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In this guide, we have set out the expected waiting times for each type of visa when applying from both within and outside of the UK. The maximum waiting time for each visa has been set by UK Home Office customer service standards.
Visit the Government’s website for more information on visa processing times for applications made outside of the UK.
You can do the same to find more information on processing times for visa applications made inside the UK.
What may extend or delay UK visa processing times?
There are several factors that can cause UK visa processing times to be delayed, including:
- Your application is inaccurate or requires further consideration
- You need to provide further evidence
- Your documents need to be verified
- You need to attend an interview
- Further personal information is required
- UKVI is experiencing increased demand.
These are the current UK Home Office processing times* based on the current volume of applications they are receiving:
Family Visas
| Category | Inside the UK | Outside the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Family visas | 8 weeks | 24 Weeks |
| Partner or spouse – private life (minimum income and English language no required) | 12 months | 24 Weeks |
| Parent | 12 months | 24 Weeks |
| Homes for Ukraine | As quickly as possible | As quickly as possible |
Student Visas
| Category | Inside the UK | Outside the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Student | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Child Student | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Study English in the UK | Not available | 3 weeks |
Visitor and Transit Visas
| Category | Inside the UK | Outside the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Permitted Paid Engagement | Not available | 3 weeks |
| Marriage Visitor | Not available | 3 weeks |
| Chinese tour group | Not available | 3 weeks |
| Transit | Not available | 3 weeks |
Popular Work Visas
| Category | Inside the UK | Outside the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Health and Care Worker | 3 weeks | 3 weeks |
Temporary Work Visas
| Category | Inside the UK | Outside the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Government Authorised Exchange | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Charity Worker | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Creative Worker | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| International Agreement | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Seasonal Worker | Not available | 3 weeks |
| Religious Worker | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
Work Visas - without a job offer
| Category | Inside the UK | Outside the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Global Talent | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | Not available | 3 weeks |
| India Young Professionals Scheme visa | 3 weeks | 3 weeks |
| UK Ancestry | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Graduate | 8 weeks | Not available |
Work Visas - to start a business
| Category | Inside the UK | Outside the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Innovator Founder | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Start-up | 3 weeks | 3 weeks |
Work Visas - for an overseas employer
| Category | Inside the UK | Outside the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas Domestic Worker | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Graduate Trainee | Not available | 3 weeks |
| Secondment Worker | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Service Supplier | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| UK Expansion Worker | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
Other Visas and Permits
| Category | Inside the UK | Outside the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur | 8 weeks | Not available |
| Investor | 8 weeks | Not available |
| Turkish Businessperson | 6 months | Not available |
| Turkish Worker | 6 months | Not available |
| British National (Overseas) | 12 weeks | 12 weeks |
| International Sportsperson | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Minister of Religion | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Scale-up Worker | 8 weeks | 3 weeks |
UK Home Office Complaints Procedures
If you wish to make a complaint to the UK Home Office regarding your current Visa Application you have made within the last three months you can contact the UK Home Office directly.
- If you are unhappy about the decision regarding your UK Visa application you can apply for an administrative review.
- If you are refused entry or leave to remain you can appeal this decision. Please note, not all decisions have the right of appeal.
- If you think your work or benefits have been affected because of your immigration status, check if your immigration status is correct.
- You can report immigration crime including working illegally, false applications, or smuggling.
- If you have had goods or vehicles seized you can contact the national post seizure unit.
- For any other type of enquiry or complaint you can view the UK Home Office online complaints procedure.
You can also contact the UK Home Office by:
Email: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk
Post: Home Office, Direct communications unit, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF
Call: 020 7035 4848
However, you chose to make a complaint to the UK Home Office, please ensure you provide the following information:
- The area of the Home Office your complaint refers to. You can leave a name here also.
- Context on if this is either an original complaint or a follow up from a previous one.
- A clear description of your complaint and what you wish the outcome to be
- Your contact details so they can get back to you.
- All Home Office complaints aim to be responded to within 20 working days.
- If you are dissatisfied with their response, you can ask for it to be passed on to a more senior member of staff, or further still, your MP.
* This information is correct as of March 2024
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions, or want to book an appointment with one of our legal experts, contact Woodcock Law today. Call us on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or email info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
