The UK Updates Visa Processing Times; Here’s How to Avoid Delays

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As you may be aware, getting a visa these days will take considerably longer than expected, particularly obtaining a visa for the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and most European nations take a substantially longer time.

Considering the situation, the Govt of the UK has updated its processing time for visits, Transit, Study, Work visas and Family visas.

UK Visa Processing Times

If you are applying for a visa from outside the United Kingdom, find out how quickly you will receive a decision on your UK visa application.

1. Visit Visa

Standard tourist visa applications are currently taking 6 weeks on average to process, although certain applications may take longer. All visit visas are presently requiring an average of 6 weeks to process. According to the UK Embassy, they are working hard to process applications in order to return to the 3-week service standard.

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2. Transit Visa

Transit visa applications are presently taking an average of 6 weeks to process. The UK high commission is working hard to process applications in order to return to the 3-week service standard.

3. Work Visa

Currently, skilled worker visa applications take an average of 6 weeks to process. Most ‘work and invest’ options are presently requiring an average of 6 weeks to process. The visa processing is expected to return to the three-week service standard soon.

4. Family Visa

As the United Kingdom Visa Immigration (UKVI) is prioritizing Ukraine Visa Scheme applications. Applications for family visas may take up to 24 weeks to process.

Here is the list of waiting times for all popular visas and services;

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Visa TypeWaiting Time
Visit the UK6 Weeks
Travelling through the UK6 Weeks
Study in the UK3 weeks
Work or invest in the UK5 Weeks
Join the family in the UK24 weeks 
Returning residents3 weeks
Replacing biometric residence permits3 weeks
Transfer your visa from your passport3 weeks
Certificate of entitlement3 weeks

Priority Services For UK Visa

According to the UK government’s official website, the Priority and Super Priority visa services for the new study, work, and family visa applications have been temporarily suspended.

Collection within 5 working days (priority service)

If you verify your identity at a visa application centre and the service is available in the country from which you are applying, you can select the ‘priority service’ option when applying. This service will be charged you extra. And you will get a decision within 5 working days of your appointment at the visa application centre.

Next day collection (super priority service)

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UK Visas and Immigration intends to make a decision on your super priority visa application and contact you by the end of the next working day after you provide your biometric information.

How to avoid Visa delays?

The delay in obtaining visas for the United Kingdom is creating significant trouble for both tourists and businesses. Even Students are now dissatisfied since student visas take three weeks to process.

To avoid delays in gaining a UK visa, the best thing you can do is apply under the priority or super-priority service. However, because the services for the study, work, and family visas have been suspended, all you can do is apply as soon as possible and be prepared with additional documents such as proof of finances, a TB test, or an ATAS certificate.

In response to these challenges, the British High Commission in India advised students to apply for visas as soon as possible in order to prevent delays.

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“We recommend that you apply for your student visa as soon as possible. If you can apply in July instead of August you should do this to avoid delays to your decision,” said the UK embassy in a tweet.

The tweet also stated that you may need to prepare additional supporting documents depending on your personal circumstances. This may include proof of finances, a TB test or an ATAS certificate.

The British High Commission in an interview said;

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“There is always a significant number of student visa applications in July and August, therefore we encourage student visa applicants to apply for the visa as early as possible to avoid any delays. We are working with the education sector and our commercial partners to get this important message to students”

How to apply for a UK Student Visa?

To apply for UK Student Visa, the Embassy of the United Kingdom in India suggest that apply up to six months in advance;

  • Submit your biometrics and documents to the visa application centre.
  • Wait for a decision and collect your passport.

Documents you required for UK Student Visa

  • A current passport or other valid travel documentation
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may need to produce extra supporting documentation.

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  • Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – this will vary depending on your circumstances
  • A valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it
  • Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18
  • Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18
  • Your tuberculosis test results
  • Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

We have prepared an extensive guide on UK Student Visa where we have covered everything you must know before applying for the Visa, which you can find here; How To Apply for UK Student Visa.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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