Latest Update: UK Visa Processing Time 2024
The duration of your application processing plays a pivotal role in determining your application and travel planning. However, UK visa processing times fluctuate significantly, influenced by factors like visa type, application location, and individual eligibility. It’s recommended that visa applicants seek guidance on the latest processing times for their particular application type.
UK Visa Processing Times in 2024
UK visa processing times are managed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), a department of the Home Office responsible for the UK’s visa system.
Processing typically begins when applicants attend their visa appointment and provide biometric information. Alternatively, it starts when ID checks are completed and the application is submitted using UKVI’s visa processing app.
Below are the processing times for in-country applications (accurate as of the date of publishing):
| Category – in-country applications | Processing time |
| Visit visa | 8 weeks |
| Student visa | 8 weeks |
| Child student visa | 8 weeks |
| Partner visa | 8 weeks |
| Partner visa without minimum income or English language requirement | 12 months |
| Parent visa | 12 months |
| Child visa | 8 weeks |
| Adult – coming to be cared for by relative | 8 weeks |
| Skilled worker visa | 8 weeks |
| Health and care worker visa | 3 weeks |
| Global talent route | 8 weeks |
| Graduate route | 8 weeks |
| Overseas domestic Worker visa | 8 weeks |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) visa | 8 weeks |
| India Young Professionals Scheme | 3 weeks |
| UK ancestry visa | 8 weeks |
| Innovator Founder | 8 weeks |
| Start-up | 3 weeks |
| Government Authorised Exchange | 8 weeks |
| Charity Worker | 8 weeks |
| Creative Worker | 8 weeks |
| International Agreement | 8 weeks |
| Religious Worker | 8 weeks |
| Overseas Domestic Worker | 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 |
| British National (Overseas) | 12 weeks |
| Entrepreneur | 8 weeks |
| International Sportsperson | 8 weeks |
| Investor | 8 weeks |
| Minister of Religion | 8 weeks |
| Scale-up Worker | 8 weeks |
| Turkish Businessperson | 6 months |
| Turkish Worker | 6 months |
| Category – overseas applications | Processing time |
| Standard Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Permitted Paid Engagement | 3 weeks |
| Marriage Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Chinese tour group | 3 weeks |
| Transit | 3 weeks |
| Student | 3 weeks |
| Child Student | 3 weeks |
| Family visas, including partners, spouses, children, parents & adults coming to be cared for by a relative | 24 weeks |
| Skilled Worker | 3 weeks |
| Health and Care Worker | 3 weeks |
| Government Authorized Exchange | 3 weeks |
| Charity Worker | 3 weeks |
| Creative Worker | 3 weeks |
| International Agreement | 3 weeks |
| Seasonal Worker | 3 weeks |
| Religious Worker | 3 weeks |
| Global Talent | 3 weeks |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | 3 weeks |
| India Young Professionals Scheme visa | 3 weeks |
| UK Ancestry | 3 weeks |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) | 3 weeks |
| Innovator Founder | 3 weeks |
| Start-up | 3 weeks |
| Overseas Domestic Worker | 3 weeks |
| Graduate Trainee | 3 weeks |
| Secondment Worker | 3 weeks |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | 3 weeks |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | 3 weeks |
| Service Supplier | 3 weeks |
| UK Expansion Worker | 3 weeks |
| British National (Overseas) | 12 weeks |
| International Sportsperson | 3 weeks |
| Minister of Religion | 3 weeks |
| Scale-up Worker | 3 weeks |
Priority & fast-track services
Priority and fast-track services are offered for visa applications made from outside the UK, particularly for work, business, and family visa routes.
With priority processing, applicants for certain work and settlement routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, can expedite their applications for an additional fee. This service guarantees a decision within 5 working days. Alternatively, the super-priority service ensures a decision by the end of the next working day.
Priority processing is available to select applicants, including those who verify their identity at a UKVACS center or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. Eligible applicants will be notified during the application process and given the option to opt for faster processing.
The fees for priority and super-priority processing vary.
Priority processing is still an option for A-rated sponsors seeking expedited Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocation and other Change of Circumstances requests.
Need Assistance?
Do you need assistance navigating the UK visa process? At Step Right, our team of Dubai-registered visa consultants is here to help. With our expertise, we can guide you to the most suitable UK visa for your situation and streamline the application process.
We are known for our effective and efficient management of visa applications, offering expert advice tailored to your needs. Contact us today for personalized assistance at +971 544519130.
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