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What are UK visa processing times?

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What are UK visa processing times?

In the United Kingdom, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is in charge of processing immigration applications. UKVI publishes regular application processing timelines on their website in accordance with their customer charter. The time it takes to process an immigration application varies depending on the type of application and whether it was submitted inside or outside the UK.

  

The length of time it takes to process popular services varies based on the type of request. On the UKVI website, these timings may be found here and here. The mentioned UK work visa processing time are simply indicative because some applications will fall outside of the processing period.

For uncomplicated applications from outside the UK, according to UKVI's most recent records:

  • 90 percent of non-settlement visa applications will be decided within three weeks;
  • 98 percent of non-settlement visa applications will be decided within six weeks;
  • Non-settlement visa applications will be decided in full within 12 weeks.
  • 95 percent of settlement applications will be decided within 12 weeks, and 100 percent of settlement applications will be decided within 24 weeks.

When does UK visa processing begin?

The day you provide biometric data and supporting proof at your scheduled appointment, priority service processing will begin. The processing time will be completed when your passport is available to be picked up.


What UK visa priority services are available?

You may be able to select a priority service when submitting your application and/or scheduling your biometrics appointment. As a result, the standard visa processing time will be shortened. Please keep in mind that it isn't available in every country or for every type of immigration application.


Following your appointment at a visa application centre, a regular priority service guarantees that your visa will be processed within 5 working days. Your visa will be processed within 24 hours of your biometrics appointment if you choose a high priority service. Each visa application centre should know what priority services are available and how much they cost. Priority services are available in most countries.


Complex applications that take a long time to process may not be appropriate for priority services. Your application may be prioritised at each decision-making stage in some cases, but it may still take longer than the priority timelines. If there is a chance of rejection, these services should be carefully assessed when applying for extensions or shifting categories. Seek expert help to ensure that complex applications are timed strategically and rationally.


What factors affect UK visa processing times?

The case's complexity, such as whether it involves an assessment of Article 8 ECHR rights or derivative rights of EEA extended family members; concerns about suitability requirements, such as criminality; consideration of any adverse immigration history; any concerns about the authenticity of documents; the volume of documents provided; whether additional investigations or an irrational exclusion order are required; and whether additional investigations or an irrational exclusion order are required.


There is no established service standard for non-simple applications, and UKVI has a significant margin of appreciation when it comes to the timeframe of their decisions.



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