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.
Best Cities to Work and Live in the UK in 2023
The United Kingdom has long been the world-famous place to work and live in due to the huge number of opportunities it offers in terms of career and life. Since it is among the top economies in the world, those looking for a high living standard with excellent employment opportunities find it the perfect spot. […]
How to get sponsored by an employer in the UK
When companies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are unable to find qualified workers living in the United Kingdom, they look worldwide to help fill those skill shortages. To be eligible for skilled work sponsorship in the United Kingdom, you need to qualify for a relevant job on a UK occupations list, after this […]
What salary can I earn in the UK in 2023?
how much can you earn in the UK? The UK is a high-income economy, but how much do you need to earn for a comfortable life? When you think of moving to the UK, the first thing that comes to your mind is how much salary you will earn. From April 2023 the minimum hourly […]
How much money do you need to move to the UK?
How much does it cost to move to the UK? The amount of money to save when planning a move to the UK will vary from person to person, having your finances planned correctly is one of the most important aspects of moving to the UK. How much is a visa? Do I have to […]
UK Immigration – Visa processing times – November 2023
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 […]
Why study in the UK – Top 10 Reasons
Why study in the UK? The UK attracts thousands of international students each year, thanks to its world-class universities and work opportunities after graduation. In 2023, over 486,107 people chose the UK to further their higher education and increase their job chances. The most common nationality to arrive in the UK to study in 2023 […]
Can I bring my family to the UK on a work visa?
If you are looking to bring your family members to the UK, or you hope to join your family in the UK, then this article will explore your options. Several visas allow family members to join the main applicant in the UK, they are known as “dependants”. You don’t have to be a permanent resident […]
Working Holiday Visa UK
If you are thinking about applying for a working holiday visa in the UK, then you have found the right place. This visa is the easiest way for young people to live and work in the UK temporarily. The visa is formally knows as the Youth Mobility Visa and is available to citizens of participating […]