Applying for a UK visa can take anywhere from days to months, depending on the visa processing time of the different types of visas you are applying for and whether you’re applying from inside or outside the country. To keep the visa processing waiting time at a minimum, Make sure to review all your options beforehand.
Visas Processing Time from Outside the UK
Applying for a UK visa from abroad? Make sure to hold off on booking tickets until your application is officially approved. To give yourself enough time for processing and possible delays, check out these estimated waiting times per category before planning!
Work Visas:
Applicants who wish to work or invest in the UK can expect a decision within three weeks, and an improvement in processing times which have now returned to their usual service standards.
Study Visas:
The typical processing time for Student and Child Student Visas is within the service standard of 3 weeks. However, there may be a slight delay for Short-term study visa applications with an average processing time of 5 weeks.
Family Visas:
For those looking to make the UK their permanent home with a loved one who is either a British citizen or settled in Britain, you can expect an answer about your application within 24 weeks! You can expect your decision simultaneously If you are applying as the dependant of another individual.
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visas:
A BNO visa application can take up to 12 weeks for a decision.
Visit Visas:
If you’re looking to visit the UK, Standard Visitor visa applications are currently taking around five weeks for processing but some may take longer. Transit visas also require the same amount of waiting. The Home Office is striving to provide speedy service by working diligently on applications and aiming for a 3-week turnaround.
Visas Processing Time inside the UK
If you are hoping to stay in the UK longer by moving from one visa type to another, expect a more prolonged wait. Currently, depending on your category of application, processing times for applications made within the country are the following!
Work Visas:
If you’re thinking of extending or switching to a Skilled Worker visa or Health and Care Visa, be aware that the wait for processing decisions could take up to 11 weeks on average! Those with high potential and those seeking a Temporary Worker visa are on track to have their applications processed within the service standard of eight weeks. Applying for the Start-up visa could get you approval within 3 weeks!
Study Visas:
After submitting your application to switch or extend a Student or Child Student visa, you can usually expect an official response within 8 weeks.
Family Visas:
If you’re planning a longer stay in the UK, applying for an extension or switch of your family visa is essential – and usually takes no more than 8 weeks to receive a decision. If you’re applying through a 10-year route, keep in mind that there is no set timeline; processing times will vary as each case depends on its criteria such as whether you are applying with a partner, parent or private life basis. It typically takes 11 months to receive a decision. The Home Office is taking action to reduce the period.
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visas:
Applying to switch or extend your BNO visa, expect a decision within 12 weeks.
Visit Visas:
With only a handful of occasions, you may be eligible to extend your Standard Visitor visa from within the UK. If you’re a patient needing medical treatment, an academic looking for a clinical attachment or retaking the PLAB test; your application for extension should be decided within 8 weeks.
