Processing times for visas: applications within the UK

Written by UK Visas | Apr 15, 2024

Here is a quick reference guide for the Home Office (UKVI) processing times.

Don't make any travel arrangements before applying or before a decision is reached on your application.

Allow ample time for your visa application process. You may opt for a quicker decision by paying an expedited processing fee.

Type of Visa	Processing Time
Standard Visitor	8 weeks
Student Visa	8 weeks
Child Student	8 weeks
Partner or Spouse Visa	8 weeks
Partner or Spouse Private Life	12 weeks
Child	8 weeks
An adult coming to be cared for by a relative (Adult Dependent Relative).	8 weeks
Homes for Ukraine Visa	As quickly as possible
Skilled Worker	8 weeks
Health and Care Workers	3 weeks
Government Authorised Exchange Visa	8 weeks
Charity Worker	8 weeks
Creative Worker	8 weeks
Religious Worker	8 weeks
Innovator Founder Visa	8 weeks
International Agreement	8 weeks
Graduate	8 weeks
High Potential Individual (HPI)	8 weeks
India Young Professional Scheme	3 weeks
Start-Up	3 weeks
Overseas Domestic Worker Visa	8 weeks
Secondment Worker	8 weeks
Senior or Specialist Worker	8 weeks
Representative of an Overseas Business	8 weeks
Service Supplier	8 weeks
UK Expansion Worker	8 weeks
Minister-of-Religion Visa	8 weeks
Scale-Up Visa	8 weeks
Turkish Businessperson	6 months
Turkish Worker	6 months
Investor	8 weeks
UK Ancestry	8 weeks
British National Overseas	12 weeks
Entrepreneur	8 weeks
International Sportsperson	8 weeks

What Factors Affect UK Visa Processing Times?

There are various factors that may impact the processing times of UK visas, such as:

The complexity of the case, such as assessments of Article 8 ECHR rights or derivative rights of EEA extended family members;
Concerns related to suitability requirements, including criminality checks;
Reviewing any past immigration history;
Ensuring the validity and authenticity of submitted documents;
The quantity of documents provided;
Potential need for further investigations or an interview;
The workload capacity of caseworkers; and
The seasonal fluctuations in processing times.

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