Planning your UK visa application involves more than just submitting documents; it’s also essential to consider how long the process will take. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) sets out service standards for decision waiting times, which vary depending on factors like the type of visa, the country or embassy where the application is made, and individual circumstances.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the latest UK visa processing times, explore options for making a faster decision, and provide guidance on how to manage delays.
Types of UK Visa Applications
When applying for a UK visa, the type of visa you choose will depend on your purpose for visiting the UK and the length of your stay. Each visa type has its own specific requirements and conditions. Below is a breakdown of the various UK visa types available:
1. Work Visas
There are several work-related visas, each catering to different employment situations:
- Skilled Worker Visa
For non-UK residents with a job offer from a licenced sponsor for skilled employment in the UK. - Temporary Worker Visa
For individuals coming to the UK for temporary work in sectors such as charity, creative occupations, or seasonal work. - Global Talent Visa
For individuals with exceptional talent or promise in fields like science, technology, humanities, arts, and engineering. - Health and Care Worker Visa
For medical professionals and carers, offering a route for those in the healthcare sector. - Graduate Route
For international students who have completed a degree in the UK, allowing them to stay and work for a time.
Other options include the Scale-up Visa, Innovator Founder Visa, and more, each with its own eligibility criteria.
2. Holiday, Family Visit or Business Trip
For short visits to the UK, the Standard Visitor Visa is the most common. It is suitable for tourists, family visits, business trips, or short-term medical treatment.
This visa category includes multiple subcategories, such as business visitor visas and family visitor visas, but they all fall under the broader Standard Visitor Visa category.
3. Study Visas
If you intend to study in the UK, you have several visa options depending on the length and type of course
- Short-term Study Visa
For short courses or English language courses. This visa is valid for stays of up to 6 months, or 11 months for English language courses. - General Study Visa
For those studying at a licenced institution for a longer course. - Child Student Visa
For students under 18 years old who wish to study at an independent school.
4. Entrepreneurs and Investors
For entrepreneurs looking to establish or run a business in the UK, the Innovator Founder Visa is the primary route. This visa requires you to meet specific business criteria and obtain an endorsement.
Alternatively, you may consider the Skilled Worker Visa if you wish to sponsor yourself through your own UK business.
5. Family Visas
If you wish to join a family member in the UK, the Family Visa allows you to live with them for more than 6 months. This visa is typically used by spouses, partners, children, and other dependants.
6. Marriage Visitor Visa
If you plan to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK, you will need a Marriage Visitor Visa. This visa allows you to visit the UK temporarily for the purpose of marriage or civil partnership but does not allow you to stay in the UK after the ceremony.
UK Visa Processing Times According to UKVI
1. Standard Visitor Visa Processing Times
For applications submitted from outside the UK, the general processing time for a Standard Visitor Visa is usually around 3 weeks after your appointment. However, in some cases, particularly during peak times or when additional checks are required, processing may take up to 6 weeks.
2. Work Visa Processing Times
For work visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Worker Visa, the typical processing time is up to 3 weeks from the date of your appointment. However, some complex cases may take longer, and applicants are advised to plan accordingly.
3. Study Visa Processing Times
For student visas, including the General Student Visa and Short-term Study Visa, applications are typically processed within 3 to 8 weeks. The timeline can vary depending on the specific type of study visa and whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
4. Family Visa Processing Times
Family visas, such as those for spouses, partners, and dependants, generally have a longer processing time. For applications made from outside the UK, processing can take 8 to 24 weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of applications.
Here is a categorised information on UK visa processing times for both in-country and overseas applications.
| Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| In-Country Applications | - |
| Health and care worker visa | 3 weeks |
| Skilled worker visa | 8 weeks |
| Visit visa | 8 weeks |
| Student visa | 8 weeks |
| Graduate route | 8 weeks |
| Child visa | 8 weeks |
| Child student visa | 8 weeks |
| Partner visa | 8 weeks |
| Partner visa (without minimum income/English requirement) | 12 months |
| Parent visa | 12 months |
| Adult (coming to be cared for by relative) | 8 weeks |
| Global talent route | 8 weeks |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) visa | 8 weeks |
| UK ancestry visa | 8 weeks |
| Innovator Founder | 8 weeks |
| Government Authorised Exchange | 8 weeks |
| Charity Worker | 8 weeks |
| Creative Worker | 8 weeks |
| International Agreement | 8 weeks |
| Religious Worker | 8 weeks |
| Overseas Domestic Worker | 8 weeks |
| Secondment Worker | 8 weeks |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | 8 weeks |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | 8 weeks |
| Service Supplier | 8 weeks |
| UK Expansion Worker | 8 weeks |
| Entrepreneur | 8 weeks |
| International Sportsperson | 8 weeks |
| Investor | 8 weeks |
| Minister of Religion | 8 weeks |
| Scale-up Worker | 8 weeks |
| Turkish Businessperson | 6 months |
| Turkish Worker | 6 months |
| Overseas Applications | - |
| Standard Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Marriage Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Chinese tour group | 3 weeks |
| Transit | 3 weeks |
| Student | 3 weeks |
| Child Student | 3 weeks |
| Study English in the UK (Short Term Study) | 3 weeks |
| Skilled Worker | 3 weeks |
| Health and Care Worker | 3 weeks |
| Government Authorised Exchange | 3 weeks |
| Charity Worker | 3 weeks |
| Creative Worker | 3 weeks |
| International Agreement | 3 weeks |
| Seasonal Worker | 3 weeks |
| Religious Worker | 3 weeks |
| Global Talent | 3 weeks |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | 3 weeks |
| India Young Professionals Scheme visa | 3 weeks |
| UK Ancestry | 3 weeks |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) | 3 weeks |
| Innovator Founder | 3 weeks |
| Start-up | 3 weeks |
| Overseas Domestic Worker | 3 weeks |
| Graduate Trainee | 3 weeks |
| Secondment Worker | 3 weeks |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | 3 weeks |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | 3 weeks |
| Service Supplier | 3 weeks |
| UK Expansion Worker | 3 weeks |
| Family visas (partners, spouses, children, parents, adults) | 24 weeks |
| British National (Overseas) | 12 weeks |
Priority and Super-Priority Services for Faster UK Visa Processing
UK Visas & Immigration offers two premium services: Priority and Super Priority, for those applying for work, business, and family visas from outside the UK. These services allow applicants to pay an additional fee for expedited processing of their visa applications.
Processing Times
- Priority Processing: Applicants using this service can expect a decision within 5 working days of their appointment at a visa application centre.
- Super Priority Processing: For those who select this option, a decision will typically be made by the end of the next working day after their appointment. If the appointment occurs over the weekend, the decision will be provided within 2 working days.
Eligibility
Priority processing is available to specific applicants, notably those who attend an appointment at a UKVCAS centre or those using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. During the application process, eligible applicants will be informed about the availability of these services and given the option to purchase expedited processing.
Fees
The fees for these services are as follows:
| Application Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Priority settlement visa service – out of country | £500 |
| Priority non-settlement visa service – out of country | £500 |
| Super priority visa service – out of country | £1000 |
| Super priority service – in-country | £1000 |
| Expedited processing – Priority service – in-country | £500 |
What Affects Your UK Visa Processing Time?
Several factors can impact the time it takes to process your UK visa application. Here are the most important ones:
- Seasonal Demand: High application volumes during peak periods, such as summer, can lead to longer processing times due to increased demand.
- Application Location: The country from which you apply affects processing speed. Different regions have varying visa arrangements, administrative efficiency, and security checks that can cause delays.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Applications: Errors or missing documents in your application can result in delays, as UKVI may need to request further information.
- Complexity of Your Case: Applications that involve complex issues, such as family rights or criminality checks, often require more time for detailed assessments.
- Global Events or Political Disruptions: Political changes, natural disasters, or global crises can disrupt processing and cause delays.
- Increased Scrutiny for Certain Countries: Applicants from higher-risk countries may face additional checks, which can extend processing times.
Can You Check Your UK Visa Status?
If you're applying for a UK visitor visa from outside the UK, there are several ways to check the status of your application. Depending on the country you're applying from, you can use the services of VFS Global or TLC Contact, both of which have tracking systems in place to help you monitor your application.
Here’s how you can check the status of your UK visitor visa:
1. Tracking via VFS Global or TLC Contact
You can visit the VFS Global or TLC Contact website, depending on where you are applying from. Each website offers a tracking page where you can monitor the progress of your application.
2. Check Through UKVI Website
Alternatively, you can use the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to check the status of your visitor visa application. To do this, you need to:
- Complete an online enquiry form on the UKVI website.
- Pay a one-off fee of £2.74 to submit your enquiry.
- Mention if the standard processing time has already passed to help speed up your request.
3. Phone the UKVI Contact Centre
You can also call the UKVI contact centre for updates. Here's how:
- In the UK: Dial 0300 790 6268 and select option 2.
- Outside the UK: Call +44 (0)300 790 6268 and select option 1.
- For a foreign language service, you can reach +44 (0)300 790 6268 or +44 (0)203 875 4669. Calls cost 69 pence per minute on top of your standard network charges.
Your UK Visa Process with Westend Consultants
Navigating UK visa applications can be complex, but Westend Consultants is here to simplify the process. Our expert team provides tailored support for work, study, and family visas, ensuring your application is completed accurately and efficiently. If you need faster processing, we can guide you through the Priority and Super Priority services.
Contact Westend Consultants today to streamline your UK visa journey and turn your plans into reality.
