing delays.
If your application includes incorrect information or the documentation you supply is insufficient, the processing time may be longer than expected if UKVI suspend processing to request further information from you in order to make a decision.
The best way to avoid this is to check your application thoroughly and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to hand before you apply.
The type of UK visa that you apply for will be the main deciding factor in how long it takes to process your UK visa application. The UK visa that you choose will depend on your reason for visiting the UK and how long you wish to stay.
There are many types of short-term and long-term work visas including:
Each type of visa will carry its own eligibility, conditions and application requirements.
The Skilled Worker visa, for instance, is open to non-UK residents with a job offer from a licensed sponsor for skilled employment in the UK.
The processing time for the Skilled Worker visa is generally no longer than 3 weeks once the applicant has attended their appointment.
The Standard Visitor visa is generally suitable for tourism, holidays, visiting and to receive short-term medical treatment. It replaces:
Under the standard visitor visa, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.
Your application for a Standard Visitor visa should be made no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK, and it will generally take no more than 3 weeks for the visa application to be processed and a decision made after your appointment.
Under current processing times, visitor visa applications from outside the UK are taking six weeks instead of the usual three.
Should you wish to study in the UK, there are 3 visas available for this purpose, depending on your individual situation:
Apply for the appropriate student visa no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK. Once you have attended your appointment, it will generally take no more than 3 weeks to receive a decision.
The primary route for people coming to the UK to set up or run a business is the Innovator Founder visa. While no up-front investment is required under this route, there are many eligibility criteria that will need to be satisfied by both the applicant and the business. Endorsement will also be required before the visa application can be made.
Processing for business-related visas typically take longer than other categories due to the complexity of the application documentation and evidence. Again, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
The Family visa will generally allow you to join certain family members who already live in the UK if you wish to remain in the country for more than 6 months, such as spouses. You may also consider a dependant visa.
If the visa application is made from outside the UK, the processing time will generally take up to 24 weeks.
If you intend to visit the UK to get married, you should generally apply for a Marriage Visitor visa. This visa is also suitable for civil partnership ceremonies in the UK.
This visa doesn’t allow you to remain or settle in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership ceremony.
Processing, once an appointment has been attended, should ordinarily take no more than 3 weeks.
There are two types of Transit visa. If you will be passing through UK border control and staying in the UK no more than 48 hours, then you should apply for a Visitor in Transit visa. If you will not pass through UK border control, then you should apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa.
If you will be staying in the UK for longer than 48 hours, it will be necessary to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
At DavidsonMorris we have the experience to advise you on the most appropriate UK visa for your circumstances and have the insight to make the process as smooth as possible.
As a team of immigration lawyers and former Home Office employees, we have an established reputation for effective and efficient management and processing of visa applications, and for providing expert visa-related advice to suit your needs. Contact us for advice.
How long does it take to process a standard UK visitor visa?
The processing time for a standard UK visitor visa is generally around three weeks from the date of your biometric appointment. However, this can vary depending on the country from which you are applying and the current volume of applications.
What are the processing times for other types of UK visas?
Processing times for UK visas vary by type. For example, work visas and study visas typically take between three to eight weeks. Settlement visas, such as those for spouses or family reunions, can take up to twelve weeks. For the most accurate information, it is advisable to check the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website for current processing times based on your visa category.
Can I expedite my UK visa application processing time?
UKVI offers priority and super priority visa services for certain visa applications for an additional fee. The priority service aims to process your application within five working days, while the super priority service aims to make a decision by the end of the next working day. These services are subject to availability and eligibility criteria.
What factors can affect the processing time of my UK visa application?
Several factors can affect the processing time of your UK visa application, including the type of visa, the completeness of your application, the accuracy of the information provided, the time of year (with peak times such as holiday seasons potentially causing delays), and whether additional documentation or verification is required by the UKVI.
How can I check the current processing times for my specific visa type?
You can check the current processing times for your specific visa type on the UKVI website. They provide up-to-date information on processing times based on the type of visa and the country from which you are applying. This information is regularly updated to reflect any changes in processing times.
What should I do if my UK visa application is taking longer than the standard processing time?
If your UK visa application is taking longer than the standard processing time, you can contact the UKVI for an update. You will need your application reference number and personal details to inquire about the status of your application. Additionally, you can check if there have been any announcements or updates on the UKVI website regarding delays.
Does the processing time include the time taken for the biometric appointment?
The processing time for a UK visa application typically starts from the date of your biometric appointment, not from the date you submit your application. Ensure you account for the time needed to schedule and attend your biometric appointment when planning your application timeline.
Are there different processing times for in-country and out-of-country applications?
Yes, there can be differences in processing times for in-country and out-of-country applications. In-country applications, such as extensions or switches to different visa categories, may have different processing times compared to applications made from outside the UK. Check the UKVI website for specific details related to your situation.
What happens if my visa application is not processed within the expected time frame?
If your visa application is not processed within the expected time frame, you may contact the UKVI for an update. In some cases, delays may occur due to the need for additional documentation or verification. The UKVI should provide you with information on any outstanding requirements or issues causing the delay.
