UK Immigration – Visa processing times – November 2023

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How long will it take to process my UK Visa Appplication?

The UK is a top destination for many talented people around the world, looking to work or study and build a new life. Skilled immigration benefits the UK economy whilst providing a better opportunity for individuals born abroad. The immigration system in the UK has changed since Brexit, with many visas being replaced or modified to compete with other countries around the world. So far, 2022 has seen the most arrivals to the UK ever recorded, with over 1.1 million visas granted to live within the United Kingdom, an increase of 500,000 since 2019 (before Covid19). Despite the increase, the UK visa processing times are quicker than most G20 nations, and allows newcomers to settle in more quickly.

Can I pay for my application to be fast-tracked?

There is an option to fast track your visa application, this is possible through options called Priority and Super Priority. You can check if these services are available from your country by checking with your local Visa Application Centre. The Priority service aims to process your application within 5 working days, Super Priority the aim is 1 working day.

Path to Residency Visas

331,200 long-term work visas that lead to permanent residency were issued in the year to June 2022. Nearly all of these visas are processed within 3 weeks, the process begins as soon as you verify your identity either online or at a local Visa Application Centre. Your application will take longer if extra supporting documents are required, or you have made an error within the application form.

Most Common Types

Student Visas

486,900 student visas were issued in the year to June 2022. Nearly all of these visas are processed within 3 weeks, the process begins as soon as you verify your identity either online or at a local Visa Application Centre. Your application will take longer if extra supporting documents are required, or you have made an error within the application form.

Spouse/Partner or Dependant Children

82,300 family related visas were issued in the year to June 2022. Nearly all of these visas are processed within 24 weeks, the process begins as soon as you verify your identity either online or at a local Visa Application Centre. Your application will take longer if extra supporting documents are required, or you have made an error within the application form. It is possible for family members to be granted visas on different dates, if this is the case it does not automatically mean they will be refused.

Tourist/Visitor Visas

8.5 million visitor visas were issued in the year to June 2022. Nearly all of these visas are processed within 7 weeks, the process begins as soon as you verify your identity either online or at a local Visa Application Centre. Your application will take longer if extra supporting documents are required, or you have made an error within the application form.

Permanent Residence

120,770 people were granted settlement in the UK in the year to June 2022, of which 29,197 came directly from work visas. Nearly all of these visas are processed within 24 weeks, the process begins as soon as you verify your identity either online or at a local Visa Application Centre. Your application will take longer if extra supporting documents are required, or you have made an error within the application form. As some visas were only created within the past 24 months, there will be an increase in permanent residence applications from 2025.

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