What are the current UK Visa Processing and Decision Times?

Overview of UK Visa Processing and Waiting Times for Decisions

Are you seeking details about UK visa processing and decision waiting times? UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has established service standards for the time it takes to make decisions on visa and immigration applications.

The UKVI also regularly publishes updates on current processing times for applications submitted within and outside the UK.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to UK visa processing and decision waiting times. It covers Home Office service standards, current processing times, options for expediting visa or immigration applications, and how delays can occur.

Additionally, some frequently asked questions about UKVI visa processing times are addressed and factors that could influence the timing of an immigration application are also covered.

UKVI Standard Visa Processing Times

If a UK visa application is complete with all necessary documents, and the Home Office does not require additional information or clarification, the following processing times generally apply:

• Non-settlement visa applications submitted outside the UK:
• 90% of applications are processed within 3 weeks,
• 98% within 6 weeks, and
• 100% within 12 weeks (1 week = 5 working days).

• Settlement visa applications submitted outside the UK:
• 98.5% are processed within 12 weeks,
• 100% within 24 weeks.

• Applications for leave to remain within the UK (spouses, workers, 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 workers: 8 weeks.
• Organisations updating sponsor licence details: 18 weeks.

For applications submitted via priority or super priority services, the decision times are 5 working days (for Non-settlement visa applications submitted from outside the UK) and within the next working day, respectively, where these services are available for the given visa application.

Applications for a sponsor licence via the pre-licence priority service should be processed within 10 working days.

These standards are based on UKVI's customer service charter and apply to straightforward, complete applications. However, actual processing times can vary significantly.

Factors Affecting UK Visa Processing Times

Several factors can cause delays in UK visa processing times, such as:

• Complex cases, e.g., those involving assessments of Article 8 ECHR rights or EEA extended family members.
• Suitability concerns, such as criminal records.
• Consideration of adverse immigration history.
• Concerns about the authenticity of submitted documents.
• Volume of documents submitted.
• Additional investigations or interviews.
• Caseworker capacity.
• The time of year (seasonal fluctuations).

There is no published standard processing time for complex cases, and UKVI has wide discretion in decision-making.



Delays have been common in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the Ukraine crisis.

Current Home Office UK Visa Processing Times

The Home Office provides up-to-date information on processing times for visa applications submitted both inside and outside the UK.

Below are general guidelines for current processing times, assuming the application is submitted via standard service (without priority or super-priority services).

Work in the UK

The UK offers various work and business immigration routes, including:

• Long-term visas: Skilled Worker, Scale-up, International Sportsperson, Minister of Religion.
• Short-term visas: High Potential Individual, Creative Worker.
• Business visas: Innovator Founder Visa, Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa.
• Global Business Mobility visas: Senior Specialist Worker, UK Expansion Worker.
• Talent visas

You can apply for a work visa up to 3 months before starting work in the UK. Home Office service standards indicate that applicants from overseas should receive a decision within 3 weeks, a timeframe currently being met.

For applications to switch into or extend a UK work visa, the standard processing time is 8 weeks. However, applications to extend a Skilled Worker visa currently take around 9 weeks due to global demand and the Ukraine conflict. Health and Care Worker visa extensions are being processed within 3 weeks.

For settlement on a work or business route, the decision time is typically 6 months.

Join or Stay with Family in the UK

Family visas allow individuals to live in the UK with a British or settled family member as a:

• Spouse, Civil Partner, Unmarried Partner
• Fiancé(e), Proposed Civil Partner
• Child, Adult dependent relative

Applications from outside the UK to settle with a British citizen or settled person usually take 12 weeks. The Home Office has recently confirmed that family visas are now being processed within this timeframe after reducing the Ukraine Visa Scheme backlog.

For applications to extend or switch from within the UK, the processing time remains 8 weeks.

For the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit, decisions are issued as soon as possible after verifying identity and documents. There is no standard processing time for private life applications (average: 9 months).

Visit the UK

Visitor visas for short stays (up to 6 months) can be applied for up to 3 months before travel. Current processing times for visitor visas are around 3 weeks, consistent with service standards.

Most visitors cannot extend their stay, but certain exceptions apply, such as academics and medical patients. These extensions are typically processed within 8 weeks.

Study in the UK

Student visas are for individuals aged 16 or over who plan to study in the UK. Applications from outside the UK can be submitted up to 6 months before the start of the course, with a decision typically reached within 3 weeks. This timeframe is currently being met.

For switching or extending a student visa from within the UK, decisions are usually made within 8 weeks.

Hong Kong British National (Overseas)

Applications for the Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa from outside the UK are generally processed within 12 weeks. Settlement applications for this route usually take 6 months.

UK Ancestry

Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent can apply for a UK Ancestry visa. Applications are processed within 3 weeks, while extensions from within the UK take 8 weeks.

Returning Residents

If you previously held indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you may apply for a Returning Resident visa. Current processing times for this visa are around 3 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Does the UK Visa Application Processing Time Begin and End?

For UK visa applications made from outside the UK, the processing time begins either on the date you provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application centre or, if eligible, the date you verify your identity through the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

The processing period concludes when you receive an email with the decision on your application.

For visa or immigration applications submitted within the UK, the processing time typically starts from the day you complete your online application.

However, for Graduate Immigration Route applications, the countdown starts from the date the applicant either attends an appointment at a visa service centre or verifies their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. In all cases, the waiting period ends when you receive either a letter or an email with the decision.

The processing timeline does not account for the issuance of your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Typically, you should receive your BRP within 7 working days after the decision on your application. If you don't receive it, you can report the issue.

Will My Dependents' Visas Be Processed in the Same Time Frame?

Dependent visas are usually processed within the same time frame as the main applicant's visa. Dependents will receive their decision at the same time as the main applicant.

A dependent visa won’t be issued before the main applicant’s decision is finalised. If a dependent applies after the main applicant has already received their visa, the processing time may be shortened.

Can I Get a Faster Decision on My UK Visa Application?

Yes, UK Visas & Immigration offers a ‘priority service’ and a ‘super priority service’ for applicants who are willing to pay an extra fee for faster processing. These premium services place the application at the front of the queue during each step of the process, leading to quicker visa processing times.

For those eligible for the priority service, a decision should be made within 5 working days after the visa application centre appointment (for Non-settlement applications made overseas), or within 5 working days after either the UKVCAS appointment or the next working day following document uploads via the UK Immigration: ID Check app (for applications within the UK).

Applicants eligible for the super priority service can expect a decision by the end of the next working day after their appointment at a UKVCAS appointment centre (for in-country applications).

If the appointment is on the weekend, the decision should be made within two days. Note that applicants within the UK using the UK Immigration: ID Check app cannot use the super priority service.

Currently, the Super Priority Visa service is only available for Partner & Family Visa applications made from inside the UK. However, Partner & Family Visa applicants using the Priority Service can usually expect a decision within 30 working days.

For work visas (excluding Innovator Founder and High Potential Individual), study, and visitor visas, the Priority and Super Priority services are available at most overseas locations, but appointment availability for the priority service on visitor visas has been reduced.

Both Priority and Super Priority services remain available for applicants seeking leave to remain or settlement in eligible categories within the UK.

Overseas applicants should verify the availability of priority services at their visa application centre for their specific visa type.

For applicants inside the UK, tables listing eligible visa and settlement applications for both Priority and Super Priority services are available.

Note that these are categorized separately for visa extensions/switching and settlement applications.

It is worth noting that Priority and Super Priority services might not be suitable for complex applications that require additional time for processing.

While your application may be prioritized at each decision stage, a final decision could take longer than the standard priority processing times.

In complex cases or situations where there is a risk of refusal, particularly for extensions or switching categories, professional advice is recommended to ensure a well-timed and well-thought-out application.

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