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
- British National Overseas Visa – 12 weeks
- Health and Care Worker Visa – 3 weeks
- Scale-Up Visa – 3 weeks
- Senior or Specialist Worker – 3 weeks
- Skilled Worker Visa – 3 weeks
- UK Ancestry Visa – 3 weeks
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.
How to move to the UK without a job in 2025 [Guide]
How to move to the UK without a job in 2025: Work and Student Visas. If you’re dreaming of living in the UK but don’t have a job offer in hand, you’re not alone. Thousands of people each year look for ways to move to the UK without employer sponsorship. The good news? There are […]
UK Visa Cost Increase for 2025 [Latest]
On April 9, 2025, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) implemented significant increases in UK visa cost and immigration fees, impacting individuals and businesses alike. By increasing fees, the government aims to cover the operational costs associated with processing applications and maintaining immigration services. UK Visa Cost 2025 Starting April 9, 2025, the UK Home Office […]
How to get Certificate of Sponsorship UK 2025 [CoS]
International recruitment is becoming increasingly necessary for UK businesses to help fill skills shortages. Hiring from overseas on certain work visas requires a Certificate of Sponsorship UK (CoS) from a licensed employer. In this article we will breakdown the main steps required to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship UK and which work visas require it […]
NHS Jobs for Nurses – Nursing Jobs in UK Vacancies [2025]
NHS jobs for nurses in the UK is on the increase with great opportunities for visa sponsorship. Registered nurses are currently on the Skilled Worker Occupations List on SOC code 2231 to 2237. Registered nurses are needed in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with the National Health Service (NHS) employing from overseas to help […]
Immigration Salary List UK – Skilled Worker Visa [2025]
The Immigration Salary List UK (ISL) is a shortage occupations list that shows careers in demand across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Immigration Salary List UK is not to be confused with other lists such as the Skilled Worker Occupation List or Healthcare and Education Shortage Occupation List. Depending on your job role or Standard Occupational […]
UK Bank Holidays 2025 – [Full List]
A bank holiday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom during which most businesses, organisations and schools are closed. These holidays originated to provide a day off for bank employees but have since become a day of rest or celebration for the whole country. There will be at least 8 UK Bank Holidays 2025, […]
England v Scotland – Best Places to Live in the UK [2025]
The United Kingdom is blessed with numerous cities offering a good quality of life and employment opportunities. Each city offers a different lifestyle and culture from bustling 24 hour cities, to medieval or a life by the sea. When comparing England v Scotland your personal circumstances will influence which city is right for you. Depending […]
UK Work Visa from India – Shortage Occupation [2025]
The United Kingdom has long been an attractive destination for skilled professionals from across the globe, including India. 131,067 Indians moved to the UK from June 2023 to June 2024 on work visas. With the presence of global companies, a large economy, a diverse job market, a UK work visa from India is becoming increasingly […]