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If your visa application is delayed

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

You might be able to find out why your immigration application is delayed by contacting the Home Office, or your local MP. You might want to make sure your passport will be returned in time for a holiday, or simply be worried about how long the decision is taking.

You can do this yourself rather than paying an expensive lawyer or immigration expert to do it for you.

Your immigration status

Your immigration status will stay the same while you wait for your new visa if you make the application in the 28 days before your visa ends.

If you already have the right to work, access education and receive benefits, you'll still have these rights while you wait for a new visa. You won’t keep these rights if you applied after your original visa ends - find out more about overstaying your visa .

If your original visa had ended when you applied

You’ll usually lose the right to work, access education and receive benefits while you wait for a new visa.

The rules are complicated so you should get specialist immigration advice as soon as possible.

You can phone the UK Visas and Immigration contact centre (part of the Home Office) to find out how long your visa will take:

UK Visas and Immigration contact centre

Telephone: 0300 790 6268

Textphone: 0800 389 8289

Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.45pm. Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.

Calls cost 12p per minute from a landline, 3p to 40p from a mobile.

If you’re outside the UK you need to use different contact details. Check how to contact UK Visas and Immigration from outside the UK on GOV.UK .

The service can be busy, so you may be waiting for some time.

You’ll be asked for a Home Office reference number - this is sometimes called a 'unique application number' (UAN). You’ll have received this number when you first applied.

Before you can get any information about your application, you’ll be asked questions to confirm your identity.

Contact your MP

It might be worth contacting your local MP if you've been waiting a long time to hear back from the Home Office. They can find out more about the delay and might be able to help speed up your visa application.

Prepare as much information as possible - it'll help your MP track down your application. For example, you might need:

important dates - like the date you submitted your application

any reference numbers you've received in letters or over the phone

Contact your nearest Citizens Advice if you need help.

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Update on UK immigration processing delays

13 May 2022

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, the Home Office has been increasing its published visa decision waiting times as it prioritises the processing of applications under the Ukraine schemes.

Entry clearance applications.

The service standards for entry clearance applications have increased significantly in recent months.

All priority services for entry clearance applications under the work, study and family routes have been temporarily suspended since mid-March 2022.

In addition, in some locations there have been delays with decisions on applications being notified to applicants, and with passports being returned or made available for collection with the relevant visa vignette endorsed.

Family visa applications

The most recent increase in waiting times, announced on 11 May 2022, has doubled the processing standard for family route applications from 12 to 24 weeks.

Work visa applications

Although the published processing standard for work visas remains at 3 weeks, work visa applicants are advised on GOV.UK that applications may currently take longer to process. At some Visa Application Centres, applicants have been advised of a processing timeframe of 6 weeks. Processing times in practice, particularly for those who are not eligible to use the UK Immigration: ID check app , may be in excess of this.

Visitor and transit visa applications

Average processing times for visitor and transit visa applications have increased from 3 to 6 weeks, however priority processing is still available in some locations.

Applications for Russian citizens

It currently remains possible for UK entry clearance applications to be made by Russian citizens. However, in practice these applications appear to be more delayed than for other nationalities, for reasons that are not currently clear but may include additional security checks.

It should however be noted that sections 70, 71 and 73 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 were brought into force on 28 April 2022. These provisions allow the Home Office to make Immigration Rules that impose visa penalties on any country the Home Secretary specifies as having taken action that:

Gives, or is likely to give, rise to a threat to international peace and security;
Results, or is likely to result, in armed conflict; or
Gives, or is likely to give, rise to a breach of international humanitarian law.

The visa penalties that may be imposed under the Immigration Rules are:

Requiring entry clearance not to be granted to nationals of a specified country before the end of a specified period;
Suspending the Home Office’s power to grant entry clearance in respect of such an application;
Requiring such an application to be treated as invalid; and/or
Requiring such an applicant to pay an additional fee of £190 (or other amount if approved under regulations).

It is necessary for the Home Secretary to give the country reasonable notice of the intention to impose visa penalties, and such penalties cannot be applied to any application that has been made before the day the relevant Immigration Rules are made effective.

Immigration Rules may come into effect on the date they are laid, so Russian citizens who intend to make a UK visa application may wish to do so as soon as possible.

Applications for permission to stay

Although in-country application processing is not as severely affected as for entry clearance, there are still certain points to be aware of.

General processing situation

In-country 10-year partner route and parent route average processing times have been increased to 11 months. Other application processing times for in-country applications are relatively unaffected, and priority services remain in place. This could however change if the overall demand for Ukraine Scheme visas remains high or existing backlogs need to be reduced.

UKVCAS IDV app

Since mid-March 2022, applicants for a replacement Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC), some nationality applicants and some applicants for settlement as a partner or parent will be invited to use the UKVCAS Identity Verification (IDV) app rather than attending a UKVCAS service point. the IDV app process can, but will not always, result in a quicker decision. This is because the Home Office assesses who is eligible for their biometrics to be reused, and this can take up to 14 days.

Biometric enrolment at a UKVCAS service point

Appointments to attend a UKVCAS premium lounge to enrol biometrics are currently available within 1 to 2 weeks on average, and other paid appointments are available with 2 to 3 weeks on average.

Ukrainian citizens with a valid international passport

One positive development is that since 11 May 2022, Ukraine Family Scheme applicants with a valid Ukrainian international passport may use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to provide their biometric details before arriving in the UK. This will reduce the need for some Ukrainian citizens to attend a UKVCAS service point to enrol their biometrics after arrival.

Russian citizens applying in-country

Applications by Russian citizens are currently unaffected, and visa penalties will not be imposed in-country. However, processing delays may occur if additional security checks are carried out.

Considerations for employers

In view of the current operational situation, we would suggest that employers consider the following:

Commencing the entry clearance process as early as possible ahead of an employee’s intended start date;
Communicating to internal teams that target start dates may be affected by visa processing delays;
Commencing the visitor visa application process as early as possible ahead of a planned business visit from a visa national client or overseas employee (a long-term visitor visa may be an option for some applicants), and using priority services where available;
Considering the feasibility of initially sponsoring a person under a work route where the person is eligible to applying under a family route;
Making UK entry clearance applications for Russian citizens without delay; and/or
In view of ongoing delays with outstanding entry clearance applications for Russian citizens, relocating Russian employees to interim or permanent destination countries other than the UK where swift departure from Russia is a priority.

If you have queries about any of the issues raised in this article, please contact a member of our Immigration Team .

Delayed visa or naturalisation application decision – should you worry?

Delayed visa application decisions are quite common. Many UK visa applicants, as well as those who are applying for British citizenship ( naturalisation ), experience delays in receiving decision from the Home Office. Such delays may occur for various reasons, and are likely to cause stress and anxiety due to uncertainty as to whether the application will be approved. It may also interfere with personal & business plans and separate families for longer than they expected.

The reasons for late decisions may be due to the Home Office heavy workload at the time and staff shortages OR it may be due to external events such as the war in Ukraine and COVID19 pandemic. However, quite often the delays are due to shortcomings in the submitted applications. Incomplete applications are frequent reason for the Home Office longer processing time and refusal of applications . For example, when applicants fail to submit specified document(s) or information or fail to disclose their past immigration or criminal history in their visa application.

Your application has not been straightforward

If the application is incomplete or an applicatnt has deliberately or not omitted an important information Home Office can contact the applicant. In such cases they usually include the phrase “your application has not been straightforward” in their message. It is a a standard message indicating that there is a problem with the application. Reasons for problems may vary but it usually means that the application will be delayed.

Irrespective of the reason for the delayed decision, waiting beyond the standard visa processing time given on the Gov UK Home Office website can be stressful. This is why applicants are eager to chase the Home Office for decision but they may not know how to do this. In our article we provide information on the visa processing times as well as some tips on what to do when facing delayed visa decsion from the Home Office.

What are the UK visas processing times from inside the UK & out of country entry clearance

Home office visa processing times vary depending on factors such as the type of application and whether it is submitted from inside or outside the UK (i.e. leave to remain versus entry clearance).

As the first step, you should therefore check the Home Office current guidance on the processing times to find out whether your application is still within the given standard timeframe. There are different processing timelines for applications submitted within the UK and outside of the UK .

In general, standard processing time for most out of country entry clearance applications is 3 weeks, counting from when the Home Office receives your biometrics and documents. There are some visa categories that are more complex by its nature, such as spouse/family visas, and such applications have a longer processing time of up to 12 weeks. Some visa categories, such as Innovator visa , have a standard processing time indicated by Home Office as 3 weeks. However, in practice Home Office tends to take much longer, even a few months, to process some Innovator applications.

What are the UK visa processing times for in country leave to remain

For in country leave to remain applications, standard processing time for the vast majority of visa categories is up to 8 weeks. Some applications, such as British National Overseas (BNO) have 12 weeks process time.

Both in country, and out of country applications have expedited processing options offered by Home Office for extra fees. There is 5 working days (for extra £500 fee) OR 1 working day (for extra £800 fee) processing option. The Home Office guidance on expedited processing for in country applications is here .

UK Visas expedited processing delays

The expedited processing for entry clearance applications requires payment of extra fees. The 5 working days expedited processing for Skilled Worker visa costs approximately £250-300 on top of the standard application fee. Expedited processing fee for spouse visa application is approximately £563 and the processing time is about 6 weeks.

It is important to note that the Home Office processing times are not guaranteed by them, and if they need more time to assess the application, they will do so even if you pay the expedited fee. In some circumstances you may seek to claim back the expedited fees that you paid. You may read our other article on who can claim a refund of application fee from Home Office.

Why are UK visa applications delayed – most common reasons for delays

We already mentioned this in our first paragraph in this article, that there can be many reasons your UK visa application may be delayed. Sometimes it may be the fault of Home Office. However, in our experience, in most cases the problem is related to the applicant and the quality of their application. Usually, there was a mistake made in the application or crucial evidence was lacking.

Several times we have come across situations when applicant submitted their own application, and Home Office subsequently requested additional evidence. Such requests delay the processing time for the visa. What is more, often applicants do not monitor their emails and fail to respond to Home Office communications. Sometimes they also email the requested documents to a wrong email address. All that can result in visa application being refused or the least delayed.

It is crucial to monitor your email inbox which was used to submit application to the Home Office. In some cases we have seen situations when people have changed their phone number and did not update Home Office about the change. As a result they missed important communications form the Home Office.

Summary of the common reasons for the visa delays

wrong form or application submitted
omitted information in the application
lack of evidence or compulsory documents
no response to Home Office communication
changing contact details without informing Home Office

What to do when your UK visa application is delayed

Home Office procedures can be confusing and a delayed visa application is not an exception. There are steps you can take when decision on your visa application or British citizenship application is delayed.

First you should be checking for the communication from the Home Office. It never hurts to sift through all the emails from Home Office and making sure nothing has been overlooked.
Next you should check the Home Office processing time guidance to see if your application is exceeding it.
Contact the Home Office for clarifications or updates on the application. When contacting Home Office you should have your case reference number at hand. Contact details for Home Office are available here . You can either email or call them or both. You may need to pay small fee.
Contact local Member of Parliament (MP) , so they can escalate the delay to the Home Office.
Finally, if the above has not worked and the decision is still not made by Home Office, you may decide to raise a formal complaint about the UK Visas and Immigration.
Complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman . The PHSO deals with complaints from members of the public who claim they have suffered injustice due to maladministration by a government department or agency.
The absolute last resort is the Judicial Review , which is a court procedure to make Home Office to act and issue the decision. This is a costly process and you need to consider it carefully and seek legal advice before you decide to take it. Before starting the Judicial Review process a Letter before Claim must be first sent.
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A Comprehensive Guide to UK Visa Processing Times and Delays

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It is important to understand visa processing times. Whether you're a potential student, a skilled professional, or a family member looking to reunite with loved ones, the UK visa processing timeline can greatly impact your plans. This comprehensive guide will explore the current state of UK visa processing times, how they've evolved, and what we might expect in the future.

Understanding UK Visa Processing Times

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department stipulates standard processing times for various visa categories. These timelines serve as indicators of how long it takes to process straightforward applications. However, delays can occur due to high volumes of applications, complexities in individual cases, or the need for additional evidence.

UKVI Standard Processing Times

UKVI's service standards for visa processing times are as follows:

Non-settlement visa applications from outside the UK: 90% should be decided within 3 weeks, 98% within 6 weeks, and 100% within 12 weeks.
Settlement visa applications from outside the UK: 98.5% should be decided within 12 weeks, and 100% within 24 weeks.
Applications for leave to remain within the UK, including as spouses, workers, and students: 8 weeks.
Applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) within the UK: 6 months.
Applications for no time limit (NTL) within the UK: 6 months.
Organisations seeking to sponsor a worker : 8 weeks.
Organisations updating their sponsor licence details : 18 weeks.

The premium priority and super-priority services offer faster processing times, with decisions expected within 5 working days and the next working day, respectively.

Factors Influencing UK Visa Processing Times

Several factors can impact the UK visa processing timeline:

Complexity of the case
Concerns regarding suitability (such as criminality)
Consideration of adverse immigration history
Questions concerning the authenticity of documents
Volume of documents provided
Need for further investigations or interviews
Capacity of caseworkers
Time of the year

Current Home Office UK Visa Processing Times

The Home Office publishes the current average visa processing times for applications submitted both within and outside the UK. These times can vary based on a range of factors including the type of visa applied for and the current volume of applications.

Work visas for the UK

The UK provides several types of work visas including the Skilled Worker visa , Health and Care Worker visa , Global Business Mobility visas , Temporary Work visas, Innovator Founder visa, Global Talent visa , High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, and Scale-up Worker visa. The standard processing times for these visas are 3 weeks for overseas applications and 8 weeks for in-country applications.

Join or Stay With Family in the UK

Family visas are for individuals looking to live in the UK with a British or settled family member. The current processing time for partner and family visas is 12 weeks for overseas applications and 8 weeks for in-country applications.

Visit visas for the UK

The UK offers multiple types of Short Stay Visit Visas. The current processing time for these visas is around 3 weeks.

Study visas for the UK

Hong kong british national (overseas).

The Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa and Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa have a standard processing time of 12 weeks for overseas applications and for in-country applications.

UK Ancestry

For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK, the UK Ancestry visa has a processing time of 3 weeks for overseas applications and 8 weeks for in-country applications.

Returning Residents

For non-UK citizens who have previously been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, and need to apply to have it reinstated, the Returning Resident visa has a processing time of around 3 weeks.

Expedited Processing of Applications

In certain circumstances, you can expedite the processing of visa applications by using the Home Office's priority services for an additional cost. The Priority service promises a decision within 5 working days, while the Super Priority service promises a decision by the end of the next working day.

Tracking Your Visa Application

You can track the status of your visa application online. However, the Home Office says that you should not contact UKVI to ask about your application if it is still within the usual processing times.

Dealing with Visa Delays and Backlogs

Visa delays and backlogs can be frustrating and may impact your plans. If your application is delayed, you should receive a letter explaining the reasons and the next steps. You can also contact the Home Office directly to request an update on your application status. If you are facing an urgent situation or if the standard processing time has passed, you can request for your case to be escalated as a priority.

Future Outlook for UK Visa Processing Times

The future of UK visa processing times is influenced by a variety of factors. The current global situation, political changes, and changes in immigration policy can all impact processing times. Additionally, the introduction of digital technologies and automation may also influence how quickly applications are processed in the future.

While the UKVI aims to process applications within the standard processing times, delays can occur. Applicants should be prepared for potential delays and plan their travel accordingly. Staying informed about the current processing times can help you plan your application and manage your expectations.

How Workpermit.com Can Help with Sponsor Licences

If you need help with employing Skilled Workers and help to apply for a Sponsor Licence , including complying with your Sponsor Licence obligations, Workpermit.com can help.

For more information and advice, please contact us at 0344 991 9222 or at [email protected](link sends e-mail)

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What to do if your complete UK visa application is delayed

What to do if your UK visa application is delayed

It is frustrating when your visa application is delayed because the Home Office takes longer than expected to process your visa. Especially when these delays mean your everyday life is impacted.

Visa delays can ruin travel plans, create uncertainty, and prevent people from joining family members in the UK.

We are often approached by clients to chase visa applications when they take longer than expected. Once an application is submitted to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the matter is out of our control, and there is not much that can speed up the process.

However, there are steps you can take if you feel that your application has been unfairly delayed.

What are the current visa application processing times?

The Government issued standard processing times during the summer of 2022. The processing times are what the Home Office will aim for, and are not always met.

The times depend on the type of visa being issued. To find out more, click here .

Why are visas being delayed?

Many people currently applying for UK visas have been experiencing significant delays. Processing times have risen due to a number of factors, including the unprecedented number of applications made under the Ukraine Visa Scheme.

There are other reasons why your application could be delayed. Read our blog for more information.

What do I do if I feel that my visa application is delayed unfairly?

Any visa delay should be investigated. There is usually a clear reason for any delay and the Home Office will be able to tell you if this is the case.

To give your application the best chance of not being delayed, please ensure the following:

Your application is made before your current visa expires
Your application is completed accurately
You provide evidence of funds to maintain yourself if required
You enrol your biometric information
It is signed, dated and made on the correct form
You have included the all required payment

What can you do to speed up the processing time?

If you are experiencing delays in processing your application and have not been contacted by the Home Office, we recommend that you follow these steps:

It can take up to 20 days to receive a response.

If contacting your MP is unsuccessful, you can ask your MP to refer your complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. This is free, but can only be done if you have already gone through UKVI’s complaints procedure.

Talk to one of our immigration experts if you are concerned about timescales. We can advise you on your options.

Ready for assistance?

If you have any questions about the changes or want legal advice, contact Woodcock Law & Notary Public today. Contact us by phone on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or by email at [email protected].

Woodcock Law & Notary Public is the combined trading name of Woodcock Law Limited (Co. No: 12080697) and Woodcock Notary Public Limited (Co. No: 12085976). Woodcock Law Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (registration number 664924).

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UK Visa Processing Times (Latest from UKVI)

Anne morris.

26 February 2024

IN THIS SECTION

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 visa processing times

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 & fast-track services

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 times for Certificate of Sponsorship requests & Changes of Circumstances

Priority processing remains available to A’ rated sponsors for fast-tracked CoS allocation and other Change of Circumstances requests, for a fee of £200 per application. The priority requests are generally processed within 5 working days.

What is the difference between UKVCAS and Home Office processing?

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.

How might the time of year and other factors affect your UK visa processing time?

There are other factors that may affect the processing time of your UK visa application. These include:

Caseload Summer is generally the busiest time for UKVI, and other factors such as Home Office priorities may impact processing.

Where you apply from 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.

Insufficient or incorrect information 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.

What are the different types of UK visa applications?

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.

Work in the UK

There are many types of short-term and long-term work visas including:

Skilled worker visa
Temporary worker visas
Global Business Mobility visas
Domestic workers in a private household visas
Sportsperson visa
Graduate route
High Potential Individual visa
Global Talent visa
Scale up visa
Innovator Founder visa

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.

Holiday, family visit or business trip

The Standard Visitor visa is generally suitable for tourism, holidays, visiting and to receive short-term medical treatment. It replaces:

Business visitor and prospective entrepreneur visas
Family visitor visa
Child visitor visa
Sports and entertainer visitor visas
Private medical treatment visitor visa
Approved destination status visa
General visitor visa

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.

Studying in the UK

Should you wish to study in the UK, there are 3 visas available for this purpose, depending on your individual situation:

A short-term study visa is suitable for a 6 month stay in the UK to attend a course. For students over 16 who wish to attend an English language course, it may be possible to use a Short-term study visa for a stay of up to 11 months.
A general study visa is suitable for a longer course of study in the UK as long as the student has a confirmed place on a course and is sponsored by a licensed university or college.
4 to 17 years old wishing to study at an independent school should apply for a child student visa .

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.

Entrepreneurs & investors

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 visas can 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.

Joining family in the UK

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.

To get married in the UK

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.

Travelling through the UK

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.

Need assistance?

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.

Last updated: 26 February 2024

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When you apply for a UK visa, the length of time you can expect to wait for a decision will vary depending on the type of visa you have applied for, whether you applied from overseas or from within the UK, and whether you have utilised any of the Home Office’s paid for priority services.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has standard processing times in place to give customers an indication of an estimated lead time for most straightforward applications. However, there are occasions when visa processing times may extend beyond this target, for example during peak times when UKVI is experiencing a higher volume of applications, or in cases where an application is complex or requires further evidence to be submitted.

The Home Office has recently published an updated list of standard processing times for UK visa applications made outside and inside the UK. Most applications for work, study and visit visas are currently being processed within 3 weeks for overseas applications, or 8 weeks for in-country applications.

Processing times start after you have submitted your application and verified your identity either using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by attending an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), and end once you have received a letter or email from the Home Office containing a decision on your application.

The below processing times are based on the current volume of visa applications and are subject to change.

Applications made outside the UK

If you are applying for your UK visa from overseas, you are advised not to book any travel until a decision on your application has been made.

The current standard processing times per category are as follows.

Skilled Worker – 3 weeks
Health and Care Worker – 3 weeks
Global Business Mobility visas (all categories) – 3 weeks
Temporary Work visas (all categories) – 3 weeks
Innovator Founder – 3 weeks
Global Talent – 3 weeks
High Potential Individual (HPI) – 3 weeks
Scale-up Worker – 3 weeks
Visit visas (all categories) – 3 weeks
Study visas (all categories) – 3 weeks
Family visas – 24 weeks
British National (Overseas) visas – 12 weeks
Homes for Ukraine & Ukraine Family Scheme visas – As quickly as possible.

The list can be viewed in full here .

Applications made inside the UK

If you are applying to extend your visa or switch to another visa category from within the UK, processing times are usually longer than for overseas applications. You can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

Below is an overview of current waiting times for in-country applications per category.

Skilled Worker – 8 weeks
Health and Care Worker – 8 weeks
Global Business Mobility visas – 8 weeks
Temporary Work visas (selected categories) – 8 weeks
Innovator Founder – 8 weeks
Global Talent – 8 weeks
High Potential Individual (HPI) – 8 weeks
Scale-up Worker – 8 weeks
Study visas – 8 weeks
Graduate visas – 8 weeks
Family visas – 8 weeks
Standard Visitor visas – 8 weeks
Homes for Ukraine & Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Extension Scheme visas – As quickly as possible.

Getting a faster decision

If your application is urgent, you may be able to get a faster decision by using the Home Office’s priority services, which are available for an additional cost.

You may be able to get a decision:

Within 5 working days using the Priority service.
By the end of the next working day using the Super Priority service.

You’ll find out if you can use these services when you apply for your visa. More information can be found here .

Updates on your application

In some cases, your application may not be decided within the standard processing times outlined above. The Home Office will contact you to let you know if you are required to provide further evidence or attend an interview.

For updates on your submitted visa application, you should contact UKVI directly. You should not contact UKVI to track your application if you’ve already made a visa application and it is still within the current processing times.

To keep up to date with the latest immigration news and view, please sign up to our free news service .

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UK Visa Processing Times and Home Office Delay

Home Office decision making is sometimes delayed and many have experienced delay during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Delays in UK visa and immigration decision making may cause significant prejudice, for example, not being able to commence a course of study, not being able to work or travel when there is a family emergency and may impact on an individual’s health and mental well being.

For a long time there have been reports on the delay in the immigration system and we have written previous posts on the issue.

As most applications are time sensitive, processing times will be an important consideration. Government advice is always not to book any travel before applying or a decision is made.

In this article we will explore standard processing times and what action you may be able to take if there is a delay in your application.

To discuss your UK visa or immigration application with one of our immigration barristers , call us on 0203 617 9173 or complete the enquiry form below.

Applying from inside the UK

Service standard processing times.

Service standard processing times for standard applications are 6 months or 8 weeks. The processing times will start from when the application is received, although correspondence suggests it is from when an application is accepted as valid.

The government website specifies that the waiting time for Graduate visa applications starts when you’ve applied online and either attended your appointment at a visa service centre or submitted your documents using the ID Check app. It further specifies that those switching to a Start-up visa or switching to or extending a Health and Care Worker visa should have a decision within 3 weeks once an application is made online.

Those applying to settle in the UK or those making a No Time Limit (NTL) application can expect to wait up to 6 months for an application to be processed. Those applying to extend or applying for leave to remain on a temporary basis can expect to receive a decision within 8 weeks.

There are priority services available for an additional fee meaning a decision should be made within 5 working days or if using the super priority service, the next working day. When using the priority services the processing time runs from when biometrics and supporting evidence are provided. Waiting time ends when a decision is received.

Waiting times do not include the time it takes to issue and send a biometric residence permit. A BRP should be sent by courier and cannot be collected. It should usually be received within 7-10 days of any decision. If you do not receive a BRP you can report this: here .

What may delay a decision?

UKVI expects an application to be made before leave expires, the correct form to be used and relevant declarations to be completed accurately, provide all evidence required by the application and guidance, enrol biometrics and respond to requests for further information promptly. Not providing this information or following this guidance can cause delay.

What happens if there is a delay?

If there is a problem or the application is considered complex and will not be decided during the usual period, an Applicant should be written to within the usual service standard time.

We have experienced of late many Applicants being written to as a matter of course from the outset, before even providing documents, to confirm that it will not be possible to deal with their case within the service standard time.

EU Settlement Scheme

The government website suggests that applications under the EU Settlement Scheme should take around 5 working days for complete applications to be processed but it can take up to a month.

It can take longer than a month if further information is required, for example you apply as a minor and the application is not linked to an adult, you have a criminal conviction or you are a non EEA or non Swiss citizen and you are applying but have not made a previous application.

Processing times start when using the ID Document Check app, or when submitted online or if using post, when documents are received. If you are required to provide fingerprints the processing time starts once fingerprints are scanned and received.

The website caveats the information by stating that this is an estimate and therefore by no means a commitment. Further, the information does not specify what you can expect if your application falls outside the one-month period or rather what you should be entitled to expect.

Applying from outside the UK

When does my waiting period commence.

Different waiting times apply for applications outside of the UK. Once you have submitted your application online, the waiting time starts when you either attend an appointment to provide your biometric information at a VAC (visa application centre) or when you verify your identity using an ID check App.

Waiting time ends when you receive a decision.

If you are visiting the UK or intend to transit the UK, are studying in the UK, working or investing in the UK, applying as a Commonwealth Citizen ( Ancestry ), Returning Resident or for a biometric replacement, or transferring a visa or applying for a certificate of entitlement you should receive a decision within 3 weeks.

If you are applying to join a family pursuant to Appendix FM or on the basis of Family Reunion standard processing times are 12 weeks.

Are there priority services?

There are priority services available for an additional fee. Whether you can use them will depend on what visa you are applying for and whether they are available at the VAC you are using. The services range from super priority (next day collection), to priority (5 working days) and priority settlement (30 working days).

Priority services are not always recommended if for example there are criminal convictions or an adverse immigration history that needs to be addressed.

A list of visa application centres can be found: here .

Most visa application centres have resumed service where local restrictions do not prevent it, but you will need to check this when you submit your application.

Why do I need to wait longer?

UKVI specifies that you may need to wait longer if your application is not ‘straightforward’.

Examples given include because an interview is needed, supporting documents need to be verified or because you have a criminal conviction.

Even if you have used priority or super priority services and the application is not deemed to be straightforward, the application will still be at the front of the queue and UKVI will try to process within the standard timescales.

What can I do if a decision on my application is delayed or I need an urgent decision?

You can consider contacting the Home Office (by phone, in writing or both) to request an update. You may wish to consider providing evidence of how the delay is impacting you, for example if you do not have a right to work or study. If there is an urgency or the standard processing time has passed it is possible to ask for the matter to be escalated.

When making enquiries always take care to make clear that you are not intending to withdraw your application.

Additionally you may also consider making a formal written complaint to UKVI. The complaint process can take up to 20 working days. You may also consider contacting a local MP.

If there are still no responses you may consider a further legal avenue of challenge. There is no appeal when there is no decision but you may consider judicial review proceedings. You would be asking a judge to review the failure of the authorities to act and make a decision.

If this is a route you are considering you will need to ensure that you have evidence of all stages of your attempts to obtain a decision. Keeping a written record and details of any Home Office ‘ticket’ numbers you are provided. The steps you have taken to obtain a decision and the reasons why one is required will be relevant considerations.

Before commencing proceedings you will need to follow a pre-action protocol process. This will give UKVI the opportunity to consider the position before you commence proceedings.

Judicial review proceedings can be legally complex, costly and time consuming. You may consider seeking legal advice before commencing any proceedings.

Delay Following an Allowed Appeal

Others may be experiencing delays in the implementation of an allowed appeal, which is equally frustrating and has implications for the everyday life of an individual. We examined this in a previous post where we considered the Implementing allowed appeals, published guidance dated 04 August 2020 written for Home Office staff who implement an allowed appeal.

Contact our Immigration Lawyers

For expert advice and assistance challenging delays to applications or implementation of appeals contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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UK: How To Chase A Delayed UK Visa Application

We regularly receive telephone calls and emails from people experiencing delays by the Home Office processing their visa and immigration applications.

It is deeply frustrating when the Home Office takes longer than stated on its website to process a visa or immigration application, especially when there are already significant delays in processing times due to the war in Ukraine.

Delays in Home Office processing times for UK visa and immigration applications can ruin travel plans, prolong uncertainty, and cause hardship by preventing applicants from working in the UK or spending time with loved ones.

This article sets out some of the common causes of delays and the ways in which you can chase the Home Office for a fast-track decision if you are experiencing delays in the processing of your UK visa or immigration application.

Is My UK Visa Application Definitely Delayed?

The Home Office publishes estimated waiting times for decisions on applications submitted inside and outside the UK on its website. It also publishes its Service Standards online. For an up-to-date summary of current UK visa processing and decision-waiting times please visit our post: UK Visa Processing & Decision Waiting Times .

Processing times have recently been affected by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. For example, partner visa applications from outside the UK, which usually take 12 weeks to process, are currently taking up to 24 weeks to process from the date of biometric enrolment at a visa application centre.

Our recent post sets out the processing times of standard service applications for different kinds of applications.

The Home Office website indicates that, for applications made from inside the UK, the " waiting time starts once you've submitted your application online and ends when you get a letter or an email with a decision ." The exception is Graduate Immigration Route applications, where the waiting time starts when you attend your appointment at a service centre or you submit your documents using the ID Check app.

For applications made from outside the UK, the waiting time starts when you " attend your appointment and provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre " or you " verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. This will depend on the visa you apply for and you'll be advised if you can use this ." The waiting time ends " when you get an email containing the decision on your application. "

Before submitting an immigration application, you should factor in additional time for the Home Office to issue and send you a BRP if this applies to your application. This is usually within 10 working days of the decision.

Why Has There Been a Delay in Processing My UK Visa or Immigration Application?

If you have not heard back from the Home Office and the published waiting time has elapsed, you should investigate the possible causes for the delay.

The Home Office website indicates that in order for applications to be processed within the service standards, applicants should ensure:

your application is made before your current visa expires
your application is completed accurately
you include any required photographs
you provide evidence of funds to maintain yourself if required on the application form and guidance
you enrol your biometric information and respond to any requests for further information by the dates we ask you
when you attend your appointment at our commercial partner or Service and Support Centre, you submit the required documents with your application
if your application is made on a paper form
it is signed and dated and made on the correct form, submitting the required documents
you have included the payment and any cheque is signed and dated for the full fee

The Home Office's guidance indicates that straightforward applications that meet these requirements should be handled within the standard processing time.

In the event of a problem with your application or the application being particularly complex, the Home Office " will write to explain why it will not be decided within the normal standard. We will write within the normal processing time for the 8 week standard and within 12 weeks for the 6 month standard. The letter will explain what will happen next."

Possible reasons why your case might take longer than the standard processing time to decide are that:

The Home Office wishes to interview you about your application;
The Home Office needs further information from you;
The Home Office is conducting external checks relating to your application (for example, with other government departments);
The Home Office is processing a higher than usual volume of applications (e.g., just before seasonal holidays or sporting fixtures);

The Home Office's Service Standards only apply to 'complete' applications: " If your application is incomplete at the time you complete your appointment the caseworker will consider whether the case should be excluded from the service standard. "

How to Chase a Delayed UK Visa or Immigration Decision in 6 Steps

Step 1: contact uk visas and immigration for assistance.

If you are experiencing delays in processing your application and have not been contacted by the Home Office, the next step is to contact UK Visas and Immigration and ask for an update on the progress of your application. You will find the relevant contact details for the Home Office here .

UK Visas and Immigration should be able to advise you on why there has been a delay in processing your application and if there are any steps you should take to expedite the application.

It is advisable to keep a record of all calls and emails you have made to the Home Office regarding your application, including who you spoke to, when the call was made, and what information was given. The Home Office may provide you with 'ticket' numbers in email correspondence, which you should hold onto. You will need a record of these steps being taken in order to take further action to chase your immigration decision.

In calls and correspondence with the Home Office, you should refer to your Home Office reference number(s) and/or visa application number(s). These numbers can be found in correspondence with the Home Office and your downloaded application form(s). You should also mention when your application was submitted, when your biometrics were enrolled, and the published processing time on the Home Office website at the date of submission. You should also explain how the delay is impacting you and your family, for example, if it is affecting an employment offer or is separating you from loved ones.

It is advisable to ask for the matter to be escalated or fast-tracked as a matter of priority, and for the Home Office to refund you for the priority or super-priority service fee if you paid for this.

Step 2: Complain About UK Visas and Immigration

If contacting the Home Office does not avail you, the next step is to submit a complaint to UK Visas and Immigration using their online form . It is alternatively possible to write a letter to the complaints allocation hub or to email [email protected] .

When using UKVI's internal complaint procedure, you will need to provide the following information:

your contact details – it is important you include your address and phone number as we may contact you to resolve your complaint by phone or to request further information
the names of the applicant/original complainant if you're completing this on behalf of someone else – we must have written authority to disclose information about another person's case
full details of the matter you're complaining about, including times, dates and locations
the names or identifying numbers of any staff you've dealt with
details of any witnesses to the incident, if appropriate
details of any reimbursement issues including papers and receipts to support your claim
your Home Office reference details, and any other references that will help us to investigate your complaint, for example refund reference, appeal reference, UAN (unique application number), IHS reference and any payment references.
if your complaint is in relation to our contact centre we will need to know the date you called, the number you dialled and the number you called us from

The Home Office website warns that it can take up to 20 days to receive a response to a complaint about waiting for a decision on an immigration application. Where a complaint suggests serious professional misconduct, it can take up to 12 weeks – UKVI should write to you to explain this.

You should include all details of previous communications with the Home Office, your reference numbers, your full name, your date of birth and all other relevant information in your complaint.

The complaints procedure for UK Visas and Immigration is set out on the government website . It indicates that complaints should be made " no later than 3 months after the date of the incident unless there are exceptional circumstances ."

The UKVI website states that it will " only respond to enquiries that are considered as complaints. " UKVI will " not respond to progress enquiries if you used our online complaints form. "

Step 3: Contact Your Local MP

If you have still not heard from the Home Office from the above steps, many of our clients have successfully asked their MPs to intervene on their behalf . The Parliament website indicates that you should contact your MP " [i]f you feel you have been treated unfairly by a Government office or agency ".

Writing a letter to your MP at the House of Commons, London SW1A OAA or emailing them using the Directory of MPs is the easiest way as you can ensure that you provide them with all of the information to your complaint, including details of the steps you have taken above.

Step 4: Complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

If your MP's letter to the Home Office is unsuccessful, you may wish to ask your MP to refer your complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman . This service is free, but it can only be done if you have already utilised UKVI's complaints procedure as set out above: " As we are the final stage for unresolved complaints, we usually expect you to complain to the organisation you are unhappy with first. This is so that it has the chance to look into your concerns and, where needed, put things right for you. " You must have made a formal complaint to the Home Office and waited 20 days before your MP can contact the Ombudsman for you.

As a matter of law, the Ombudsman may only investigate complaints about UK government departments if an MP refers the complaint to them. You may complete the complaint form on their behalf and ask your MP to sign and send it.

Step 5: Pre-Action Protocol Letter

If you have completed all of the above steps, you may consider seeking advice about taking legal action against the Home Office. As a matter of law, you are only able to take legal action against the Home Office as a last resort.

The first legal step is filing a pre-action protocol letter (PAP) on the Home Office.

Our immigration barristers will be able to advise you on whether there are merits in following the PAP process. You would need to show that the Home Office has unreasonably failed to act in relation to the exercise of its public function resulting in disadvantage such as losing a job or harm to your health. This is only likely to be appropriate where there have been delays resulting in significant harm to you, for example, loss of a job offer or being unable to spend time with sick family members. It would be important to have evidence of the steps you have already taken to obtain a decision, including evidence of prior communications with the Home Office.

If the Home Office does not respond within 14 days of receiving the PAP, you will be able to lodge a judicial review with the High Court.

Step 6: Judicial Review

Judicial review is a matter of last resort. It is a costly, complex and time-consuming process that involves challenging the Home Office's delay before a judge. Before commencing JR proceedings, it is advisable to obtain legal advice on the merits of doing so.

Will the Home Office Compensate Me for the Delay in Deciding My Application?

Please note, pursuing the Home Office for compensation is not something we are able to assist with. The following information is provided for information only.

Following a complaint that seeks financial redress, the Home Office sometimes makes ex-gratia payments where " the customer has suffered actual financial loss or non-financial loss that is sufficiently compelling to warrant financial redress." UKVI only makes ex-gratia payments to customers " as a redress for maladministration. "

Maladministration is " lack of care, judgement or honesty in the management of something ". Examples include the Home Office losing/defacing/invalidating documents or taking incorrect action such as endorsing a passport with the wrong conditions.

The Home Office guidance is clear that delays are not generally classed as maladministration: " Delays that have occurred due to operational constraints and limited resources, i.e. where a backlog of cases have occurred, are not classed as maladministration by Immigration Enforcement, Border Force or UK Visas & Immigration directorates. "

The guidance states that only in " exceptional circumstances " will financial redress be appropriate:

" Forms of redress such as an apology or remedial action may be called for when the complaint is about delay. Financial redress would only be appropriate in exceptional circumstances where the delay has also had a financial impact. Examples can include failure to take action on repeated requests from applicants regarding the return of a passport which then leads to financial loss, or a decision being made on an application and failing to serve that decision which then leads to financial losses, such as loss of access to benefits or being unable to take up a proven offer of employment or employment being terminated. Whether a delay should be considered as "reasonable" will be dependent on the circumstances and decision makers will take a case by case approach."

Home Office maladministration cases should be pursued through the Ombudsman (see steps above).

Following certain judicial review proceedings, it is possible for courts to award damages in cases where the Home Office has been negligent in performing its common law duty of care causing the appellant loss for which they should be compensated in damages. This has been found to be the case where an applicant experienced a delay of several years in receiving his BRP. However, any financial remedy will be compensatory in nature and there is no guarantee that the cost of legal representation will be covered.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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UK visa delay: British High Commission apologises, gives options to travellers

In normal circumstances for non-settlement visa applications submitted outside the uk 90% are decided within 3 weeks; 98% within 6 weeks and 100% within 12 weeks of the application date. but this year the wait time has extended..

Frustration, Anger and Anxiety. These three words describe the state of mind of every person waiting for their UK visa to arrive. Thousands across the world are facing the same dilemma after the embassies and outsourced visa agency, VFS Global centres are scrambling with a high number of applications after a two-year halt in international travel.

The London Eye wheel is seen at sunset, one of the biggest tourist attraction in London, Britain.(REUTERS)

Bhawan Singh had applied for her UK visa in April end and was supposed to travel on June 5, with no visa stamped she lost all the money spent on flight tickets and hotel accommodation. Sangeetha Iyer is eagerly awaiting her graduation ceremony at Cardiff University on 22nd July, but with her visa still pending she isn't sure when to book the tickets.

In normal circumstances for non-settlement visa applications submitted outside the UK 90% are decided within 3 weeks; 98% within 6 weeks and 100% within 12 weeks of the application date. But this year the wait time has extended. After apologising for the delays applicants are experiencing, the British High Commission spokesperson assured, “We are working urgently to reduce the current processing time as quickly as possible."

Considering the increase in applications, British High Commission has opened the priority and super priority services only for Indians since April onwards, “Indian students make up one of the UK’s largest groups of international students and Indian professionals are the top nationality in the skilled work category. This is why UK has its largest network of visa application centres globally right here in India and why we are continuing to offer the priority and super priority visit visa service here – despite it being paused elsewhere.”

These services can be availed to get visa within a couple of days but at a higher cost. According to the UK visa and immigration website, at the time of the visa application, if an applicant can verify his/her identity at a visa application centre, and choose the ‘priority service’ a decision will be made within 5 working days of appointment. For super priority service, after identity verification at a visa application centre, UK Visas and Immigration aims to make a decision within a day and the passport is ready to be collected by the end of the next working day.

“The UK is prioritising Ukraine Visa Scheme applications in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine. This is in addition to unpredictable levels of demand across all visa routes globally, following the easing of travel restrictions into the UK. As a result, applications for study, work and family visas are taking longer to process, with Standard Visitor visas currently taking an average of 6 weeks to process.” A British High Commission spokesperson confirmed.

With no clarity on when things will get normal and what is the ideal time frame relating to their individual applications, the embassy stated, “We are unable to give customers a specific timeframe relating to their individual application, therefore applicants should refer to the visa decision waiting time page on gov.uk and bear in mind increased processing times when booking travel.”

“There is always a significant number of student visa applications in July and August, therefore we encourage student visa applicants to apply for the visa as early as possible to avoid any delays. We are working with the education sector and our commercial partners to get this important message to students.”

Vertika Kanaujia is Editor Audience Growth at Hindustan Times and oversees the website’s coverage of business news, health, technology and internet culture. She is a Chevening Scholar and a Columbia Journalism University Fellow. Vertika has been a journalist for more than 18 years. After starting her career as a business journalist in TV she has worked with various leading news channels. You can email her at [email protected]. ...view detail

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Why is My UK Visa Getting Delayed in 2024 [&How To Speed Things Up]?

Delays can happen for numerous reasons, and while it’s natural to feel concerned, it’s essential to understand the possible causes and ways to address them.

This article sheds light on the potential reasons for UK visa delays in 2024 and offers insights into the evolving visa processing landscape.

Why is my UK visa taking so long?

1. unprecedented volume of applications.

Due to global events in recent years, including Brexit, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions, there’s been a noticeable surge in visa applications. This influx, coupled with operational constraints due to the pandemic, has led to significant delays in processing.

2. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

One of the primary reasons for visa delays, irrespective of the year, is the submission of incomplete or incorrect documentation. It’s crucial to ensure that all documents are accurate, up-to-date, and align with the requirements outlined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

If UKVI needs to get back to you to clarify certain elements of your application or request additional documents, it can substantially extend the processing time.

3. Extensive Security and Background Checks

Given the current global climate, security checks have become even more stringent. Every applicant undergoes thorough background and security checks to ensure they pose no threat to national security.

If your name or any details happen to match or are similar to entries in international security databases, it might trigger a more detailed review, hence the delay.

4. Personal Interview Requests

In some cases, the UKVI might require an additional personal interview to clarify specific aspects of your application. Organizing and conducting these interviews can add extra weeks to the processing time.

5. Technical Glitches and System Upgrades

The UKVI, like any other sizable institution, periodically updates its systems and databases. Technical glitches, software updates, or system migrations might cause temporary delays in processing applications.

6. Influx of Special Visa Schemes

In 2024, with the introduction of new visa schemes and modifications to existing ones, UKVI has seen an increased number of applications under special categories. For instance, with the evolving geopolitical scenarios, visa schemes such as ‘Homes for Ukraine’ have been rapidly launched, and the influx of applications under such categories can put additional strain on the system.

7. Seasonal Delays

Certain times of the year, especially around holidays or peak travel seasons, see a spike in visa applications. This seasonal surge can lead to extended processing times, even if your application is straightforward and complete.

8. Postal Delays

Once your application has been processed, the decision letter and any relevant documentation will be returned to you by post. Postal services, especially international ones, can face their own set of delays due to various reasons, including weather conditions, strikes, or increased mail volume.

How Can I Speed Up My UK Visa Application?

Securing a UK visa can sometimes be a lengthy process.

However, there are measures you can take to ensure that your application is processed as swiftly as possible.

While some factors are beyond your control, being proactive and well-prepared can significantly aid in reducing potential delays.

Here’s a guide on how to expedite your UK visa application:

1. Use the Priority Service (if available)

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) offers a Priority Service for certain visa categories, allowing you to have your application processed faster than standard times. While this service comes at an additional fee, it’s invaluable if you’re in a hurry. Do note that using the Priority Service does not influence the decision itself; it merely hastens the processing time.

2. Submit a Complete Application

An incomplete application is one of the primary reasons for visa delays. Ensure that all required documentation is present, correctly filled out, and meets the specified criteria. Use the official checklist provided by UKVI to confirm that you haven’t missed anything.

3. Clearly Organise Your Documents

Presenting your documents in a clear and logical order can assist visa officers in quickly and efficiently processing your application. Consider using dividers or labelled sections to make navigation easier.

4. Book an Early Appointment

If your visa category requires you to attend an appointment, book it as early as possible. Last-minute bookings might result in dates far into the future, thereby extending the overall processing time.

5. Consider Using a Credible Immigration Lawyer or Adviser

While not mandatory, seeking the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer or adviser can be beneficial. They can guide you through the intricacies of the application process, ensuring that all requirements are met and potentially identifying areas that could lead to delays.

6. Ensure Accurate and Consistent Information

Discrepancies in your application, no matter how minor, can raise red flags, prompting further inquiries and causing delays. Double-check all details for accuracy and consistency.

7. Respond Promptly to any UKVI Queries

If the UKVI requires additional information or clarification, responding quickly can help keep your application moving. Delays in your response can lead to extended processing times.

8. Keep Track of Special Circumstances

If there are pressing reasons for your travel, such as a medical emergency or a significant life event, informing the UKVI via a cover letter might lead them to expedite your application. However, always ensure your claims are genuine and verifiable.

9. Stay Updated on Processing Times

Regularly check the UKVI’s official website for updates on average processing times. This information will give you an idea of what to expect and whether your application is within the usual time frame.

10. Consider Off-Peak Application

If possible, apply during off-peak times, avoiding busy periods like holidays or major events. The volume of applications tends to be lower during such times, possibly resulting in quicker processing.

How to Deal with UK Visa Delay?

A delay in receiving a decision for your UK visa application can be anxiety-inducing, especially if you’ve made significant plans around the expected decision date.

However, delays are not uncommon and can occur for various reasons.

Instead of stressing over the wait, consider these proactive steps to address and manage the delay:

1. Understand the Typical Processing Time

Before you assume your visa application is delayed, be aware of the standard processing times for your visa category. These timelines can vary based on the type of visa and the time of year. Visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) official website to get an idea of current processing times.

2. Check Your Email and Postal Mail Regularly

Ensure you haven’t missed any communication from UKVI. They might have requested additional documentation or clarification. Responding swiftly to such queries can prevent further delays.

3. Use the UKVI’s Status Check Services

For some visa categories, UKVI offers online services where you can check the status of your application. While it might not provide detailed information, it can give you a general idea of where your application stands.

4. Contact the UKVI Helpdesk

If the processing time has significantly exceeded the standard timeline, you can contact the UKVI’s helpdesk or customer contact centre. While they might not always provide a detailed update, they can confirm if your application is still being processed.

5. Stay Updated on External Factors

Be aware of current events, policy changes, or geopolitical situations that might impact visa processing times. Factors such as a large influx of applications, strikes, or changes in immigration rules can cause delays.

6. Seek Assistance from Your Local MP

If you’ve faced a significant delay with no feedback from the UKVI, consider contacting your local Member of Parliament (MP) in the UK, especially if there’s a pressing reason for your visa approval. They can make enquiries on your behalf, although it’s not a guarantee for a faster resolution.

7. Reassess Your Travel Plans

While waiting, it’s pragmatic to reconsider and be flexible about your travel plans. If you’ve booked flights, contact the airline to understand their policy on rescheduling due to visa delays. This preparation can save you from potential financial losses.

8. Stay Calm and Patient

While it’s easier said than done, panicking won’t accelerate the process. It’s essential to understand that the UKVI deals with thousands of applications, and each is processed thoroughly to ensure the UK’s security and compliance with immigration rules.

9. Consider Professional Advice

If you’re concerned about the delay, especially if your situation is complex, seek guidance from an immigration solicitor or adviser. They might provide insights into the potential reasons for the delay and suggest further actions.

10. Prepare for Possible Reapplication

In rare cases, if your application is lost or experiences severe delays, you might have to consider reapplying. While this is not ideal, preparing for such a scenario can save you time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there an express or priority service i can opt for when applying for my uk visa to ensure a quicker decision.

Some visa categories offer a priority or express service at an additional fee. You can check the UKVI website or with your visa application centre to see if this option is available for your visa type.

Will hiring an immigration lawyer ensure a faster visa processing time?

While an immigration lawyer can provide expert guidance and ensure your application is correctly filled out, they can’t expedite the processing time determined by the UKVI. However, they can help avoid delays by ensuring you provide all necessary documents and meet all requirements.

I've received my visa, but the details are incorrect. What should I do?

Immediately report any discrepancies to the UKVI or the application centre where you submitted your documents. It’s crucial to ensure all details are correct before travelling to avoid complications upon arrival in the UK.

What if I've undergone a significant life change (like marriage or having a child) during the visa waiting period?

You should inform the UKVI of any significant life changes during the visa processing period. Depending on the change, it may affect your visa application, and you might need to provide additional documentation.

Are there any forums or communities online where I can check others' experiences with UK visa delays?

Yes, many online forums and platforms discuss UK visa applications and experiences. These can provide anecdotal insights, though always refer to official sources for the most accurate information.

Can I apply for another country's visa while waiting for the UK visa decision?

Technically, you can apply for another country’s visa if your passport is not with the UKVI. However, if both countries require you to submit your physical passport, you’ll need to wait for one process to complete before starting another.

Will a visa delay affect my chances for future applications or extensions?

A delay in visa processing does not inherently affect future applications. However, the reason behind the delay, if it’s related to missing documents or discrepancies in your application, should be addressed in subsequent applications to prevent repeated issues.

Ireland Work Permit Without a Job Offer in 2024

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Two men in army uniforms with their faces blurred out

Afghanistan interpreter told his British citizenship bars family from UK visa

Muhammad* cannot afford legal action or £20,000 fees, with Rwanda deportation a threat if his wife and children join him

Sunak pressed to end Rwanda bill impasse by exempting Afghan service veterans

A former interpreter for British forces in Afghanistan has had his application to bring his wife and three children to the UK rejected – because he has British citizenship.

When US and Nato forces withdrew from Afghanistan in August , Muhammad* received a message marked “urgent” from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) telling him and his family to go to the Baron hotel in Kabul for “processing prior to evacuation”.

However, an explosion at the airport meant that they could not get there and subsequent attempts to get his family to the UK have been rejected.

Having worked as an interpreter and cultural adviser for British forces for more than a decade, putting a potential target on his back in the eyes of the Taliban, Muhammad applied for his wife and children to join him under the Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme, open to people who worked with or for UK forces.

But the Ministry of Defence sent him a letter in January last year rejecting his application because he is a British citizen.

Muhammad said: “They penalise me for being British. I can’t explain to you what I am suffering, I have tears in my eyes. I have been working with these people shoulder to shoulder, we helped them.

“Where can I go? I have been working, I have documents, I have ID cards, I have certificates, I have videos patrolling with many of the foreign troops. I’m eligible in my heart but if the system does not accept you, what can you do?”

His case highlights the impact of a lack of safe legal routes available to refugees coming to the UK. Muhammad would have to pay more than £20,000 – which he does not have – in visas and temporary accommodation to come to the UK. If he tried to bring his family over illegally, his wife would face being sent to Rwanda under the legislation that Rishi Sunak says will be passed on Monday, as Afghans are not exempt from the Rwandan deportation scheme .

Muhammad also applied for his family to come to the UK under the Home Office’s Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme (ACRS) but in June last year he was told his wife and children were not eligible under pathway three because they were not “at-risk Chevening [a scholarship programme supporting study at UK universities] alumni”.

When the office of his MP, Stella Creasy, queried the response, the Home Office said Muhammad’s wife and children were not considered under pathway one of ACRS for “vulnerable and at-risk individuals” because they were not listed as “called forward” for evacuation from Afghanistan, despite the message he received from the FCDO.

The Home Office said the message received by Muhammad was “not a call forward instruction, it is an invitation to come to the Baron hotel to process their request”.

Muhammad’s family have managed to make their way to Belgium but for now have no prospect of getting to the UK. “I left my job, everything to come here [Belgium], because my family was here, my children were sick, they don’t have documents,” he said. “I came here to try to help them. First, they [British officials] said the people could come to Kabul airport, that was the promise, now everything has changed.”

He says solicitors have told him he could win a court case against the UK authorities but he does not have the money to pursue it.

“I believe if the judge sees my case they will be in my favour,” he said. “But if the system does not accept me, it’s a different story.”

A government spokesperson said: “It is longstanding government policy we do not comment on individual cases.

“We continue to honour our commitment to those brave Afghans that supported the UK mission in Afghanistan. So far, we have brought around 27,900 people to safety from Afghanistan, including over 16,300 people from the ARAP scheme, including over 3,900 since October 2023.”

* Names have been changed and images pixilated to protect identities

Immigration and asylum
Afghanistan
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Ministry of Defence

More on this story

Delays by Home Office risk return of vulnerable Afghan families to Taliban

Afghan refugee wrongly jailed in Greece wins thousands in compensation

Female Afghan judge wins legal battle to come to UK

Britons could be asked to house Afghans as thousands face hotel evictions

EU accused of ‘staggering neglect’ after just 271 Afghans resettled across bloc

Afghan refugees told to leave London say they lost jobs and school places

Afghan applying to resettle in UK asked to provide Taliban approval

What is happening with Afghan refugees in the UK?

MoD apologises for asking Afghans to get Taliban’s approval to come to UK

Money latest: Five big lenders hike mortgage rates amid interest rate uncertainty

A council that oversees many popular tourist towns on the Kent coast has said it is considering implementing a tourism tax to maximise income from visitors. Read this plus all the latest consumer and personal finance news below - and listen to the Ian King Business podcast as you scroll.

Monday 22 April 2024 19:00, UK

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TikTok Shop has partnered with five second-hand luxury resellers to launch a pre-loved category on the app.

Designer products are now available to buy from five UK brands - Hardly Ever Worn It, Sign of the Times, Luxe Collective, Sellier Knightsbridge and Break Archive.

The social media app said the new category will support suers in being able to learn more about luxury fashion, find style inspiration and purchase pieces.

All of the brand's involved posted about the launch, with the Luxe Collective - which recently gained investment after appearing on the BBC's Dragon's Den - said it had been "waiting years to do this".

@luxecollective Come & Join me this Friday at 3pm to chat and shop Pre Loved Luxury on TikTok! 📲 ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) - Danilo Stankovic

Jan Wilk, head of UK operations at TikTok Shop, said: "This announcement is an exciting first step in the world of preowned fashion for TikTok Shop.

"TikTok Shop is already a leader when it comes to discovery-based commerce and with a vibrant fashion community thriving on TikTok, this provides a unique opportunity for retailers to reach new audiences and customers with an inspiring and accessible way to embrace luxury fashion."

The launch of the category comes after the app launched a refurbished technology category, allowing users to buy second-hand mobile phones and tablets through the app.

Comments by the prime minister describing an alleged "sick note culture" in the UK have been heavily criticised by senior mental health professionals.

Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, said Rishi Sunak's suggestions were "contrary to the reality for people up and down the country".

The PM said he wanted his government to be "more ambitious about helping people back to work and more honest about the risk of over-medicalising the everyday challenges and worries of life".

He has proposed a series of measures, including removing benefits after 12 months for those deemed fit for work but who do not comply with conditions set by their work coach, such as accepting a job offer.

The PM said 850,000 people had been signed off since the COVID pandemic - with half related to depression.

He also claimed the total being spent on benefits for people of working age with a disability or health condition had increased by almost two-thirds since the pandemic to £69bn - more than the entire budget for schools or policing.

"I will never dismiss or downplay the illnesses people have," the prime minister said.

"But just as it would be wrong to dismiss this growing trend, so it would be wrong to merely sit back and accept it because it's too hard, too controversial, or for fear of causing offence."

But Dr Hughes said: "We are deeply disappointed that the prime minister's speech continues a trend in recent rhetoric which conjures up the image of a 'mental health culture' that has 'gone too far'.

"This is harmful, inaccurate and contrary to the reality for people up and down the country.

"The truth is that mental health services are at breaking point following years of under investment with many people getting increasingly unwell while they wait to receive support.

"To imply that it is easy both to be signed-off work and then to access benefits is deeply damaging.

"It is insulting to the 1.9 million people on a waiting list to get mental health support, and to the GPs whose expert judgement is being called into question."

Disability charity Scope said the measures were a "full-on assault on disabled people" and were "dangerous and risk leaving disabled people destitute".

By James Sillars , business reporter

The FTSE 100 has ended a long wait to achieve a new record high.

The index, which comprises the 100 most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange, closed Monday's session on 8,023 points after a jump of 128 points or 1.6%.

That was the highest closing sum since February last year when the 8,000 barrier was breached for the first time in its history.

The previous record stood at 8,012.

The performance today was driven by a strong showing for companies across the board, particularly financial and consumer-linked stocks such as those for retailers.

The index has been gaining ground in recent weeks on growing hopes for a cut in UK interest rates as inflation eases - with strong evidence that the economy has turned a corner after the recession during the second half of last year.

Analysts credited the push for a new high on two main factors; confidence that a major escalation in the Middle East conflict will be avoided and a weakening in the value of the pound against the US dollar.

Sterling is trading at five-month lows against the greenback at just $1.23 and was half a cent down on the day.

This is a consequence of dollar strength as opposed to pound weakness as expectations are growing across the Atlantic that the Federal Reserve's expected interest rate cuts are further down the track than had been predicted.

Higher interest rates tend to be supportive of a currency which, in this case, is the world's reserve currency.

A weaker pound helps FTSE 100 constituent companies which make money in the United States.

That is because it boosts their bottom line when those dollar earnings are booked back in the UK and converted back to pounds.

Read the rest of our report here .

The typical price of a property coming on the market across Britain increased by £4,207 month-on-month in April, according to Rightmove.

The property website said a jump in new sellers and the sales of bigger family-sized homes are a key factor behind the growth.

It means the average price tag for a home is only £570 short of the record-high reached in May 2023.

The average new seller asking price across Britain is now £372,324.

This month, the average asking price for a "top of the ladder" home is £682,661, up by more than £18,000 from £664,422 in March.

The first four months of 2024 have been an improvement on last year, the website said, with the market witnessing boosts in both buyer and seller activity this spring.

First-time buyers are facing the most expensive conditions for more than 70 years, according to a report by the Building Societies Association.

The report said taking the first step on the property ladder is increasingly dependent on help from relatives and the need to have two incomes that are higher than the average.

Written by housing market analyst Neal Hudson, the report calls on the government to commission an independent review with the aim of providing solutions that increase the number of true non-returner first-time buyers, both now and in the future.

Mr Hudson also says building societies need more flexibility to help them to support more first-time buyers.

Tesla - owned by billionaire Elon Musk - has cut the price of some of its electric car models after reporting a fall in sales.

The revamped Model 3 car fell by 14,000 yuan (£1,500) in China, putting the price tag at just under £26,000 for the car that upgrades the interior and exterior styling of the original 2017 model.

It comes as Tesla grapples with competition from China, the world's largest automobile market, which is rolling out cheaper electric car models.

"Tesla prices must change frequently in order to match production with demand," Musk posted on X this weekend.

There have also been price cuts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, a Tesla spokesperson said.

In Germany, the price of the Model 3 rear-wheel-drive is now showing as €40,990 (£35,357), down from €42,990 (£37,000), where the price had been since February.

It follows cuts in the US of the Model Y, Model X, Model S and the full self-driving driver assistant software.

Earlier, this month, the company reported a decline in its global quarterly deliveries for the first time in nearly four years.

Musk also announced that more than 10% of the company's global workforce will be laid off as it braces for its first annual drop in deliveries.

A council that oversees many popular tourist towns on the Kent coast has said it is considering implementing a tourism tax as a way of maximising income from visitors.

A new report by Thanet District Council - which includes the towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate - highlights the negative impact of tourism in the area and puts forward a number of recommendations to help with this.

One of those recommendations is levying what it calls a "modest tourism tax" on those staying overnight.

The report also proposes levying additional council tax on second homes that may be being rented out as short-term holiday lets.

Justifying the recommendations, the report says: "We want a booming visitor economy but we are acutely aware of the additional costs visitors bring, so we need to make every effort to secure income for the council to set against those costs."

Conservative district councillor John Davis welcomed the proposed changes during a meeting of the overview and scrutiny panel on 16 April.

"It's an important initiative," he said.

"I would like to welcome costs on Airbnbs and the like, because in Ramsgate we have 866 homes for short-term let and 21 flats.

"This is absolutely obscene."

Thanet has seen the biggest growth of tourism enterprises over the last five years.

According to 2024 analysis by Kent County Council , 4.4% of these enterprises are accommodation for visitors.

Train drivers who are members of the Aslef union at 16 companies have announced fresh strike dates as part of their long-running dispute over pay.

Drivers at different companies will walk out on various dates between 7 May and 9 May.

They will also refuse to work non-contractual overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Read the full story here ...

NatWest, Barclays, Accord, Leeds Building Society and HSBC have all announced rate increases today - amid concern interest rates may not fall as much as expected this year.

Swap rates - which dictate how much it costs lenders to lend - have increased in the past week after US inflation came in higher than expected. Economists are divided about what this means for UK interest rates - with some pointing out that the UK economy is struggling far more, and therefore cuts are still imminent.

The London Stock Exchange Group is still pricing in a June cut and two further cuts before the end of the year. Analysts at Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Group, Capital Economics and Bloomberg Economics all concur.

However, some economists have suggested we may have to wait until November for a first cut from the 16-year high of 5.25%.

Lenders, it seems, are growing more cautious.

Responding to today's hikes, Elliott Culley, director at Switch Mortgage Finance, told Newspage: "The rate rollercoaster rolls on.

"Just when the market appears to be picking up some momentum, there is a sharp change of direction.

"We are now seeing the spike in swap rates last week filtering through to the public as lenders raise their rates in response.

"The volatility we are experiencing currently really amplifies how important it is to secure a rate as soon as possible, as this could save you hundreds of pounds, especially for existing homeowners."

Simon Bridgland, broker/director at Release Freedom, added: "This morning, I have been calling clients who have been sitting on the fence urging them to proceed as this increase is potentially going to be with us for several months.

"Inaction will weigh heavily on household purses so don't delay, there is a finite amount of hours left to get deals done before the increases take effect, pick up the phone to your broker immediately or you will be paying more money for years to come."

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Visas and immigration
What you need to do

Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application

Applying for a faster decision.

You may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa or settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) application.

Using the ‘priority service’ means you’ll usually get a decision within 5 working days, or 30 working days for Family visa applications from outside the UK.

Using the ‘super priority service’ for visa and settlement applications means you’ll usually get a decision by the end of the next working day.

It can take longer to get a decision, for example, if the Home Office needs to ask you for more information.

If the decision takes longer, you will not usually get your money back. Find out about getting a refund of your priority service fee .

If you’re in the UK:

you must have permission to be here to apply for the priority or super priority service
you can only pay for a faster decision on certain visas

Using the priority service

If you’re eligible you can choose the ‘priority service’ when you apply. You’ll need to pay £500 in addition to the application fee.

Using the ‘priority service’ means you’ll usually get a decision within 5 working days.

Using the priority service usually takes up to 30 working days for Family visa applications from outside the UK if you’re applying as a:

partner or spouse
adult coming to be cared for by a relative

The time starts from either:

the day of your appointment, if you prove your identity in person
the working day after you finished uploading your documents, if you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

It can take longer, for example if the Home Office needs to ask you for more information.

You’ll be told whether you can prove your identity in person or using the app when you apply.

Using the super priority service

If you’re eligible you can choose the ‘super priority service’ when you apply. You’ll need to pay £1,000 in addition to the application fee.

How quickly you get a decision depends on when you prove your identity.

If you prove your identity in person

You’ll usually get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your appointment, if your appointment is on a weekday
2 working days after your appointment, if your appointment is at the weekend or on a bank holiday

If you use the use ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

by the end of the next working day if you finish uploading your documents on a weekday
2 working days after you finish uploading your documents if you upload them on a weekend or a bank holiday

Applying with family members

For each family member applying with you, you’ll need to pay an additional:

£500, to get a decision within 5 working days

£1,000, to get a decision by the end of the next working day

Every family member will need to pay for a faster decision. You’ll get a decision for everyone at the same time.

If any of your family members need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken in person, a decision may take longer.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a letter or email telling you the Home Office has made a decision on your application. It will tell you what you need to do next.

Check your email’s spam folder if you’re having problems getting messages from the Home Office.

When you might wait longer for a decision

You might wait longer for a decision if you need to provide more information. You’ll be told how and when to provide it.

Getting your biometric residence permit

How you get your biometric residence permit depends on if you apply outside or in the UK.

Find out about:

getting your biometric residence permit if you’re outside the UK

getting your biometric residence permit if you’re inside the UK

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Uk tourist visa,Uk visitor visa, UK visa, UK visa from india, documents required for Uk visa
What To Do If Your UK Visa Application Processing Is Delayed
🇬🇧 UK Students Visa Delayed
How to Get UK Tourist Visa from Pakistan

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Visa processing times: applications outside the UK
When your application processing time starts. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) starts processing your application once you either: verify your identity and submit your documents and application ...
How to Chase a Delayed UK Visa Application
Step 1: Contact UK Visas and Immigration for Assistance. If you are experiencing delays in processing your application and have not been contacted by the Home Office, the next step is to contact UK Visas and Immigration and ask for an update on the progress of your application. You will find the relevant contact details for the Home Office here ...
eVisa rollout begins with immigration documents replaced by 2025
Customers who already have an eVisa should tell the Home Office about any passport on which they intend to travel using the online Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details service on ...
UK Visa Processing & Decision Waiting Times
10 Mar 2024. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has published service standards for waiting times for decisions on visa and immigration applications. UKVI also publishes up-to-date information on current processing times for visa and immigration applications submitted both within the UK and outside the UK. In this post we take an in-depth look at ...
Home Secretary admits UK visa delays could last for months
The length of time you can expect to wait for a decision depends on the type of visa you are applying for. The average processing times for applications made outside the UK are as follows: Work visas - Expected processing times for Skilled Worker visa applications have doubled from 3 weeks to 6 weeks. It is currently taking on average 6 weeks ...
If your visa application is delayed
UK Visas and Immigration contact centre. Telephone: 0300 790 6268. Textphone: 0800 389 8289. Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.45pm. Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. Calls cost 12p per minute from a landline, 3p to 40p from a mobile. If you're outside the UK you need to use different contact details.
Visa processing times: applications inside the UK
When your application processing time ends. You'll get a letter or email to let you know that a decision has been made on your application. You can stay in the UK until you've been given a ...
December update on UK visa processing times
The Home Office (Tel. no: 0300 790 6268 / +44 (0)203 875 4669) publishes a list of current processing times for applications filed outside the UK and inside the UK. Applicants are advised to check these links for the most up to date estimates. If you require support with your UK visa application, Smith Stone Walters can help.
Lewis Silkin
The most recent increase in waiting times, announced on 11 May 2022, has doubled the processing standard for family route applications from 12 to 24 weeks. Work visa applications. Although the published processing standard for work visas remains at 3 weeks, work visa applicants are advised on GOV.UK that applications may currently take longer ...
Why UK visa applications are delayed & how to chase
UK Visas expedited processing delays. The expedited processing for entry clearance applications requires payment of extra fees. The 5 working days expedited processing for Skilled Worker visa costs approximately £250-300 on top of the standard application fee. Expedited processing fee for spouse visa application is approximately £563 and the ...
A Comprehensive Guide to UK Visa Processing Times and Delays
UKVI Standard Processing Times. UKVI's service standards for visa processing times are as follows: Non-settlement visa applications from outside the UK: 90% should be decided within 3 weeks, 98% within 6 weeks, and 100% within 12 weeks. Settlement visa applications from outside the UK: 98.5% should be decided within 12 weeks, and 100% within 24 ...
What to do if your complete UK visa application is delayed
Visa delays can ruin travel plans, create uncertainty, and prevent people from joining family members in the UK. We are often approached by clients to chase visa applications when they take longer than expected. Once an application is submitted to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the matter is out of our control, and there is not much that can ...
UK Visa Processing Times (Latest from UKVI)
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 ...
June 2023 update on UK visa processing times
Most applications for work, study and visit visas are currently being processed within 3 weeks for overseas applications, or 8 weeks for in-country applications. Processing times start after you have submitted your application and verified your identity either using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by attending an appointment at a Visa ...
Still waiting for your UK visitors visa? Here's why it's stuck
UK 🇬🇧 Visa Update: Due to extremely high global demand, standard UK visitor visas continue to experience a significant delay in processing. — UK in India🇬🇧🇮🇳 (@UKinIndia) 1641532957000. Furthermore, the High Commission gave details of the website and also apologized for the inconvenience. "We are working to process ...
UK Visa Delay in Processing 2024: Expert Guidance & Tips
UK Visa Delay 2024 and NSF Mail from UKVI: In 2024, applicants continue to face delays in UK visa processing, often attributed to cases deemed 'Non-straightforward' (NSF) by UKVI.This guide provides insights into the reasons behind these delays, including the NSF notification's impact and instances where processing times exceed UKVI's standard customer service targets.
UK Visa Processing Times and Home Office Delay
Home Office decision making is sometimes delayed and many have experienced delay during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Delays in UK visa and immigration decision making may cause significant prejudice, for example, not being able to commence a course of study, not being able to work or travel when there is a family emergency and may impact on an individual's health and mental well being.
UK visa delays 'causing rent, employment and healthcare issues'
Shantel Williams, 29, who has lived in the UK since arriving here legally from Jamaica as a nine-year-old with her mother, is trying to obtain British citizenship through the 10-year-route.
How To Chase A Delayed UK Visa Application
Step 1: Contact UK Visas and Immigration for Assistance. If you are experiencing delays in processing your application and have not been contacted by the Home Office, the next step is to contact UK Visas and Immigration and ask for an update on the progress of your application. You will find the relevant contact details for the Home Office here ...
UK visa delay: British High Commission apologises, gives options to
In normal circumstances for non-settlement visa applications submitted outside the UK 90% are decided within 3 weeks; 98% within 6 weeks and 100% within 12 weeks of the application date. But this ...
Why is My UK Visa Getting Delayed in 2024 [&How To Speed Things Up]?
2. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation. One of the primary reasons for visa delays, irrespective of the year, is the submission of incomplete or incorrect documentation. It's crucial to ensure that all documents are accurate, up-to-date, and align with the requirements outlined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
UK to delay start of health and safety checks on EU imports
The UK government has reportedly told port health authorities it will not "turn on" health and safety checks for EU imports as new post-Brexit border controls begin this month.
UK will not 'turn on' post-Brexit checks of EU goods for fear of border
The UK government has told the country's port authorities that it will not "turn on" critical health and safety checks for EU imports when post-Brexit border controls begin this month ...
How to apply for a visa to come to the UK
If you want to visit the UK. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example: for a holiday or to see family and friends. for a business trip or meeting. to do a ...
Afghanistan interpreter told his British citizenship bars family from
Afghanistan interpreter told his British citizenship bars family from UK visa Muhammad* cannot afford legal action or £20,000 fees, with Rwanda deportation a threat if his wife and children join him
UK rules out EU-wide deal on work and study visas for young people
The government has ruled out striking an EU-wide agreement on allowing an exchange of young people to work and study for extended periods of time. On Thursday, the European Commission announced ...
Money latest: Five big lenders hike mortgage rates amid interest rate
A council that oversees many popular tourist towns on the Kent coast has said it is considering implementing a tourism tax as a way of maximising income from visitors. Read this plus all the ...
Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application
Using the 'priority service' means you'll usually get a decision within 5 working days, or 30 working days for Family visa applications from outside the UK.