This guidance relates to UK settlement visa processing time 2019 after biometrics (aka spouse visa timelines). Perhaps, many applicants also intend to fast track their UK family and spouse settlement visa application by using the priority service. Therefore, the post also highlights when and how to fast-track UK spouse and family settlement visa processing time by using the priority service. Moreover, the post also covers the priority, the super-priority processing time for leave to remain and ILR applications from inside the UK. Accordingly, the post covers the following topics:
- UK settlement visa timelines 2019 after biometrics: FAQs
- The service standard for UK settlement visa timelines 2019
- UK spouse settlement visa processing time by country 2019
Moreover, for case processing and representation contact specialist UK immigration solicitors for appeals, administrative review, judicial review and reapplications.
1) UK settlement visa timelines 2019 after biometrics: FAQs
The details from different UKVACs indicates that it is quite possible to receive a decision within 3, 5, 10, 15 or 30 working days. However, mostly 75-77% of the applications are decided within 12 weeks or 60 working days. And 10-15% settlement applications remain outstanding even after 120 working days or 24 weeks.
Perhaps, there is a 99% chance that a straightforward UK spouse visa application decides within 60 working days or 12 weeks.
Approximately, 75% of the total UK spouse and family settlement applications are decided within 60 working days or 12 weeks!
In fact, if an application is categorized as non-straightforward then it usually takes more than 60-90 days for processing. Perhaps, at times even more than 120 days. Apparently, UKVI does not maintain any service standard for non-straightforward applications.
An applicant usually receives an email, approx 6-8 weeks from the date of the receipt of documents by Sheffield UKVI, informing that the application is not straightforward and will take more time.
If an application is not straightforward due to past refusals, removals, deportation, detentions, criminal records etc. then it is advisable not to opt for the priority service.
2) The service standard for UK settlement visa timelines 2019
In fact, the UK spouse settlement visa timelines may vary from time to time. Perhaps, depending on the nature of the application and the administrative workload/consideration of the UKVI. However, the UKVI has a couple of service standards for UK settlement visa processing time for entry clearance applications. The first is to process 95% of the applications within 12 weeks i.e. 60 working days or approx 3 months. And the second service standard is to process 100% of the applications within 24 weeks i.e. 120 working days or approx 5-6 months.
The service standard for UK spouse priority visa processing time
Moreover, the UK spouse visa priority processing time service standard is 6 weeks or 30 working days. Please note the UK settlement visa processing time service standard is only maintainable in case of a straightforward application. Therefore, if an application is categorized as non-straightforward then it is bound to experience a delay in processing beyond 60 or even 120 working days service standard.
UK settlement visa processing time statistics 2019
In fact, during Jan-March 2019 Q1, the UKVI received a total of 12,493 straightforward UK family settlement visa entry clearance applications. And 3,561 non-straightforward applications. Accordingly, the share of straightforward applications in the total settlement applications (16,054) is 77.82%. Apparently, 99.2% (i.e. 12,394 out of the total 12,493) straightforward UK settlement visa applications processed within 60 working days or 12 weeks during Jan-March 2019 Q1. Therefore, there is more than a 99% chance that a straightforward UK settlement visa entry clearance application for a spouse, civil partner, dependant child or a family member is processed within 60 working days or 12 weeks.
When UKVI is not able to meet its service standard?
Perhaps, more than 20-25% of the settlement applications are not straightforward. Therefore, as stated above, the UK settlement visa processing time service standards are only applicable for straightforward applications. Therefore, UK visa spouse visa processing time from a random sample of more than 40 UKVAC indicates that usually 75-77% of the settlement applications are processed within 60 working days or 12 weeks. However, 10-15% of the settlement applications remain outstanding even after 120 working days or 24 weeks. Perhaps, mainly due to verifications, interviews, past immigration history, administrative workload etc
What is a straightforward settlement visa application?
A straightforward case means that an applicant has not only met the requirements but has immaculate overall credibility. Therefore, does not necessitate the immigration officer to unnecessary worry about an applicant’s background, relations with the sponsor, income verification, intentions and future plans in the UK.
How to expedite the UK settlement visa processing time?
Perhaps, the easiest way to expedite UK spouse visa timelines is to purchase the settlement priority service. Yes, it will cost an additional amount of GBP 573. Therefore, instead of paying £1,523, an applicant will pay £2,096/- for the UK spouse priority visa processing time. Please note both the application fees and that for the priority service are non-refundable.
However, if an applicant intends to expedite the UK spouse visa processing time then also needs to submit a clear and well-documented application. Moreover, if necessary and affordable then hire a specialist immigration solicitor for documentation. Remember: at the end, the decision is primarily reached on the documentary evidence. If the caseworker likes to get further information then may ask for additional documents or interview.
When an applicant should use the priority service?
Perhaps, an applicant should use the priority settlement service for the processing of a straightforward UK spouse visa application. And also if one can afford the additional cost without any problem. Quite noteworthy: the payment of priority service fee does not guarantee anything. Therefore, an applicant should neither expect a favourable outcome nor an expeditious decision after purchasing the priority service. Moreover, the priority visa fee is not refundable.
ILR processing time
Perhaps, the indefinite leave to remain (ILR) processing time from inside the UK is usually 6 months. Please note ILR applications not only relates to family and spouse visa applications, but also other settlement routes. Moreover, apart from ILR applications, No Time Limit (NTL) applications are also eligible for the super-priority service. However, priority service is not available for ILR and NTL applications.
What is the ILR super-priority visa processing time?
In fact, 24-hours super-priority visa service is also available for processing ILR applications from inside the UK. However, in addition to the ILR fees £2,389, an applicant needs to pay £800/- for the 24-hour ILR super priority service.
Leave to remain applications
The UK visa application processing time for in-country leave to remain applications is 8 weeks or 40 working days. Perhaps, this mostly relates to extension and switching applications such as spouse visa extension, workers, Tier 1 general, Tier 1 entrepreneurs, students, Tier 2 General, Tier 2 ICT etc.
What is the leave to remain priority visa processing time?
Perhaps, the service standard for leave to remain priority processing time is 5 working days or 1 week. However, an applicant needs to pay an additional £500/- for the service. Therefore, instead of paying £1,033/- for leave to remain application an applicant needs to pay £1,533/-. Moreover, in-country leave to remain applicants can also purchase the super-priority service, which enables processing within 24 hours. However, an applicant needs to pay an additional £800/- for the super-priority service.
What are the reasons for prompt processing from the USA?
In fact, contrary to UK spouse visa timelines from Pakistan and India, where approx 20% processed within 30 days, more than 40% of the applications from the USA processed within 30 days or 6 weeks. Perhaps, this is due to greater usage of priority service, better documentation, country risk perception, the higher credibility of the applicants and their respective sponsors. Quite noteworthy: the priority service charges are on a higher side, therefore, applicants with a higher disposable income are more likely to use it. Accordingly, people applying from countries with higher per capita income are more inclined to purchase priority service for expediting their UK spouse settlement visa processing time.
What is the reason for variation in UK spouse visa timelines 2019?
Perhaps, UKVI is keen to meet its service standard. And also likes to dispose of applications as soon as possible. However, at the same time, the UKVI does not wish to compromise on the quality of decision making. For instance, in April 2019, 57% and 91% of the applications from the USA decided within 30 and 60 days. However, 7% of applications remain outstanding even after the stipulated 120 days. This indicates a variation in the UK spouse visa processing time due to documents verification, interview, overall credibility of the applicant etc.
Is the processing system perfect?
No. Certainly, there are some individual grievances against UKVI for unnecessarily delaying the decisions. And also making the wrong decisions. Perhaps, it quite human to make mistakes. And due to the quantum of applications, wrong decisions could be made. However, it is not in the interest of UKVI to either delay processing or to make a wrong decision. Therefore, a margin of error should be given to both the caseworker and UKVI administrative arrangements.
Does UK settlement visa processing time really matter?
Perhaps, irrespective of the duration of the processing time, an applicant is either satisfied or dissatisfied if the final decision ends with a successful visa grant or rejection, respectively. In fact, during the duration of the application process, it is the anxiety, which takes its toll on the applicant. However, once the result is successful then the applicant forgets: how long it took to get the final decision. Contrarily, if the end result is a refusal then applicant start finding faults in the UK visa assessment procedure. Although the decision-making process is not perfect; however, usually it is quite objective and well functioning. Quite noteworthy: do your homework before submitting the application.
3) UK spouse settlement visa processing time by country 2019
Apparently, the details for UK spouse settlement visa processing time 2019 from a random sample of UKVACs indicates that nearly 10% of all settlement applications are concluded within 30 working days. However, in quite a few instances 25-40% of settlement applications decided within 30 working days. Therefore, if an applicant has purchased the priority service then there is a likelihood that the application may process within 6 weeks or 30 working days. Perhaps, most of the applications in 2019 processed within 60-90 days. However, 10-15% of the applications did not conclude even after 120 working days i.e. 24 weeks or 5-6 months.
What is the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from the USA?
The UK spouse visa timelines from the USA in July 2019 indicates that 17%, 32% and 43% of the applications decided within 5, 10 and 15 working days, respectively. Moreover, 73%, 92% and 94% of applications processed within 30, 60 and 120 working days, respectively. Perhaps, the UK spouse visa processing time from the USA clearly indicates that waiting time varies from case to case basis. In fact, nearly 3 out of 4 UK visa applications from the USA processed within 6 weeks or 30 days. However, a final decision on 6% of the cases was not made even after the stipulated time period of 120 days.
April 2019
During April 2019, 57%, 91% and 93% of the settlement applications from DHS VAC, United States concluded within 30, 60 and 120 days, respectively. Perhaps, the aforesaid indicates that nearly more than 40% of the applicants from the US purchased the priority service for fast-tracking the UK spouse visa processing time.
March 2019
Perhaps, in March 2019 the UK spouse visa processing time from DHS VAC, United States, has been moderately quick. Accordingly, 45%, 95%, 97% and 100% of the applications decided within 30, 60, 90 and 120 days, respectively.
What is the UK spouse visa processing time 2019 from India?
Apparently, the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from India indicates that some applicants may experience delays. However, nearly 25% of the settlement applicants from India opted for UK spouse visa priority processing time.
During April 2019, 23% and 29% of the applications from New Delhi and Jalandhar, India, decided within 30 working days, respectively. And, 89% and 93% applications from New Delhi and Jalandhar decided within the stipulated 120 working days. Therefore, this strongly indicates that processing time for some spouse settlement applicants from India will inevitably escalate beyond 60, 90 and even 120 working days. Perhaps, UKVI intents to meet its service standards. However, proper scrutiny is more important before making a final decision.
What is the UK spouse visa processing time 2019 from Pakistan?
The UK spouse visa timelines from Pakistan in July 2019 indicates delays in processing. However, there is more than a 70% chance that a UK spouse visa application from Pakistan may process within 12 weeks. And nearly 20% of applicants from Pakistan are opting for UK spouse visa priority processing time. Perhaps, 25-30% of the spouse settlement visa applications from Pakistan are not-straightforward!
UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Islamabad
Apparently, in July 2019, 23% of the settlement applications from Islamabad, Pakistan, processed within 30 working days. Moreover, 69% and 81% of the applications decided within 60 and 120 working days.
In April 2019, 14% and 65% of the applications from Islamabad, Pakistan, decided within 30 and 60, respectively. And, 70% and 73% of the applications determined within 90 and 120 working days, respectively. Therefore, in April 2019, 27% of settlement applications remained outstanding beyond the stipulated service standard of 120 days.
During March 2019, 32% and 67% of the settlement applications from Islamabad, Pakistan, concluded within 30 and 60 working days, respectively. And, 75% and 85% of the applications processed within 90 and 120 working days, respectively. Therefore, 15% of settlement applications remained outstanding beyond the stipulated service standard of 120 days.
UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Karachi
Apparently, in July 2019, 19% of the settlement applications from Karachi, Pakistan, processed within 30 working days. And, 73% and 84% of the applications from Karachi, Pakistan, decided within 60 and 120 working days, respectively. Therefore, 16% of settlement applications remained outstanding beyond the stipulated service standard of 120 working days.
UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Lahore
In July 2019, 24% of the settlement applications from Lahore, Pakistan, processed within 30 working days. However, 75% and 92% of the applications from Lahore, Pakistan, decided within 60 and 120 working days, respectively. Therefore, 8% of settlement applications remained outstanding beyond the stipulated service standard of 120 working days.
What is the UK spouse visa processing time 2019 from Abu Dhabi, UAE?
Evidently, the UK spouse visa processing time from Abu Dhabi, UAE, is quite quick. And more than 60% of the Emirati nationals and foreign residents from Abu Dhabi are fast-tracking UK spouse visa processing time by using the priority service.
Perhaps, in April 2019, 67% of settlement applications from Abu-Dhabi concluded within 30 working days. And, 97% and 100% of the applications decided within 60 and 90 days, respectively.
Moreover, in March 2019, 82% of the applications from Abu Dhabi, UAE, concluded within 30 working days. And, 95% and 100% of the settlement applications determined within 60 and 90 working days.
What is the UK spouse visa processing time 2019 from Dubai, UAE?
The UK spouse visa processing time 2019 from UAE is quite quick. In fact, 7%, 15%, 32% and 35% of the applications in April 2019 concluded within 3, 5, 10 and 15 working days, respectively. And as many as 63% and 81% of the applications decided within 30 and 60 days, respectively. Moreover, all the settlement applications from Dubai, UAE, processed within 90 days.
What are the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Istanbul, Turkey?
Perhaps, the UK spouse visa processing time from Istanbul, Turkey, is quite normal. And more than 30% of the applicants from Istanbul, Turkey, are opting for UK spouse visa priority processing time.
In March 2019, 34% of the applications from Istanbul decided within 30 working days. And, 87% and 95% of the applications processed within 60 and 90 days, respectively.
During April 2019, 62% of settlement applications from Istanbul, Turkey, concluded within 30 working days. And, 93% and 100% of the applications determined with 60 and 90 days, respectively.
What is the UK spouse visa processing time from Ankara, Turkey?
In July 2019, only 21% of the applications from Ankara, Turkey, decided within 30 days. However, 80% and 92% of the applications processed within 60 and 120 days, respectively. Therefore, 8% of the applications remained outstanding even after 120 days i.e. 24 weeks or 5-6 months.
What is the UK spouse visa processing time 2019 from Nigeria?
In March 2019, only 9% of the family settlement applications from Lagos, Nigeria decided within 30 working days. And, 90% and 93% of the applications processed within 60 and 120 working days, respectively.
What is the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from the Philippines?
In April 2019, 15% of the settlement applications from Manila, Philippines, decided within 30 working days. And, 86%, 91% and 95% of the applications processed within 60, 90 and 120 working days.
Quite clearly, during March 2019, 40% of the applications from the Philippines concluded within 30 working days. However, 89% and 94% of the applications determined within 60 and 120 working days, respectively.
What are the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Sri Lanka?
During March 2019, only 5%, 61% and 72% of the settlement applications from Sri Lanka concluded within 30, 60 and 120 days, respectively. Therefore, 28% of the settlement applications remained outstanding beyond the stipulated service standard of 120 days. Perhaps, family settlement applicant from Sri Lanka may expect delays in the UK spouse visa processing time.
What is the UK settlement visa processing time from Ethiopia?
Apparently, during April 2019, 28%, 83%, 98% and 99% of the applications from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, decided within 30, 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively. However, in March 2019, 7% and 100% of the applications from Ethiopia concluded within 30 and 60 days, respectively.
What are the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Uganda?
In March 2019, 8%, 97% and 100% of the UK settlement visa applications from Uganda concluded within 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively. And 25%, 97% and 98% of the applications from Uganda decided within 30, 60 and 120 days in April 2019, respectively.
What are the UK settlement visa timelines 2019 from Nepal?
During April 2019, 9% of the applications from Kathmandu, Nepal, decided within 30. And, 94% and 95% of the applications determined within 60 and 120 working days, respectively.
In fact, during March 2019, 94% of the settlement applications from Nepal concluded within 60 working days. And, 95% and 98% of the applications processed within 90 and 120 working days, respectively.
What is the UK settlement visa processing time 2019 from Sudan?
In April 2019, 8% of the spouse settlement applications from Khartum, Sudan, decided within 30 working days. And, 95%, 97% and 99% of the applications processed within 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively.
Apparently, during March 2019, 7% of the applications from Sudan concluded within 30 working days. And, 96% and 100% of the applications determined within 60 and 90 working days, respectively.
What are the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Accra, Ghana?
In March 2019, 8% of the applications from Ghana decided within 30. And, 76%, 89% and 91% of the applications processed within 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively. Therefore, 9% of the settlement applications from Ghana remained outstanding beyond the stipulated service standard of 120 days. Therefore, applicants from Ghana may experience delays in UK spouse visa processing time.
What are UK spouse visa timelines from Beirut, Lebanon in 2019?
In March 2019, only 13% of the UK settlement visa applications from Lebanon processed within 30 days. However, 87%, 95% and 97% of the applications decided within 60, 90 and 120 days, respectively.
What is UK settlement visa processing time 2019 from Egypt?
Perhaps, the UK spouse visa processing time from Egypt is quite quick. Apparently, in April 2019, 9% and 22% of the settlement applications from Egypt decided within 15 and 30 days, respectively. However, 97% of applications concluded within 60 days. Moreover, all the applications processed within 90 days.
What are the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Bangladesh?
In July 2019, 23% of the settlement applications from Dhaka, Bangladesh, decided within 30 working days. Moreover, 74%, 85% and 100% of the applications processed within 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively.
What are the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Hong Kong, China?
In fact, the UK spouse visa processing time from Hong Kong is quite quick. In March 2019, 43% of the UK spouse visa applications from Hong Kong, China, decided within 15 days. And 87% and 100% of the applications concluded within 30 and 60 working days, respectively.
What are the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Jordan?
During July 2019, 18% of the settlement applications from Amman, Jordan decided within 30 working days. And 77%, 94% and 100% of the applications concluded within 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively.
What are the UK spouse visa timelines 2019 from Thailand?
In July 2019, only 14% of applications from Bangkok, Thailand, concluded within 30 days. Moreover, 67% and 82% of applications decided within 60 and 120 working days, respectively. Therefore, 18% of the spouse settlement applications remained outstanding even after 120 working days.
