This guidance aims at providing an overview of the UK visa from Iraq in 2019 for all types of entry clearance applications, especially for Iraqi citizens and nationals applying for the UK tourist, family and business visitor visa for the very first time. Accordingly, the post provides the details of all types of UK visa application fees and cost in Iraqi Dinar (IQD) and US$ from Iraq. In fact, the post also tries to answer faqs relating to the UK visa requirements, processing time and refusal rates from Iraq. And also explain the usefulness of UK visa priority and TLS Connect added-value services from Baghdad, Basra and Erbil, Iraq.
UK Visa from Iraq 2020
Perhaps, approximately, more than 10K Iraqi citizens apply for UK visa every year. As a matter of fact, usually, more than 60% of applicants apply for the UK visit visa from Iraq. For instance, in 2018 the share of UK visitor visas was 65.49% in the total visas issued to Iraqi nationals. However, empirically, the UK visa refusal rate from Iraq is more than than 40%.
UK Visa Fees from Iraq 2020
In fact, the UK visa fees from Iraq 2020 is different for different types of applications. However, in nearly all the instances an applicant needs to pay the UK Embassy visa fees in Iraq online. The Home Office usually revises the application fee only once every year. Therefore, the UK application charges in GBP remains the same during the year. Nevertheless, due to the exchange rate fluctuations, the cost of UK visa for Iraqi Citizens may vary during the year. Furthermore, the exchange rate @ IQD1,190/- to a US$ is used for calculating the price in Iraqi Dinar (IQD) (ع.د).
UK Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Iraq 2020
Apparently, Iraqi citizens can apply for 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years standard visitor visa. Perhaps, the most common and popular application for tourism, family and business visits is for 6 months standard visitor visa. In fact, usually, a fresh applicant applies for the 6 months multi-entry visa for tourism or family visit. Accordingly, the 6 months tourist or visitor visa fees from Iraq is IQD147,560 ($124). Moreover, at times applicants also refer the UK 6 months visa as England or London visit visa from Iraq. Perhaps, a repeat visitor can also apply for a long-term visitor visa for tourism and family purpose. Accordingly, the UK tourist visa fees from Iraq for 2, 5 and 10 years visa application is IQD559,300, IQD1,015,070 and IQD1,273,300 respectively. Moreover, the UK visa price for infants under 5 and children under 18 are same as that for adults.
Furthermore, the additional charges for priority service from Iraq are IQD340,340 ($286) . Therefore the priority visitor visa fees from Iraq for 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years applications are IQD487,900, IQD899,640, IQD1,355,410 and IQD1,613,640 respectively.
Processing Time
The UK visa processing time from Iraq for more than 90% of the non-settlement applications is usually within 3 weeks. However, the priority visa timeline from Iraq is normally 4-5 working days for a straightforward case. Perhaps, only a very few visit visa applications from Iraq take more than 6 weeks for a decision.
For instance, in Sept 2019, nearly 91% of the visitor, Tier 4 student and Tier 5 work visa applications from Iraq decided within 15 working days. Moreover, all the Tier 2 work visa applications from Iraq concluded within 30 working days. And 87% of the EEA family permit application from Iraq processed within 6 six weeks. Furthermore, nearly all the long term, tourist and family visitor visa applications from Baghdad decided within 3 weeks.
Delays
Perhaps, at times only a fraction of the applications from Iraq might experience delays in processing. Apparently, there could be a number of different reasons for delays in UK visa processing.
What if the UK Visa Application from Iraq Gets Refused?
Empirically, the UK visa refusal rate from Iraq fairly high and usually more than 4 out of 10 applications are usually refused. Therefore, if an UK visa application from Iraq is refused then a Iraq national can reapply or challenge a refusal decision by filing an appeal, administrative review or judicial review. Please note: there is no right of appeal against the refusal of visitor visa. However, a Iraqi passport holder has the option of either re-applying or filing an immigration judicial review against the refusal.
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Statistics
During the Jan-March 2019 quarter, 3,222 Iraqi nationals applied for a UK visa application from Iraq. Accordingly, 2,897 applications decided, 1,797 visas granted and 1,059 applications refused. Moreover, 41 applications withdrawn and no application lapsed. Therefore, the UK visa success and refusal rate from Iraq in 2019Q1 has been 62.03% and 36.56%, respectively.
UK Visa from Iraq: Statistics 2017-18
During 2017-18 the total number of decisions made on the UK visa applications submitted by Iraqi citizens hovers in the range of 10K. Accordingly, the number of visa grants to Iraqi nationals were around 5.5-6K. Accordingly, approximately 4.5K applications by Iraqi citizens get refused. Nevertheless, the UK visa success rate for Iraqi citizens is showing an upward trend as it has increased from 55.64 to 58.02%.
| Year | 2017 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | 10,294 | 10,825 |
| Decisions | 10,243 | 10,769 |
| Grants | 5,699 | 6,248 |
| Refusals | 4,452 | 4,436 |
| Withdrawals | 92 | 84 |
| Lapsed | 0 | 1 |
| Ssuccess Rate | 55.64% | 58.02% |
| Refusal Rate | 43.46% | 41.19% |
Types
During 2018, 6,248 Iraqi Citizens get the UK visa in the following categories:
- Visitor Visa: 4,092
- Transit: 10
- Short-Term Study: 124
- Family Settlement: 741
- Dependant joining or accompanying: 14
- EEA Family Permit: 125
- PBS Tier 1: 88
- PBS Tier 2: 133
- Tier 4 Student: 401
- PBS Tier 5: 28
- Non-PBS Domestic Worker: 12
- Non-PBS Other permit-free employment (Main apps): 3
- Certificate of entitlement to right of abode (Main apps): 1
- Other Settlement (indefinite leave): 40
- Other temporary visas: 436
Visitor Visa
During 2018, 4,092 Iraqi nationals get the UK visitor visa i.e. 3,807 main and 285 dependant applicants. Moreover, 124 and 10 Iraqi nationals also get the short-term study and transit visa, respectively.
UK Visitor Visa Processing Time from Iraq
Perhaps, all the short and long-term UK visitor visa applications from Iraq usually process within 15-30 working days. Please note: the service standard is to process all visitor visa applications within 12 weeks. However, an applicant can fast track a visitor visa application within 3-5 working days by purchasing the priority service, which costs an addtional IQD340,340 (US$286). Therefore, if an applicant intends to apply for UK visitor visa from Iraq then may expect a decision within 2-3 weeks or 5 working days with priority service.
UK Visitor Visa Fees from Iraq 2020
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Visit Visa Fees for 6 months | IQD147,560 (US$124, £95) |
| 2 Year Visit Visa Cost | IQD559,300 (US$470, £361) |
| 5 Year Visit Visa | IQD1,015,070 (US$853, £655) |
| 10 Year UK Visa Fees | IQD1,273,300 (US$1070, £822) |
| Visiting Academic – more than 6 months but no more than 12 months | IQD293,930 (US$247, £190) |
| Private Medical Treatment – more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | IQD293,930 (US$247, £190) |
| Marriage Visitor Visa | IQD147,560 (US$124, £95) |
| UK Permitted Paid Engagement Visa 30 days | IQD147,560 (US$124, £95) |
| Chinese Tour Group (ADS) | IQD147,560 (US$124, £95) |
| Short-Term Study (up to 6 months) for adult and child | IQD149,940 (US$126, £97) |
| Short Term Student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months | IQD287,980 (US$242, £186) |
| Direct Airside Transit (DATV) | IQD54,740 (US$46, £35) |
| Visitor in Transit visa | IQD98,770 (US$83, £64) |
| Visit purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of crew of that ship or aircraft (fee also applicable to the Isle of Man) | IQD98,770 (US$83, £64) |
| Parent of a Tier 4 child visa (up to 12 months) | IQD799,680 (US$672, £516) |
Spouse
Evidently, the UK visa fees from Iraq in 2020 is IQD2,358,580/- for a spouse, civil, unmarried and same-sex partner settlement applications. Moreover, the UK embassy visa fees in Iraq are same for a fiancé(e) and proposed civil partner. However, the UK priority settlement visa fees for Iraqi Citizens 2020 are IQD887,740/- for fast tracking spouse applications within 30 working days or 6 weeks instead of 12-24 weeks from Iraq. Accordingly, the UK spouse visa fees from Iraq with priority settlement service is IQD3,246,320/-.
Please note, the settlement priority visa service is for a straightforward case. Therefore, applicants with past refusals, adverse immigration history and complex circumstances may not opt for the priority service.
Spouse Visa Processing Time from Iraq
Quite clearly, the service standard of UKVI for settlement or spouse visa processing from Iraq is to decide 98.5% and 100% of applications within 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. However, the service standard for spouse settlement priority visa processing is to decide an application within 30 working days or 6 weeks. Perhaps, quite a few applicants from Iraq are opting for settlement visa priority service. Therefore, usually, more than 35-50% of the spouse and family settlement applications from Iraq decide within 30 working days or 6 weeks. Moreover, usually, most of the standard (non-priority) spouse visa applications from Iraq conclude within 12 weeks or 60 working days. And at the most within 90 working days. Nevertheless, in a very few instances, a settlement visa application from Iraq remains outstanding after 24 weeks or 120 working days!
Family Settlement
During 2018, 741 Iraqi citizens get the UK family settlement visa with the following breakup:
- Partner i.e. UK visa for Iraqi husband or wife- 636
- Child- 22
- Child (for immediate settlement)- 4
- Other- 78
- Other (for immediate settlement)- 1
Dependant Joining or Accompanying
Moreover, 14 Iraqi citizens get a visa as a dependant partner (2) and child (12) to join or accompany their family members.
| Application Type | Charges |
|---|---|
| Family visas – partner, parent, proposed civil partner or child | IQD2,358,580 (US$1,982, £1,523) |
| Settlement – other dependant relative | IQD5,033,700 (US$4,230, £3,250) |
| Adult who needs to be looked after by a relative | IQD5,033,700 (US$4,230, £3,250) |
| Settlement – refugee dependant relative | IQD600,950 (US$505, £388) |
| Former UK Armed Forces | IQD2,358,580 (US$1,982, £1,523) |
| Pre 1997 Gurkhas (outside immigration rules) | IQD2,358,580 (US$1,982, £1,523) |
| Overage dependant children of pre 1997 Gurkhas | IQD2,358,580 (US$1,982, £1,523) |
| HM Forces dependants applying under part 4,5,7 or 8 of Appendix Armed Forces | IQD2,358,580 (US$1,982, £1,523) |
| Returning residents | IQD799,680 (US$672, £516) |
| Family reunion, under Part 11 of Asylum, Immigration Rules (pre-flight dependants) | Free of Charge |
| Post flight- Non- Settled person (Family reunion for asylum seekers) | IQD2,358,580 (US$1,982, £1,523) |
| Family reunion – other dependent relatives (Family reunion for asylum seekers) | IQD600,950 (US$505, £388) |
| Family member of an EEA or Swiss national – EEA Family Permit | Free of Charge |
| Family member of an EEA or Swiss national – EUSS Family Permit | Free of Charge |
| Parent / primary carer of an EEA national child | Free of Charge |
EEA Family Permit
During 2018, 125 Iraqi nationals get EEA family permits. Moreover, most of the EEA family permit applications from Iraq usually conclude within 3 weeks. Accordingly, the average processing time for EEA family permit from Iraq is 15 working days. However, at times the UK visa processing time from Iraq for EEA family permit may take up to 12 weeks.
Appendix W
As a matter of fact, since March 2019, the Home Office has introduced new work visa categories under Appendix W. Accordingly, these new Non-PBS work routes have replaced the following PBS visas:
- Innovator visa has replaced Tier 1 Entrepreneur
- Start-up visa has replaced Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur
- Global Talent visa has replaced Tier 1 Exceptional Talent
Moreover, a CESC discount of £55 is applicable for the main applicant.
Start-up and Innovator categories, which were introduced on 29 March 2019 and the Global Talent category which was introduced on 20 February 2020
Appendix W
| Application Type | Charges |
|---|---|
| Start-up Visa | IQD561,680 (US$472, £363) |
| Innovator Visa | IQD1,581,510 (US$1,329, £1,021) |
| Global Talent – Stage 1 – endorsement application – main applicant | IQD706,860 (US$594, £456) |
| Global Talent – Stage 2 – entry clearance application – main applicant | IQD235,620 (US$198, £152) |
| Global Talent – subsequent application | IQD941,290 (US$791, £608) |
| Global Talent – dependants | IQD941,290 (US$791, £608) |
Tier 1 High Value Migrants
During 2018, 88 Iraqi citizens get the Tier 1 visa with the following breakup:
- Investor – 3
- Entrepreneur – 77
- Graduate Entrepreneurs – 1
- Exceptional Talent – 2
- Tier 1 General Dep – 5
Moreover, nearly all PBS Tier 1 visa applications from Iraq usually conclude within 3-6 weeks. However, a few applications even decide within 10 working days.
| Application Type | Charges |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 Investor – main applicant and dependants | IQD2,513,280 (US$2,112, £1,623) |
| Tier 1 Entrepreneur – main applicant and each dependants | IQD1,581,510 (US$1,329, £1,021) |
| Graduate Entrepreneur – dependants only | IQD561,680 (US$472, £363) |
| Tier 1 Exceptional Talent – dependants only | IQD941,290 (US$791, £608) |
| Tier 1 General – dependants only | IQD1,581,510 (US$1,329, £1,021) |
| Post Study Work (PSW) – dependants only | IQD935,340 (US$786, £604) |
Tier 2 Skilled Workers
During 2018, 133 Iraqi citizens get Tier 2 and Pre-PBS equivalent work visa with the following breakup:
- Tier 2 General – 45
- Intracompany transfers – long-term – 5
- Tier 2 (Deps) – 82
- Work permit holders Deps – 1
Please note, most of the Tier 2 applications from Iraq usually decide within 15 working days. However, some of the applications even conclude within 5-10 working days. Moreover, all the Tier 2 applications from Iraq usually decide within 60 working days.
What is the UK embassy work visa fees in Iraq?
Perhaps, the Tier 2 visa application cost is generally referred to as UK embassy work visa fees in Iraqi Dinar. Moreover, the Tier 2 visa application fees from Iraq is also erroneously referred to as UK work permit fees in Iraqi Dinar. Please note: PBS Tier 2 replaced the UK work permit route in 2008. Moreover, the Points-based system (PBS) Tier 2 and Tier 5 application fee is also applicable to the Isle of Man. And Council of Europe Social Charter (CESC) discount of US$70/- (£55) applies to PBS main applicants.
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Tier 2 General where a (CoS) Certificate of Sponsorship is for a period of 3 years or less | IQD944,860 (US$794, £610) |
| Tier 2 General if the CoS is for a period of 3 years or more | IQD1,889,720 (US$1,588, £1,220) |
| Shortage Occupation if CoS for Tier 2 General is for 3 years or less | IQD718,760 (US$604, £464) |
| Shortage Occupation if CoS for Tier 2 General is for 3 years or more | IQD1,437,520 (US$1,208, £928) |
| Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer (ICT) if CoS is for 3 years or less | IQD944,860 (US$794, £610) |
| Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer (ICT) if CoS is for 3 years or more | IQD1,889,720 (US$1,588, £1,220) |
| Graduate Trainee (Tier 2 ICT) | IQD746,130 (US$627, £482) |
| Tier 2 Minister of Religion | IQD944,860 (US$794, £610) |
| Tier-2 Sportsperson | IQD944,860 (US$794, £610) |
Tier 4 Students
During 2018, 401 students from Iraq get the Tier 4 student visa with the following breakup:
- PBS – Tier 4 General student (Main apps) – 292
- Tier 4 Child Student (Main apps) – 9
- PBS – Tier 4 General student (Deps) – 100
The UK visa fees Iraq 2020 for Tier 4 students intending to study in London or elsewhere in England or Britain is IQD539,070 (US$453). Moreover, the UK student visa cost from Iraq for Tier 4 dependants is also IQD539,070. However, the UK student visa cost 2020 for Tier 4 applications with priority service from Iraq are IQD879,410. Moreover, most of the Tier 4 applications from Iraq usually conclude within 10-15 days. However, a decision can be as quick as within 5-7 working days. Perhaps, a fraction of the applications takes more time, but such applications also usually conclude within 6 weeks.
Tier 5 Temporary Workers
During 2018, 28 Iraqi nationals get the Tier 5 temporary worker visa with the following breakup:
- Creative and Sporting – 5
- Government Authorised Exchange – 8
- Tier 5 Dependants – 15
The UK visa cost from Iraq in 2020 for Tier 5 main applicant and dependants is IQD368,900 for Charity Worker, Creative and sporting, Government Authorised Exchange, Religious Worker, Youth Mobility Scheme and International Agreement. Moreover, usually, most of the Tier 5 applications from Iraq conclude within 10-15 working days. However, more than 25% of the Tier 5 applications even conclude within 10 working days. Moreover, only a small fraction of the Tier 5 applications from Iraq take more than 3-6 weeks.
Other Non-PBS Work Visas
The details of UK Non-PBS work visa cost in Iraq, except for applications under Appendix W, are as under:
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Representatives of overseas businesses | IQD799,680 (US$672, £516) |
| An employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation | IQD799,680 (US$672, £516) |
| UK Ancestry Visa | IQD799,680 (US$672, £516) |
| Turkish businessperson and dependants | Free of Charge |
| Overseas domestic worker in a private household | IQD799,680 (US$672, £516) |
| Offshore worker | IQD799,680 (US$672, £516) |
| Fisherman operating inside UK waters | IQD799,680 (US$672, £516) |
| Sheep Shearer | IQD799,680 (US$672, £516) |
Priority Service
Evidently, the cost of priority non-settlement and settlement (spouse) visa service in Iraq is IQD340,340 ($286) and IQD887,740 ($746), respectively. Moreover, the price of 24-hour same-day super-priority service in Iraq is IQD1,480,360 ($1,215). However, the super-priority service is yet to initiate in Iraq. If an application is straightforward and the applicant can afford then it is advisable to opt for the priority service from Iraq. Indeed, the priority service does not affect or influence the outcome of the decision.
How popular is UK priority visa service in Iraq?
Apparently, more than 30% of the business and long term visitor visa applications from Iraq decide within 1 week or 5 working days. Therefore, a large number of Iraqi businesspersons usually opt for UK visitor visa priority service.
Does the priority service guarantee anything?
No, certainly the priority service does not guarantee a favourable result. Moreover, payment for priority service does not even guarantee a quick decision. However, the UKVI usually expedite the processing of priority applications. Moreover, also inform an applicant via email, if the priority visa does process within 5 working days!
| Premium Services | Fees |
|---|---|
| Priority service for settlement applications | IQD887,740 (US$746, £573) |
| Priority service for non-settlement | IQD340,340 (US$286, £220) |
| Super Priority Service | IQD1,480,360 (US$1,244, £956) |
| International contact centre – via telephone (per minute) | IQD2,380 (US$2, £1.37) |
| International contact centre – via email (per query) | IQD8,330 (US$7, £5.48) |
| Registered Traveller Service – Adult | IQD77,350 (US$65, £50) |
| Registered Traveller Service – Child | IQD36,890 (US$31, £24) |
| Registration of new documents | IQD30,940 (US$26, £20) |
Charges for Other Visas and Services
The charges for other visas and services for Iraqi Citizens are as under:
| Other Services | Fees |
|---|---|
| HM Forces personnel or Member of foreign armed force – exempt from immigration control (non-settlement) | Free of charge |
| Dependants of exempt international forces applying under Part 10 of Appendix Armed Forces (non-settlement) | IQD799,680 (US$672, £516) |
| FCO Strategic performance fund and bilateral projects | Free of charge |
| Receiving/handling/ forwarding applications on behalf of Commonwealth Countries/Overseas Territories | IQD218,960 (US$184, £141) |
| Vignette Transfer (transfer of a valid visa vignette to a new passport) | IQD238,000 (US$200, £154) |
| Single-entry visa application for replacing a lost Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | IQD238,000 (US$200, £154) |
| User Pays Visa Application Centre (VAC) | IQD85,680 (US$72, £55) |
| Certificate of entitlement (Right of Abode) | IQD600,950 (US$505, £388) |
| Call out/ out of hours fee (per hour/part hour) | IQD220,150 (US$185, £142) |
Exemptions
Certainly, there is no application fee for
- Diplomatic Posting
- Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependant)
- Members of International Organisations on Official Visits
- Official Transit
- Official Visit
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How to apply for the UK visit visa from Iraq?
An applicant can apply online for any type of UK visitor visa. Perhaps, an applicant can read the questions in different languages. However, can answer only in English. Moreover, after selecting a language for reading the questions, one needs to select Iraq as the country if an applicant is applying from inside Iraq. Perhaps, if an Iraqi passport holder is applying from some other country such as Nigeria then needs to provide the details of the residence.
How to submit UK visa application in Iraq?
An applicant needs to attend an appointment at the following application centres in Iraq:
- UK Visa Application Centre IZ, Al-Rasheed Hotel, Dijla Hall, Baghdad, Iraq
- Basra International Hotel, Shatt al-Arab bank in Al Ashar District, Ground Floor, Basra, Iraq
- Cristal Hotel, 100 Meter Street, Badawa, Ground floor, Erbil, Iraq
Enquiry Form
For Case Discussion and Representation
*What happens next?
Multilingual qualified London based immigration specialists will get back to you. Perhaps, usually within 2-3 working days. If you have not attached any documents, then the UK based Law firm may ask for the relevant Case-Specific Document(s) such as Refusal Letters, Deportation Orders, Application Forms etc. Moreover, after reviewing the papers and information, the legal advisor may advise a course of action and also quote the fees for processing the application.
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