A Guide to UK Visa from Iraq for Iraqi Citizens 2020

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.

UK Visa Processing Time from Iraq

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 in UK Visa Processing Time in Iraq

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.

UK Visa Processing Time during Coronavirus (Covid-19)

In fact, due to the ongoing global impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19), disruptions to local travel and courier routes have increased UK visa processing time in some regions and countries. These delays mean that it may take longer than usual for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to assess entry clearance applications. Accordingly, the UK non-settlement visa (such as visit, tourist, work, student) processing time after biometrics during coronvirus (Covid-19) pandemic may take more than 15 working days (3 weeks). Moreover, the settlement visa (spouse or family under Appendix FM) processing time after biometrics for applications from outside the UK may take more than 60 working days (12 weeks).

UK Visa Statistics and Success Rate from Iraq

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%.

UK Visa Types for Iraqi Citizens

During 2018, 6,248 Iraqi Citizens get the UK visa in the following categories: 

1. Visitor Visa: 4,092
2. Transit: 10
3. Short-Term Study: 124
4. Family Settlement: 741
5. Dependant joining or accompanying: 14
6. EEA Family Permit: 125
7. PBS Tier 1: 88
8. PBS Tier 2: 133
9. Tier 4 Student: 401
10. PBS Tier 5: 28
11. Non-PBS Domestic Worker: 12
12. Non-PBS Other permit-free employment (Main apps): 3
13. Certificate of entitlement to right of abode (Main apps): 1
14. Other Settlement (indefinite leave): 40
15. Other temporary visas: 436

UK Visitor Visa from Iraq

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

UK Spouse Visa from Iraq

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.

UK 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!

UK Family Settlement Visa from Iraq

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.

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.

UK Work Visa from Iraq

In March 2019, the Home Office has introduced new work visa categories. The Start-up and Innovator categories introduced on 29 March 2019 and the Global Talent visa was introduced on 20 February 2020. Accordingly, these new work routes have replaced the following PBS visas:

1. Innovator visa has replaced Tier 1 Entrepreneur
2. Start-up visa has replaced Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur
3. Global Talent visa has replaced Tier 1 Exceptional Talent

Moreover, a CESC discount of £55 is applicable for the main applicant.

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.

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.

UK Tier 4 Student Visa in Iraq

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 are as under:

UK Priority Visa Service in Iraq

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!

Charges for Other Visas and Services

The charges for other visas and services for Iraqi Citizens are as under:

Exemptions

Certainly, there is no application fee for

1. Diplomatic Posting
2. Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependant)
3. Members of International Organisations on Official Visits
4. Official Transit
5. Official Visit

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:

1. UK Visa Application Centre IZ, Al-Rasheed Hotel, Dijla Hall, Baghdad, Iraq
2. Basra International Hotel, Shatt al-Arab bank in Al Ashar District, Ground Floor, Basra, Iraq
3. Cristal Hotel, 100 Meter Street, Badawa, Ground floor, Erbil, Iraq

Further Information

For further details, please refer to:

• Home Office Immigration and Nationality Charges
• A Complete Guide to UK Visa and Immigration Statistics
• UK Visa Extension Processing Time