In 2023, the UK visa processing time after biometrics for non-settlement applications, including visitors, tourists, students, and workers, typically takes around 3 weeks. For settlement visa applications, such as spouses and dependants joining family members, processing times range from 12 to 24 weeks. In 2023, there has been a reduction in the availability of the priority visa service for visitor visa applications. Despite this change, there are no reported delays for UK priority and super priority visa processing times in 2023.
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1. UK Visa Processing Time after Biometrics 2023
UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) has established service standards for processing times for various visa categories. These service standards serve as guidelines for applicants to understand how long they can expect their application to be processed. However, it’s important to note that individual processing times may vary due to factors such as the complexity of the application, the time of year, and the volume of applications received.
Here is an overview of the UK visa processing time service standards for some of the most common visa categories in 2023:
Non-Settlement Visa Processing Time UK 2023
The service standards for non-settlement (visitor, tourist, student, work) visa processing time after biometrics is to decide 90%, 98%, and 100% of applications within 3, 6, and 12 weeks, respectively. Therefore, for non-settlement visas, the standard processing time is usually 3 weeks. This includes visas for visiting the UK for a holiday, seeing family or friends, business trips, meetings, marriage, and short-term study. Transit visas for traveling through the UK also have a standard processing time of 3 weeks.
UK Student Visa Processing Time after Biometrics 2023
Student visas, Child Student visas, and short-term study in the UK all have a standard processing time of 3 weeks.
UK Work Visa Processing Time after Biometrics 2023
Skilled Worker visas, Health and Care Worker visas, Temporary Worker visas, and other worker visas also have a processing time of 3 weeks. The Turkish Businessperson visa has a processing time of 12 weeks.
UK Visa Processing Time 2023 for Commonwealth Citizens
Commonwealth Citizens applying for an Ancestry visa, returning residents, replacing biometric residence permits, replacing residence cards, transferring visas from passports, and applying for a Certificate of Entitlement to prove the right of abode in the UK all have a standard processing time of 3 weeks.
Non-Settlement Visas Priority Processing Time after Biometrics 2023
For non-settlement visas, priority processing is available, which aims to process applications within 5 working days. The additional cost of priority non-settlement service is £220. Super priority processing, which aims to process applications by the end of the next working day, is also available. The additional cost of super priority service is £956.
UK Settlement Visa Processing Time 2023
The service standard for UK spouse and family settlement visa processing time after biometrics is to decide 98.5% and 100% of applications within 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. Therefore, for settlement visas, the standard processing time is usually 12-24 weeks. This includes visas for joining family in the UK as the spouse, partner, or family member of someone who has British citizenship or is settled in the UK, and for those applying as the dependent of another applicant.
Family Reunion
Applications for a family reunion with a refugee or person with humanitarian protection have a processing time of 12 weeks. EU Settlement Scheme family permits aim to provide a decision as soon as possible after proving identity and providing documents.
Settlement Visas Priority Processing Time UK 2023
For settlement visas, priority processing is available, which aims to process applications within 6 weeks. The additional cost of priority settlement service is £573. Super priority processing, which aims to process applications by the end of the next working day, is available only at a few application centres.
Other Visas and Services
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visas have a processing time of 12 weeks.
It’s essential to remember that individual circumstances may affect the actual processing time for your application. It’s always a good idea to apply well in advance of your intended travel date and consider any factors that may impact processing times.
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2. UK Visa Processing Time 2023: Quick Reference Table
| Visa Type | Timelines |
|---|---|
| Non Settlement Visa Processing Time UK 2023 | |
| Standard | 3 Weeks |
| Priority | 5 Working Day |
| Super Priority | End of Next Working Day |
| Visit the UK | |
| for a holiday or to see family or friends | 3 Weeks |
| for a business trip or meeting | 3 Weeks |
| to get married | 3 Weeks |
| to study for 6 months or less | 3 Weeks |
| Transit – Travelling through the UK | |
| if applying for a visa to travel through the UK on way to another country | 3 Weeks |
| Study in the UK | |
| Student visa | 3 Weeks |
| Child Student visa | 3 Weeks |
| Short-term study in the UK | 3 Weeks |
| Work or invest in the UK | |
| Skilled Worker | 3 Weeks |
| Health and Care Worker | 3 Weeks |
| Temporary Worker | 3 Weeks |
| Turkish Businessperson | 12 Weeks |
| Other worker visas | 3 Weeks |
| UK Settlement Visa Processing Time 2023 | |
| Standard | 12-24 Weeks |
| Priority | 6 Weeks |
| Super Priority | End of Next Working Day |
| Join family in the UK | |
| if applying to settle in the UK as the spouse, partner, or family member of someone who has British citizenship or is settled in the UK | 12-24 Weeks |
| If applying as the dependent of another applicant | 12-24 Weeks |
| EU Settlement Scheme family permit – will get a decision as soon as possible after proving identity and providing documents | ASAP |
| Family reunion with a refugee or person with humanitarian protection | 12 Weeks |
| Other Visas and Services | |
| Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa | 12 Weeks |
| Commonwealth Citizens – Ancestry Visa | 3 Weeks |
| Returning residents | 3 Weeks |
| Replacing biometric residence permits | 3 Weeks |
| Replacing residence cards – if holders of settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are applying for an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit to travel to the UK to replace a lost or stolen residence card | 3 Weeks |
| Transfer your visa from your passport | 3 Weeks |
| Certificate of entitlement to prove you have right of abode in the UK | 3 Weeks |
3. Understanding UKVI’s Service Standards for Visa Processing
Understanding the UKVI’s service standards for UK visa processing time after biometrics in 2023 is essential for applicants to plan their travel and application process. These service standards depend on the type of application, service, and complexity of the case.
- Application Type and Service Standards: UKVI’s service standard for UK non-settlement (visitor, tourist, work, student) visa processing time after biometrics is 3 weeks. For UK settlement (spouse, partner, join family) visa processing time after biometrics, the service standard is 12 weeks.
- Priority and Super Priority Services: UKVI offers priority and super priority services to expedite visa processing. These services fast-track visa processing by putting applications at the front of the queue.
- Super Priority Service: The service standard for super-priority UK visa processing time after biometrics 2023 is by the next working day.
- Priority Service: For priority non-settlement UK visa processing time after biometrics in 2023, the standard is 5 working days, while for priority settlement visa processing time after biometrics, the standard is 6 weeks.
- Complexity and Non-Straightforward Applications: UKVI usually processes straightforward visa applications within the respective service standards. However, there is no service standard for non-straightforward applications. Applicants outside the UK may need to wait longer for a decision if their visa application is not straightforward. In such instances, UKVI may require more information before deciding, which may include verification of supporting documents, interviews for assessing eligibility, or personal circumstances of the applicant.
How to Expedite UK Visa Processing Time?
To enable UKVI to process applications within the respective service standards, applicants should follow guidelines such as completing the application accurately, submitting required documents and photographs, enrolling biometric information, attending appointments at the UK Visa Application Centre, and responding to requests for further information.
Service Standard Variations by Country
UKVI’s service standard is the same for all countries and territories. However, visa processing time UK may vary on a case-by-case basis due to the nature of the application and the administrative workload of UKVI.
Delays in UKVI Service Standards: Impact of Ukraine Scheme and Covid-19
In 2023, there are no reported delays in UKVI’s Service Standards. However, the Ukraine Scheme in 2022 and the global impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19) in 2020, 2021, and early 2022 affected UK visa processing times in certain regions and countries.
Despite the challenges of the Ukraine Scheme and Covid-19, UKVI has maintained its service standards for various types of applications, such as returning residents, replacing biometric residence permits, replacing residence cards, transferring visas from passports, certificates of entitlement, Commonwealth citizens, Hong Kong British National visas, and family reunion applications.
4. Key Insights from 2021Q3 UK Visa Processing Times Data
Although the data is from 2021Q3, it can still provide valuable insights into the UK visa processing time after biometrics of different categories. Here’s a concise summary of the data:
- Settlement visas: 97.00% of straightforward applications processed within 12 weeks; priority service at 6 weeks for 92.90% applications.
- Non-settlement visas: 76.85% of straightforward applications processed within 3 weeks; priority service at 5 working days for 96.56% applications.
- Visitor visas: 65.20% of straightforward applications processed within 3 weeks; priority service at 5 working days for 95.80% applications.
- Student visas: 79.23% of straightforward applications processed within 3 weeks; priority service at 5 working days for 96.59% applications.
- Skilled worker visas: 99.28% of straightforward applications processed within 3 weeks; priority service at 5 working days for 98.53% applications.
- Temporary worker visas: 99.50% of straightforward applications processed within 3 weeks; priority service at 5 working days for 97.90% applications.
Optimizing Your UK Visa Application Process
Based on the insights from the 2021Q3 UK visa processing times data and the general trends observed, applicants can make informed decisions about which service level to choose. Here are some recommendations:
- Assess your application’s complexity: Consider whether your case is likely to be straightforward or complex, which may impact the processing time.
- Plan ahead: Apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for potential processing delays.
- Consider priority services: If time is of the essence, consider using the priority or super priority services to expedite your application.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on the UKVI website for updates on processing times and any changes to visa requirements.
5. Tips for a Successful UK Visa Application
To increase your chances of a successful UK visa application, consider following these essential tips:
- Understand the visa requirements: Research the specific requirements for your visa category and ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
- Complete the application form accurately: Fill out the application form carefully and truthfully. Double-check all the information for accuracy, as any errors or inconsistencies may result in delays or refusals.
- Prepare the necessary documents: Compile all required supporting documents, including financial statements, travel history, and any other relevant paperwork. Ensure that all documents are translated into English, if necessary, and provide certified translations.
- Organize your documents: Arrange your documents in a logical order, making it easy for the visa officer to review your application. Providing a well-organized application can help streamline the processing time.
- Write a cover letter: A well-written cover letter can help clarify your purpose of visit, the duration of your stay, and your ties to your home country. This can provide the visa officer with a better understanding of your intentions and circumstances.
- Apply well in advance: Submit your application well before your planned travel date to account for any potential processing delays or unforeseen circumstances.
- Consider using priority services: If available and necessary, consider using priority or super priority services to expedite your application’s processing time.
- Stay up-to-date with visa regulations: Visa rules and requirements may change over time. Regularly check for updates on the UKVI website or consult a trusted immigration advisor to stay informed.
- Be honest and consistent: Always provide truthful and consistent information in your application and any interviews. Any discrepancies may raise suspicion and result in visa denial.
- Follow up on your application: If you haven’t received a decision within the expected processing time, contact UKVI to inquire about the status of your application. However, avoid excessive follow-ups, as this may annoy the visa officer.
By following these tips, you can maximize your chances of a successful UK visa application and minimize the risk of delays or refusals.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
UK Visa Processing Time after Biometrics: Key Points
How long does it take to get a response after biometrics UK?
Typically, applicants receive a response within 10-15 working days (2-3 weeks) after biometrics. However, the actual response time depends on the type of application, service, and complexity of the case. Priority and super-priority services are available for faster processing times.
When does UK visa waiting time start and end?
UK visa processing time after biometrics starts from the appointment day when applicants provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) at a TLS or VFS Global application centre. If applicants have used the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove their identity, the processing time starts from the working day after they have finished uploading their documents. Processing time ends when applicants receive an email from UKVI containing the decision on their application.
What is the meaning of biometrics?
Biometrics refers to the electronic scanning of fingers and thumbs, which takes about 2-3 minutes, as well as the electronic photo taken of the applicant during the visa application process.
How long does it take for a visa to be approved?
UK visa processing time may vary depending on the type of application, service, and complexity of the case. While super priority visas may be approved by the next working day, some applications may take up to 24 weeks or longer for a final decision.
Can applicants get a decision within 2-3 working days?
Applicants who opt for the priority service may receive a decision within 5 working days. Super-priority service, where available, allows for a decision by the next working day.
What are the UK visa processing timelines after an interview?
UK visa processing time after an interview is typically 3-5 working days.
How to track a UK visa application?
Applicants can contact UKVI by phone or email to inquire about the status of their application:
Telephone: +44 (0) 300 790 6268 or +44 (0) 203 875 4669 (if you cannot contact UK 0300 numbers)
Monday to Friday, 24 hours
Calls cost 69 pence per minute, plus standard network charges. Email inquiries cost £2.74, but follow-up emails about the same inquiry are free.
When do applicants receive the UKVI decision email?
UKVI sends the decision email once the application is processed. Applicants can then collect their passports from the application centre and check for the UK visa vignette, which indicates visa approval.
How to know if the UK visa is approved?
Applicants can confirm their UK visa approval after collecting their passports from the application centre and seeing the affixed UK visa vignette.
For further information about UK visa processing time after biometrics and other issues please refer UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).