Visa Processing Times: How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Visa?

The United Kingdom is a favoured destination for individuals worldwide, whether they are visiting for leisure, education, employment, or family purposes.

Consequently, the UK government receives a significant number of visa applications annually. The time it takes to process these visas varies based on factors such as the type of visa, the applicant's nationality, and the current application volume. This article examines the processing times for visa applications submitted from outside the UK, while also providing crucial information and considerations for applicants.

Before delving into the complexities of visa processing times, it's important to note that you are not obligated to make any travel arrangements prior to applying for a UK visa. This allows you to submit your application without committing to specific travel dates. However, it is crucial to allocate sufficient time for your visa application to be processed, as refunds for application fees are only available if the processing of your application has not yet commenced.

For individuals seeking a quicker response, expedited processing is a viable option. This service enables applicants to pay an extra fee to expedite the processing of their visa application. To begin the processing of your UK visa application, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires specific information. You have two options to initiate the process:

1. Verify your identity and submit your documents and application online through the UK Immigration: ID Check app. If this method is available for your application, UKVI will notify you.
2. Alternatively, you can attend an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph.

Note that the processing times for different categories of UK visas may change based on the current volume of applications. These times are measured against agreed customer service standards. Listed below are the typical timeframes for processing a number of the highly requested visa types:

Visit Visas

1. Standard Visitor: 3 weeks
2. Permitted Paid Engagement: 3 weeks
3. Marriage Visitor: 3 weeks

Study Visas

1. Student: 3 weeks
2. Child Student: 3 weeks
3. Study English in the UK (6 to 11-month courses): 3 weeks

Family Visas

1. Partner or spouse: 24 weeks
2. Parent: 24 weeks
3. Child: 24 weeks
4. Adult coming to be cared for by a relative: 24 weeks

Once you have completed and submitted your visa application, it's important to keep track of its processing time. You can quickly check this through the UK government website by providing your application number and date of birth for verification. Don't forget that the processing time starts once the UK government has received your fully filled application and its supporting documents. Keep in mind that if there is additional information or documents needed the processing time may be extended.

If you're uncertain of when your application will be processed, contacting the British government is an option. There are various means of communication including email, phone and accessing their platform online. In case you feel uneasy about the delay, hiring a UK immigration lawyer to provide advice might be worth considering.