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What is the current UK Spouse Visa Processing Time in 2023?
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A UK Visa application (including the supporting documents) is only received by the UKVI once the applicant has attended their Biometric appointment and submitted their finger prints and photo. Therefore, this is when the decision process actually starts i.e. the processing does not start as soon as the application has been submitted online. The Third party company that took your biometrics, will send you or your legal representative a notification to confirm that your application has been forwarded to the UKVI.
Visa Applications made Outside the UK
The current processing time for a spouse/partner visa application from outside the UK takes up to 24 weeks (6 months) due to the current situation in Ukraine and the Home Office prioritising applications from there.
This is the case for all visas to join family in the UK (applicable to spouses, partners or other eligible family members of a British national or settled person in the UK only).
Prior to this, the average processing time was 12 weeks (3 months) for the standard service.
Priority Service for Spouse/Partner Visa Applications outside the UK
From the 20th of February 2023, the Home Office has resumed the Priority Service for new Family Visa Entry Clearance applications to join British and Settled family members in the UK, which includes Spouse, Partner and Fiancé(e) visas.
The cost for this is currently £573 and Applicants that opt for the Priority Service can expect to receive a decision within 30 working days. - However, this is subject to availability at the local Visa Centre you will be submitting your application from i.e. where you will have your Biometrics taken. - Not all visa centres offer the Priority Service, but both of the Third-party companies that manage the Visa Centres for UK visa applications outside the UK (VFS Global and TLS Contact), do publish details of the service options available at each of their visa centre locations throughout the world, so you can check the availability of the Priority Service via their respective websites.
Existing Spouse/Partner Visa Applications outside the UK
The Priority Visa service is currently being offered as an upgrade option to those with an existing family visa application which is still in progress i.e. they are still yet to receive their decision.
Those that take up this option for their existing application can expect to get a decision within 15 full working days. - Applicants are being contacted in date order, with the oldest outstanding applications contacted first.
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UK Spouse/Partner Visa Application?
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Visa Applications made Inside the UK
The processing time for a spouse/partner visa extensions or applications to switch to the partner route while already in the UK, can take 2-3 months on average. A Super Priority Service is also available for applications being made inside the UK. If you choose to pay the extra fee for this, you can get a decision on your application within 1-2 working days.
How Can I ensure my Spouse Visa Application doesn't get further delayed?
The key factors (in part of meeting all of the necessary requirements) to avoiding delays with your application if applying from outside the UK, are that you don't have any issues with your immigration history/status, especially if you have applied to visit (or have visited) the UK in the past and that you provide all the supporting documents relevant to your case. This latter aspect also applies to applications being made inside the UK. - Any documents you omit from your application, will at the worst case result in your application being refused outright, or in some cases be requested by the home office caseworker assessing your application, which will cause further delays in getting a decision.
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While every effort has been made to ensure that the information and law contained in this article is accurate and current as of the date of publication, we accept no responsibility for its accuracy or for any loss or damages arising from accessing, or the reliance, of this guidance.
Please also note that the information does not represent a complete statement of the Law and does not constitute legal advice.
If you would like specific professional advice about your UK immigration matter, please consider booking a consultation or one of my other legal services.
Making a UK Visa or Settlement application can be a stressful experience, and whilst there is a lot of ‘free’ information online, finding clear expert guidance that is up to date, and in line with your specific requirements can be a daunting task.
If you have any concerns about your case, it is recommended to reach out for advice from a trusted legal professional.
