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Table of Contents
Average Processing Times by Visa Type
The UK government publishes its service standards for visa processing times on its website. The service standards show how long it takes to process most applications (75% and 90%) in each visa category.
However, these are only estimates and not guarantees. Depending on your situation and the number of applications, your application’s processing time may be faster or slower than the service standards.
|
Visa Type
|
Outside UK (75%)
|
Inside UK
|
|---|---|---|
|
Visitor Visa
|
3 weeks
|
8 weeks
|
|
Transit Visa
|
3 weeks
|
N/A
|
|
Work Visa (Tier 2)
|
3 weeks
|
8 weeks
|
|
Study Visa (Tier 4)
|
3 weeks
|
8 weeks
|
|
Family Visa
|
24 weeks
|
8 weeks
|
|
Indefinite Leave to Remain
|
3- 6 months
|
Within 6 months
|
|
British Citizenship
|
12 weeks
|
12 weeks
|
Factors Affecting Processing Time
The duration of the visa application assessment is influenced by multiple elements, which include:
- The visa category being applied for. Certain visa types encompass more stringent requirements that necessitate additional checks and verification.
- The applicant’s country of origin. Due to varying capacities and current workloads, processing times can vary across visa application centers.
- Your application must be thorough and correct. Providing complete documentation and accurate information, as well as paying the right fee, will expedite processing. Missing documents or inaccurate data might lead to delays or application rejections.
- The volume of visa applications during your submission period. Processing times often extend in high-demand seasons like holidays, festivals, or other significant events that cause a surge in visa applications.
Individual circumstances and prior immigration history. Past criminal offences, negative immigration actions, health concerns, or other factors possibly impacting visa eligibility can prolong processing. You might need to supply extra evidence or participate in an interview for further clarification.
Priority and Super-Priority Options
Should you require expediting your visa application beyond the standard processing period, you might consider opting for the priority or super priority services available based on your visa type and application country. These services, which come with supplementary fees, offer a chance for quicker processing though without a guaranteed successful outcome.
Priority Service
The priority service is designed for those who need faster processing of their visa applications. Here are the key points:
Processing Time: The priority service aims to address your application within five business days.
Guarantee: While it expedites the process, there is no guaranteed successful outcome. Approval still depends on meeting all requirements.
Fees: Supplementary fees apply for this service.
Super Priority Service
For an even quicker turnaround, consider the super priority service:
Processing Time: The super priority service targets a lightning-fast 24-hour turnaround.
Note: As with priority service, success is not guaranteed, but it significantly accelerates the process.
Fees: Additional charges apply for this ultra-fast service.
Nevertheless, these timeframes are indicative and may fluctuate due to specific factors. Before submitting your application, verifying the availability and pricing of these expedited options on the UK government’s site or through the visa application center’s portal is advisable.
You must also arrange an appointment at the visa submission facility to provide biometric data (like fingerprints and a photo) and necessary documents. Upon processing completion, an email will be dispatched to guide you on collecting or awaiting the delivery of your application.
How To Check Your Application Status
You can check the status of your UK visa application in three ways:
- Use the online visa tracking service provided by the UK government. You will need your unique GWF reference number—a 16-digit code issued upon submission of your online application—your birth date, and the email address used to create your account.
- Contact the visa application centre where you filed your application for an update. You will need to provide your full name, birth date, nationality, passport number, and GWF reference number. Note that according to their policies, some centres might charge a fee for this updated service.
- Opt-in for email or SMS updates when applying for the visa. These alerts will inform you about your application’s receipt, processing, and dispatch. However, these messages will not disclose the final decision of your application nor the details of any potential hold-ups.
What To Do If Your Application is Delayed
If your visa application extends beyond the usual processing times or past the duration allotted for priority or super-priority services, you can follow these steps to escalate your case:
- Contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) through their online form, inputting your details, GWF reference number, type of visa applied for, and the date of your biometrics appointment.
- Describe the urgency of your situation and attach relevant documents such as medical records, event invitations, or flight confirmations.
- Wait for a reply from UKVI within 15 business days, but bear in mind this is not a confirmation of expedited processing or a positive outcome.
- Avoid finalizing any travel plans until you receive the formal verdict on your visa.
Escalation should be reserved for pressing scenarios like health emergencies, family deaths, or significant work commitments rather than changes in travel agenda, premature flight bookings, or late visa submissions.
Before you visit the United Kingdom (UK) for work, study, tourism, or family reasons, you may need to get a visa in advance. The time it takes to process your visa application depends on the type of visa you need. It can range from a few days to several months.
In this article, you will learn about the average processing times for different visa types, the factors that affect them, the options to speed up your application, how to track your application status, and what to do if you face any delays.
Conclusion
The UK visa processing time can vary depending on various factors such as the type of visa, your application’s completeness and accuracy, the demand for visas at the time of application, and your circumstances. Priority services are available for faster processing but do not guarantee approval.
Legend Consults is a renowned immigration consultant in Pakistan. If your visa is stuck or you need help applying for UK immigration, contact us, and let our experts help you!
