Visa Processing Times for Applications Outside the UK
If you're planning to visit, study, work, or settle in the United Kingdom, understanding the visa processing times is crucial. Here, we'll break down the essential information about when your application processing starts and ends, the current processing times for various visa categories, and what to do if you might have to wait longer for your visa.
When Your Application Processing Time Starts
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) begins processing your visa application once you've taken certain steps:
- Verify Your Identity and Submit Documents Online: You can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to verify your identity and submit your application and documents online. If this option is available to you, the processing time begins once you've completed these steps.
- Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC): If you're required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph), you can do so by attending an appointment at a Visa Application Centre. In this case, your processing time starts when you attend the appointment.
Please note that if you're applying from the USA and attend a USCIS Application Support Centre for biometrics, you'll need to send your passport and documents to the VFS processing hub in New York. If you visit a VFS premium Application Centre for biometrics, you can submit your passport and supporting documents at that location.
When Your Application Processing Time Ends
Once your application is processed, you will receive a letter or email notifying you of the decision. If you attended a Visa Application Centre, it's important not to visit one again until you've been contacted to do so. You do not need to contact UKVI to track your application if it's still within the current processing times.
Current Processing Times
The processing times for various visa categories are based on the current volume of applications and are measured against agreed customer service standards:
Visit Visas | |
Standard Visitor | 3 weeks |
Permitted Paid Engagement | 3 weeks |
Marriage Visitor | 3 weeks |
Chinese tour group | 3 weeks |
Transit | 3 weeks |
Study Visas | |
Student | 3 weeks |
Child Student | 3 weeks |
Study English in the UK (6 to 11 months) | 3 weeks |
Family Visas | |
Partner or spouse | 24 weeks |
Parent | 24 weeks |
Child | 24 weeks |
Adult coming to be cared for by a relative | 24 weeks |
Homes for Ukraine | As quickly as possible |
Ukraine Family Scheme | As quickly as possible |
Popular Work Visas | |
Skilled Worker | 3 weeks |
Health and Care Worker | 3 weeks |
Temporary Work Visas | |
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 |
Work Visas Without a Job Offer | |
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 |
Work Visas to Start a Business | |
Innovator Founder | 3 weeks |
Work Visas for an Overseas Employer | |
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 |
Other Visas and Permits | |
British National (Overseas) | 12 weeks |
International Sportsperson | 3 weeks |
Minister of Religion | 3 weeks |
Scale-up Worker | 3 weeks |
When You Might Wait Longer
Your visa application may take longer to process if:
- The information in your application is not accurate or requires further consideration.
- You need to provide additional evidence, such as proof of funds.
- Your supporting documents need verification.
- An interview is required.
- Further information is needed regarding your personal circumstances (e.g., if you have a criminal conviction).
- UKVI is experiencing increased visa demand.
If more information is required for your visa application, you'll be contacted by letter or email.
Remember that you are not required to book any travel before applying or before a decision is made on your application. Ensure you allow enough time for the visa application process, and keep track of the current processing times to plan your travel accordingly. If you're in a hurry, some visa categories offer expedited processing for an additional fee.