The application process for a UK visa includes filing documents, going to a biometrics appointment, and then waiting for a decision based on processing schedules. Once the applicant has provided their biometric data, the UK visa application processing period formally starts. You can check the status of your application by either using the Immigration ID Check app or making an in-person appointment to accomplish this.
Providing fingerprints and a digital photo during the in-person biometrics visit is necessary for identity verification. You might be wondering after biometric what is next? In the following phase, the UKVI will start evaluating the application. The type of visa applied for, whether the application was submitted from within or outside the UK, and if an expedited option was chosen all affect how long it takes to obtain a decision.
When Does the Processing Time for UK Visa Applications Begin and End?
The processing and decision waiting periods for UK visa applications filed from outside the country will begin on the day you submit your biometric data – a photo and your fingerprints, at a visa application center. If you qualify, the processing will start from the day you confirm your identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app. When you receive an email containing the final result of your application, the waiting period will come to an end. For frequent visitors, the two years multiple-entry UK Visa is a practical alternative because it permits several visits to the UK during that time frame.
The UK visa processing and decision waiting periods for an application submitted from within the UK usually begin on the day of online application submission. For applications submitted through the Graduate Immigration Route, there is an exemption. In these cases, the waiting period begins on the day the applicant shows up for an appointment at a visa service center or uploads their paperwork using the UK Immigration ID Check app. The waiting period will end on cases within the country on the day you receive a decision via email or letter. If your passport is lost or modified, you must submit a UK Visa Vignette Transfer Application to transfer your visa to a new passport.
How long does it currently take to process a UK visa after biometrics?
Below is a list of the current UK visa processing time after biometrics. All processing times in the UK are assessed by predefined customer service benchmarks.
- Visit visas
Category – Processing time
Standard Visitor – 3 weeks
Chinese tour group – 3 weeks
Marriage Visitor – 3 weeks
Transit – 3 weeks
- Family visas
Category – Processing time
Parent – 12 weeks
Partner or Spouse – 12 weeks
Child – 12 week
An adult receiving care from a family member – 12 weeks
- Study visas
Category – Processing time
Student – 3 weeks
Child Student – 3 weeks
Short-term students studying English in the UK, approximately 6 to 11 months – 3 weeks
- Work visas
Popular work visas
Category – Processing time
Health and Care Worker – 3 weeks
Skilled Worker – 3 weeks
- Temporary work visas
Category – Processing time
Charity Worker – 3 weeks
Government Authorised Exchange – 3 weeks
Creative Worker – 3 weeks
Seasonal Worker – 3 weeks
International Agreement – 3 weeks
Religious Worker – 3 weeks
- Work Visas to Start a Business
Category – Processing time
Start-up – 3 weeks
Innovator Founder – 3 weeks
- Work visas you can Apply for Without a Job Offer
Category – Processing time
UK Ancestry – 3 weeks
Global Talent – 3 weeks
India Young Professionals Scheme visa – 3 weeks
Youth Mobility Scheme – 3 weeks
High Potential Individual or HPI – 3 weeks
- Work visas for an Overseas Employer
Category – Processing time
Graduate Trainee – 3 weeks
Overseas Domestic Worker – 3 weeks
Representative of an Overseas Business – 3 weeks
Secondment Worker – 3 weeks
Senior or Specialist Worker – 3 weeks
UK Expansion Worker – 3 weeks
Service Supplier – 3 weeks
- Ukraine visas
Category – Processing time
Homes for Ukraine – 3 weeks
- Other visas and permits
Category – Processing time
International Sportsperson – 3 weeks
British National Overseas – 12 weeks
Scale-up Worker – 3 weeks
Minister of Religion – 3 weeks
Factors Influencing the Processing Times for UK Visas
The time it takes to process a UK visa following biometrics depends on many factors, including the kind of visa and the volume of applications. While some candidates may have to wait longer, others may obtain their visa decision in a matter of weeks. Let us look at the factors that affect processing time.
1) The type of visa that are you applying for
Each type of visa has a different processing period. The processing time for a visitor visa is 15 to 30 working days. Student visas take three to eight weeks to process. A work visa may be obtained in 4 to 8 weeks.
2) The Time of the Year
If you submit your application during a busy period, such as the time before school starts or vacations, it may take longer to process. Summer is generally the busiest time for UKVI. Other factors such as Home Office priorities may also impact the processing.
3) Inaccurate or Incomplete Information
The UKVI may halt processing to ask for more information from you before making a decision, which could take longer than anticipated if your application contains inaccurate information or the supporting documents you provide are inadequate. Reviewing your application carefully and making sure you have all the paperwork on hand before applying are the best ways to prevent this.
4) Request for Extra Documents
The UK Visa office may ask for additional evidence, which could cause your application to be delayed. Always make sure you have all the required documentation to prevent this.
5) Your Location
The processing time may be impacted by the country from where you apply for your UK visa for several reasons. Such as the relations and arrangements of your country, the administrative systems in each country, and the current situation in either country. Whether the UK accepts documents from your country or finds an equivalent in the UK. Whether that country is a member of the European Economic Area, and so forth. It is usually advisable to inquire with the UK embassy or consulate in your nation about any such problems that can cause delays in the processing of your visa.
6) Priority services were requested
For expedited processing, you can pay more for the priority visa service. It may reduce the processing time to five business days.
7) Intricacy of the Case
The complex nature of the case is one of the additional variables influencing UK visa processing times. For instance, when considering the assessment of the rights under Article 8 of the ECHR or the corresponding rights of extended family members of the EEA.
8) Additional Factors
Other factors affecting UK Visa Processing Times include,
a) Issues with criminal records.
b) Examining any negative immigration history.
c) Any doubts regarding the authenticity of the documents.
d) The quantity of documents that were submitted.
e) You need to attend a UK Visa Interview for further investigations.
f) Visa systems are experiencing an unexpected technical problem.
What are possible methods to speed up the UK visa application process?
For applicants who would like a quicker decision on their UK visa application, UK Visas and Immigration offers a priority service and a super priority service for an extra charge. By choosing one of these premium services, you can make sure that your application is at the top of the list at every step of the decision-making process, which should result in quicker processing times for UK visas and shorter wait times for decisions.
For applicants applying from outside the UK, a decision should be sent to eligible applicants who apply through the priority service within five working days of their appointment at the visa application center. If the applicant is applying from within the country, they will get the decision the day after they have completed uploading their documents using the UK Immigration ID Check app.
Eligible applicants who apply outside the UK via the super priority service should receive a decision by the end of the next working day after their appointment at the visa application centre. Or within 2 working days if the appointment is on the weekend. If an in-country applicant uses the UK Immigration ID Check App to verify their identification, they are not eligible for the super-priority service.
Take a Note
To prevent unnecessary delays, applicants should make sure that all necessary documents are provided accurately. UKVI will often give an update explaining the cause of the delay and the next actions if an application is anticipated to take longer than expected. The expedited services may not be accessible for all visa types or places and are subject to an additional fee. Therefore, before applying, please check UK Visa status online. To give yourself enough time to make a decision, it is best to apply well in advance of any scheduled trip or employment start date.