The United Kingdom offers multiple types of visa options including work visas, study visas and visitor visas. UK visa processing times will vary between visa types and this needs to be taken in to consideration when you begin your application. Planning your move such as gathering documentation, booking flights and finding accommodation are tasks that need organised alongside your visa application, so you need a good understanding of the timeframes involved. A typical UK work or study visa will take a month for the application stage only.
When does the visa application begin?
Depending on your circumstances your application processing time starts when you confirm your identity. If eligible, you can confirm your identity online using the ID Check application.
You might have to attend your appointment in person at a visa application centre where your biometrics will be taken including fingerprints and a photograph.
Work Visa processing times
Work visas allow international skilled workers to live and work in the UK for a set number of years.
The UK is one of the best countries in the world to enhance your career because of high salaries, development opportunities and reputable brands that have decided to employ here. The UK unemployment rate has been under 10% for over 30 years which allows a good chance of being employed in your industry.
| Visa | Processing Time |
| Skilled Worker | 3 weeks |
| Health and Care Worker | 3 weeks |
| UK Ancestry | 3 weeks |
| British National Overseas (Hong Kong) | 12 weeks |
| Scale-Up | 3 weeks |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | 3 weeks |
| Innovator Founder | 3 weeks |
| High Potential Individual | 3 weeks |
Student Visa processing times
Student visas allow international students to live and study in the UK to graduate in their chosen degree.
British universities are acknowledged globally for their creative and challenging environments, that encourage students to be their best. Their standards are highly regarded, with experts on many academic topics, and they’re generally listed high in the World University Rankings.
| Visa | Processing Time |
| Student | 3 weeks |
| Graduate | 8 weeks |
| Child Student | 3 weeks |
| Study English | 3 weeks |
UK Visitor Visa processing times
Visitor visas allow foreign holiday-makers to travel to the UK for a set period of time.
The UK is known for historical sightseeing, stunning scenery and great festivals.
| Visa | Processing Time |
| Standard Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Permitted Paid Engagement | 3 weeks |
| Marriage Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Chinese Tour Group | 3 weeks |
| Transit | 3 weeks |
Family Visa processing times
British citizens or people with indefinite leave to remain otherwise known as permanent residence, can sponsor family members to live in the UK.
| Visa | Processing Time |
| Partner or spouse | 24 weeks |
| Parent | 24 weeks |
| Child | 24 weeks |
| Adult coming to be cared for by a relative | 24 weeks |
Common issues that can delay visa processing times
There are a variety of reasons that may cause your application to be delayed:
- The quality of the application on first submission, including all necessary documents
- Taking your time to reply to additional information requests
- More documentation required
- Applicants with criminal convictions
Latest Articles
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]
Deciding whether to live in England or Scotland is a big choice for anyone planning to move to the UK. While both nations share strong links as part of the United Kingdom, life in England and life in Scotland can feel very different. From the cost of living and job opportunities to culture, lifestyle, and […]
UK Work Visa from India – Shortage Occupation [2025]
The UK Work Visa from India is one of the most popular immigration routes for professionals seeking to live and work in Britain. Between June 2023 and June 2024, over 131,000 Indian citizens moved to the UK on work visas — a record figure that highlights the strong demand for opportunities in healthcare, technology, finance, […]
Carer Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship [2025]
The UK is facing a growing shortage of care workers, which has created huge opportunities for overseas applicants. One of the most in-demand visa routes is the Health and Care Worker visa, which allows eligible carers to live and work in Britain with sponsorship from approved employers. In this guide, we’ll explain why the UK […]
Top 10 – Best Weekend Away in the UK
When looking for an ideal weekend away in the UK, it is important to choose a place to match what you want to do! The UK has modern bustling cities such as London and Edinburgh to quiet, peaceful and rural areas such as the Scottish Highlands and Cornwall. We have picked out our favourite top […]
5 of the Best Peak District Hikes [2024]
Walking in the Peak District offers views of a stunning national park with its rolling hills, deep valleys and wildlife. There are multiple Peak District hikes and walks to challenge yourself regardless of fitness level. In this article we will walk through our favourite Peak District hikes as well as what to pack, best time […]
How to get Work Permit for UK without Job Offer? [2024]
Most work visas will require you to find companies that offer sponsorship in the UK in order to live and work here, but there are still ways to obtain a work permit for UK without job offer. There are six work visas that we have listed below that do not require you to be sponsored […]
PSW in UK 2024 – [Graduate Visa]
PSW in UK or a Post Work Study permit, is a visa that allows international students who have graduated from a UK university to stay in the country after graduation. The UK Graduate Visa allows you to live and work for up to three years after your studies, depending on if you achieved a bachelors […]