UK Visa Processing Time After Biometrics 2023
In 2023, the non-settlement visa processing time UK after biometrics is usually 3 weeks for visitors, tourists, students, and work applications. UK settlement visa processing time after biometrics in 2023 is 12-24 weeks for spouse and dependants joining family. In January 2023, UKVI has temporarily suspended the priority and super priority visa services for new family visa applications. However, there are no reported delays in the UK priority and super priority visa processing time in 2023.
UK Visa Processing Time after Biometrics 2023
The service standards for non-settlement (visitor, tourist, student, work) visa processing time after biometrics is to decide 90%, 98% and 100% applications within 3, 6 and 12 weeks, respectively.
The service standard for UK spouse and family settlement visa processing time after biometrics is to decide 98.5% and 100% applications within 12 and 24 weeks, respectively.
Priority
UK priority non settlement (visitor, tourist, student, work) visa processing time after biometrics is 5 working days. The additional cost of priority non settlement service is £220.
UK priority settlement (spouse, partner, family joining) visa processing time after biometrics is 6-weeks. The additional cost of priority settlement service is £573.
Super Priority
The super priority visa processing time after biometrics is by next working day.
Additional cost of super priority service is £956.
| 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 |
Enquiry Form
*What happens next?
Multilingual qualified London based immigration specialists will get back to you, 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 quote the fees for processing the application.
Have a wonderful day!
How long does it take to get a response after biometrics UK?
Usually, applicants get response within 10-15 working days (2-3 weeks) after biometrics.
If UKVI is not able to decide the application within the stipulated service standards, then may intimate the applicant within 3-6 weeks after biometrics.
UK priority non settlement visa response time after biometrics is usually 5 working days.
UK priority settlement visa response time after biometrics is usually 4-6 weeks.
For super priority visa, UKVI’s response time is by next working day.
When UK Visa Waiting Time Starts?
If applicants have visited TLS or VFS Global application centre to prove their identity, then UK visa processing time after biometrics starts from the appointment day, when they provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph).
If applicants have used the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove their identity, then UK visa processing time after biometrics starts from the working day after they have finished uploading their documents.
What is the meaning of biometrics?
At the time of application submission, applicants need to go through biometrics, which is electronic scanning of fingers and thumbs. Biometrics for UK visa usually takes 2-3 minutes. Apart from biometrics, the staff of the application centre also takes an electronic photo of the applicant for record and for affixing on the visa vignette.
When UK Visa Waiting Time Ends?
The UK visa processing time after biometrics ends when applicants receive an email from UKVI containing the decision on their application.
How long does it take for visa to be approved?
Depending on the type of application, service, and complexity of the case, UKVI may approve the visa by next working day. However, at times, applicants may need to wait for more than 24 weeks before the final decision.
- In most of the instances, super priority visa approval is by next working day.
- UK priority (non-settlement) visa approval time is usually 3-7 working days.
- Most of the UK non-settlement (visit, tourist, student, work) visa applications are approved within 10-15 working days. However, some non-settlement applications may take up to 30-60 working days before the final decision.
- Priority spouse settlement visa approval time is usually 4-6 weeks.
- The approval time for spouse and family settlement visa applications is usually 10-15 weeks. However, some settlement applications may take up to 18-24 weeks before the final decision.
- There are no time limits for deciding non-straightforward (complex) visa applications.
If there are doubts about the purpose, intentions, credibility, or frequency of visits then Immigration Office may opt for verification checks. Accordingly, UK visa processing time after biometrics may escalate beyond 12-24 weeks.
Please note, there is no correlation between the UK visa waiting time and final (approval or refusal) decision.
You might wait longer for a decision if your application is not straightforward, and more information is required before a decision is made
Can applicants get decision within 2-3 working days?
It is possible to get a decision within 5 working days if applicants have opted for priority service. However, there is only a remote possibility of getting a decision within 2–3 working days with priority service. However, if super-priority service is available then applicants may get a decision by the next working day (24 hours!).
What are the UK visa processing timelines after interview?
The UK visa processing time after interview is usually 3-5 working days.
For instance, if the interview is on Monday, then applicants may receive the decision by Thursday or Friday.
In most of the instances, there are no interviews for the tourist or other types of non-settlement visa applications.
For a second opinion, the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) may schedule an interview.
Please note interview usually takes places over the video link at the UK visa application centre (UKVAC).
How to track UK visa application?
A few years ago, applicants were able to track UK visa applications online. However, at present, it is not possible to track applications.
If applicants want to know the application status, then can contact UKVI by phone or email:
Telephone: +44 (0) 300 790 6268. If you cannot contact UK 0300 numbers, then use +44 (0) 203 875 4669.
Monday to Friday, 24 hours
Calls cost 69 pence per minute on top of your standard network charges. Email’s enquiries cost £2.74. You will not be charged for any follow-up emails about the same enquiry.
When Applicants Receive UKVI Decision Email?
Once the application is concluded then UKVI sends the Decision Email.
The UKVI’s decision email usually states that visa application has been processed and the UKVAC (TLS Contact or VFS Global) will inform when passport is ready from collection.
After receiving the intimation (telephonic call, text message or email) from UKVAC applicants should go to the application centre for passport collection.
In the presence of the applicant, the dealing staff member of UKVAC will open the sealed envelope containing the passport.
Applicants may flip through their passport to see the affixed UK visa vignette. The visa vignette provides the details of the validity and duration of the approval.
In case of UK visa denial, the envelope contains the refusal letter with rejection stamp on the passport.
How to know if the UK visa is approved?
Applicants only know about the UK visa approval after collecting the passport from the application centre.
UKVI’s Service Standards
The UKVI’s service standards for UK visa processing time after biometrics in 2023 depends on the type of application, service, and complexity of the case.
Application Type
UKVI’s service standard for UK non-settlement (visitor, tourist, work, student) visa processing time after biometrics is 3 weeks.
The service standard for UK settlement (spouse, partner, join family) visa processing time after biometrics is 12 weeks.
Service
To accelerate (fast track) visa processing, UKVI offers priority and super priority service.
The UK priority and super priority service fast track visa processing time by putting applications at the front of the queue.
If the priority or super priority visa application is not straightforward, then it may take longer. However, UKVI will still put the priority or super priority application at the front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process.
The service standard for super-priority visa processing time after biometrics is by next working day.
UKVI’s service standard for priority non-settlement (visitor, tourist, work, student) visa processing time after biometrics is 5-working days.
UKVI’s service standard for priority settlement (spouse, partner, join family) visa processing time after biometrics is 6 weeks.
Complexity
UKVI usually process straightforward visa applications within respective service standards. However, there is no service standard for non-straightforward applications.
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. The further information may include but not limited to:
- Verification of supporting documents
- Interview for assessing the eligibility of the applicant
- Personal circumstances of the applicant such as criminal conviction, past immigration history etc
If an application takes longer than expected, then UKVI may inform the applicant.
It is advisable to keep correspondence to a minimum during the consideration process.
How to Expedite Visa Processing Time UK?
To enable UKVI to process application within the respective service standards, applicants should:
- make application before their current visa expires
- complete application accurately
- include any required photographs
- provide evidence of maintenance funds if required on the application form and guidance
- enrol biometric information and respond to any requests for further information by the dates as advised by UKVI
- attend appointment at UK Visa Application Centre (UKVAC) and submit the required supporting documents with application
- if application is made on a paper form, then applicants should make sure that:
- application is signed and dated and made on the correct form, submitting the required documents
- they have included the payment and any cheque is signed and dated for the full fee
Is the service standard different for different countries?
UKVI’s service standard is same all countries and territories. However, visa processing time UK may vary on case-to-case basis due to the nature of the application and the administrative workload of UKVI.
Delays in UKVI Service Standards
In 2023, there are no reported delays in UKVI’s Service Standards. However, UKVI has temporarily suspended priority and super priority visa services for new family visa applications. Moreover, UKVI has reduced the availability of priority visa service for visitor visa applications.
Impact of Ukraine Scheme on UKVI Service Standards
In 2023, there are no reported delays in visa processing time UK due to Ukraine Scheme.
In March 2022 UKVI started prioritising Ukraine Visa Scheme applications. Accordingly, UK visa processing time after biometrics in 2022 increased as:
- UKVI suspended the priority and super priority visa services for new study, work, and family visa applications
- Standard visitor and transit visa applications were taking 6 weeks to process
- Study and work visa applications were taking longer to process than the normal service standard of 3 weeks
- Family visa applications were taking 24 weeks to process
However, there was no impact of Ukraine Scheme on UK Visa Processing Time after Biometrics in 2022 for following types of applications:
- Returning residents (3 weeks)
- Replacing biometric residence permits (3 weeks)
- Replacing residence cards (3 weeks)
- Transfer visa from passport (3 weeks)
- Certificate of entitlement (3 weeks)
- Commonwealth citizens (3 weeks)
- Hong Kong British National visa (12 weeks)
- Family reunion (12 weeks)
Impact of Covid-19 on UKVI Service Standards
In 2023, there are no reported delays in visa processing time UK due to Covid-19.
In 2020, 2021, and early part of 2022, due to the global impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19), disruptions to local travel and courier routes increased visa processing time UK in some regions and countries.
UK Spouse Settlement Visa Processing Time after Biometrics
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 13,093 applicants applied for settlement (spouse, partner, join family) visa applications.
UKVI assessed 4,588 settlement visa applications as non-straightforward.
UK settlement (spouse, fiancé, partner, join family) visa processing time after biometrics for 97.00% straightforward applications was within 12 weeks.
Priority Spouse Visa Processing Time UK
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 2,336 applicants used the priority settlement visa service to expedite processing time.
UKVI assessed 184 priority settlement applications as non-straightforward.
Priority settlement (spouse, fiancé, partner, join family) visa processing time UK for 92.90% straightforward applications was within 6 weeks.
Super Priority Spouse Visa Processing Time UK
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 360 applicants used the super priority settlement visa service.
UKVI assessed 276 super priority settlement applications as non-straightforward.
Super priority settlement (spouse, fiancé, partner, join family) visa processing time UK for 2.40% straightforward applications was by next working day.
UK Non Settlement Visa Processing Time
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 345,843 applicants applied for following types of non-settlement visa applications:
- Visitor 149,254
- Student (Tier 4) 137,709
- Skilled Worker (Tier 2) 31,646
- Temporary Worker (Tier 5) 14,004
- Other Non-Settlement 11,944
- Tier 1 Other 1,204
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur 82
UKVI assessed 43,834 non-settlement applications as non-straightforward.
UK non-settlement (visit, tourist, work, student) visa processing time after biometrics for 76.85% straightforward applications was within 3 weeks.
Priority Non-Settlement Visa Processing Time
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 152,902 applicants used the priority service to accelerate processing time of following types of non-settlement applications:
- Student (Tier 4) 112,412
- Visitor 22,192
- Skilled Worker (Tier 2) 11,844
- Other Non-Settlement 3,964
- Temporary Worker (Tier 5) 1,966
- Tier 1 Other 504
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur 20
UKVI assessed 9,357 priority non-settlement visa applications as non-straightforward.
Priority non-settlement visa processing time UK for 96.56% applications was within 5 working day.
Super Priority Non-Settlement Visa Processing Time
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 10,101 applicants used the super priority service to expedite following types of non-settlement applications:
- Student (Tier 4) 7,905
- Visitor 1,031
- Skilled Worker (Tier 2) 778
- Other Non-Settlement 202
- Temporary Worker (Tier 5) 184
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur 1
UKVI assessed 454 super priority non-settlement visa applications as non-straightforward.
Super priority non-settlement visa processing time for 98.53% applications was by next working day.
UK Visitor Visa Processing Time after Biometrics
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 149,254 applicants applied for standard (normal or non-priority) visitor or tourist visa.
UKVI assessed 33,641 applications as non-straightforward.
UK visitor visa processing time after biometrics for 65.20% straightforward applications was within 3 weeks.
UK Priority Visit Visa Processing Time
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 22,192 applicants applied for priority visitor or tourist visa.
UKVI assessed 1,465 priority visitor visa applications as non-straightforward.
UK priority visitor visa processing time after biometrics for 95.80% straightforward applications was within 5 working days.
UK Super-Priority Visit Visa Processing Time
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 1,031 applicants applied for super priority visitor or tourist visa.
UKVI assessed 114 super priority visitor visa applications as non-straightforward.
UK super priority visitor visa processing time after biometrics for 98.80% straightforward applications was by next working day.
UK Student Visa Processing Time after Biometrics
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 137,709 applicants applied for standard (normal or non-priority) student visa UK.
UKVI assessed 5,009 applications as non-straightforward.
UK student visa processing time after biometrics for 79.23% straightforward applications was within 3 weeks.
UK Priority Student Visa Processing Time
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 112,412 applicants applied for priority student visa UK.
UKVI assessed 5,314 visa applications as non-straightforward.
UK priority student visa processing time after biometrics for 96.59% straightforward applications was within 5-working days.
UK Super Priority Student Visa Processing Time
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 7,905 applicants applied for super priority student visa UK.
UKVI assessed 235 applications as non-straightforward.
UK super priority student visa processing time after biometrics for 98.74% straightforward applications was by next working day.
Skilled Worker (Tier 2) Visa UK Processing Time
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 31,646 applicants applied for standard (normal or non-priority) skilled worker visa UK.
UKVI assessed 1,787 applications as non-straightforward.
UK skilled worker visa processing time after biometrics for 99.28% straightforward applications was within 3 weeks.
Priority Skilled Worker (Tier 2) Visa Processing Time UK
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 11,844 applicants applied for priority skilled worker visa UK.
UKVI assessed 1,470 applications as non-straightforward.
UK priority skilled worker visa processing time after biometrics for 98.53% straightforward applications was within 5-working days.
Super Priority Skilled Worker Visa Processing Time UK
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 778 applicants applied for super priority skilled worker visa UK.
UKVI assessed 67 applications as non-straightforward.
UK super priority skilled worker visa processing time after biometrics for 99.30% straightforward applications was by next working day.
T5 Temporary Worker
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 14,004 applicants applied for standard (normal or non-priority) T 5 temporary worker visa.
UKVI assessed 873 applications as non-straightforward.
T5 Temporary Worker visa processing time after biometrics for 99.50% straightforward applications was within 3 weeks.
Priority
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 1,966 applicants applied for priority T 5 temporary worker visa UK.
UKVI assessed 368 applications as non-straightforward.
Priority T5 Temporary Worker visa processing time after biometrics for 97.90% straightforward applications was within 5 working days.
Super Priority
In 2021Q3 (July-Sept) 184 applicants applied for super priority T 5 temporary worker visa UK.
UKVI assessed 21 applications as non-straightforward.
Super Priority T5 Temporary Worker visa processing time after biometrics for 100.00% straightforward applications was by next working day.
