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.
UK Sponsorship Visas for Care Workers 2024
Care workers looking to move to the UK to live and work are currently in high demand. Out of all the UK sponsorship visas for care workers, the Health and Care Worker visa is the most popular pathway to live and work in the United Kingdom. You will need to have a valid visa and […]
What is the High Potential Individual Visa?
The High Potential Individual visa was created in 2022 to attract recently graduated international students to the UK. It allows international graduates from selected universities to come and live and work in the UK for two years. You must have graduated in the last five years. Students must have graduated from a selected international university […]
Study in the UK – Pathway to Immigration
Are you looking to study in the UK for a bachelors degree or maybe a masters or doctorate? The UK offers a world-class education which leads to great career opportunities and therefor sponsorship by employers looking to retain your expertise in the United Kingdom. A well-planned study strategy can lead to a long-term work visa […]
Work as a Nurse in the UK
Interested in moving abroad to work as a nurse in the UK? The idea of continuing your career overseas can seem overwhelming at first. You will need to have a valid visa and sponsorship from an employer such as the National Health Service (NHS). Most nurses who qualify for a visa from outside the UK […]
UK amongst the most attractive destinations for foreign entrepreneurs in 2023
Entrepreneurial talent are in demand around the world, with an increasing amount of countries offering start-up or innovation style visas to attract them. Entrepreneurs are important as they play a pivotal role in creating jobs, attracting investment and economic growth for the economy. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) measure the attractiveness of […]
UK Youth Mobility Scheme for Canadian Nationals
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is a great opportunity to work and travel in the UK, it allows young people from Canada to live and explore around the country for up to three years. The UK recently negotiated a trade deal with the Canadian government which includes making it easier for young adults to live […]
Most popular ways to immigrate to the UK from Africa
Choosing to emigrate to the United Kingdom can be a life-changing but exciting decision. Not only does it have the worlds 6th largest economy, but is known for its diverse culture, sport and scenery. The UK more than ever is looking for skilled workers across the African continent to help fill skill shortages in sectors […]
Demand for Skilled Workers in the UK 2024 – Skilled Occupations List
The UK government has announced upcoming additions of multiple occupations to the Shortage Occupations List. These changes are expected to be introduced before the end of 2023 and will include occupations from the construction and fishing sectors. You will apply through the Skilled Worker visa. Separately, the Skilled Worker Occupations List contains more job roles […]