UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has recently published updated guidance on the processing times for UK visa applications made inside the UK. This guidance reflects the currents trends and the expectations for any applications made over the coming months, however as always, these published times are subject to change.
For many of our clients, the processing times for UK visas is a cause of much angst and frustration. Our advice to clients from the outset is always to set reasonable expectations and if you need a fast turn around, consider using one of the priority services if it’s available. Although there are additional costs involved, it can often save you a lot of time and sleepless nights. In this article we’ll take a look at the updated processing times, why an application might take longer than expected and the options available to you for a getting a faster decision.
Spouse visas – 8 weeks
Civil partner visas – 8 weeks
Unmarried partner visas – 8 weeks
Other family visas – 8 weeks
Skilled worker – 8 weeks
Health and care worker – 8 weeks
Global talent – 8 weeks
Graduate – 8 weeks
Overseas domestic worker – 8 weeks
UK Ancestry visa – 8 weeks
Innovator founder – 8 weeks
Start-up – 8 weeks
Government authorised exchange – 8 weeks
Charity worker – 8 weeks
Creative worker – 8 weeks
International agreement – 8 weeks
Religious worker – 8 weeks
Student – 8 weeks
Child student – 8 weeks
Standard visitor visa – 8 weeks
Entrepreneur – 8 weeks
Investor – 8 weeks
Minister of religion – 8 weeks
International sportsperson – 8 weeks
There are various situations that may result in an extended waiting period for your visa application:
Should UKVI require additional information for your visa application, you will be notified by them via a letter or email.
When submitting your visa application online, it’s now possible to opt for a priority service to get a decision back sooner. The priority service, which guarantees a processing time of 5 days, is available for most applications and costs an additional fee of £573 for settlement applications or £250 for non-settlement applications. This fee is on top of the regular visa or settlement application fee. An additional super priority service is also available for some applications and ensures processing on the next working day. This services costs an additional fee of £956, in addition to the standard visa or settlement application fee.
If you’re planning to use a priority service, it’s important to be aware of the following points:
Priority services should be selected at the time of application. Although if you initially choose the standard service when submitting and paying your visa fee, and later decide to upgrade to a priority service, you can normally do this if you haven’t submitted your biometrics. However, if you have already completed your biometrics, you will need to cancel your existing application and submit a new visa application, thereby losing the government fees that you’ve paid.
