UK Spouse Visa Timelines 2020/21 for Family Settlement

1. Overview

UK Spouse Visa Processing Timelines

The details from different UKVACs indicates that the UK spouse visa processing time after biometrics may vary on a case-to-case basis, depending on the nature of the application and the administrative workload/consideration of the UKVI. Indeed, for a straightforward spouse visa application with priority service, it is quite possible to receive a decision within 3, 5, 10, 15 or 30 working days. However, the UK spouse visa processing time for normal applications is usually within 12 weeks or sixty working days. Nevertheless, 10-15% spouse visa applications (mostly non-straightforward) may remain outstanding even after 120 working days or 24 weeks.

UK Spouse Visa Priority Processing Time

The service standard for UK spouse visa processing time is usually 12 weeks or sixty working days. However, the service standard of UK spouse priority visa processing time is normally 6 weeks or thirty working days. Please note, 20-25% of the settlement applications are not straightforward, therefore, in such instance there are more than 99% chance that a spouse settlement application may not be processed within the respective service standards.

UK Spouse Visa Processing Time Covid-19 after Biometrics 2020/21

In fact, due to the ongoing global impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19), disruptions to local travel and courier routes have increased the 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 spouse, partner, fiancé, or family settlement visa processing time after biometrics from outside the UK may take more than sixty working days (12 weeks).

2. Service Standards

UK Spouse Visa Processing Time after Biometrics

Concisely, the service standard for a straightforward UK spouse visa processing time after biometrics 2020/21 for entry clearance, extension, and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) settlement applications are to:

1. fast track straightforward entry clearance priority spouse settlement visa applications from overseas within 6 weeks or thirty working days
2. decide 98.5% and 100% of standard (normal) spouse settlement visa applications from overseas within 12 weeks and 24 weeks, respectively
3. fast track straightforward priority spouse extension visa applications within five working days
4. decide standard (normal) spouse extension visa applications within 8 weeks (40 working days)
5. fast track straightforward super-priority spouse extension and ILR visa applications by next working day
6. decide standard (normal) spouse ILR settlement applications within 6 months

Please note, the service standard is only maintainable in case of a straightforward family/partner settlement application. Therefore, if an application is categorized as non-straightforward then it is bound to experience delays.

The time starts when you attend your appointment at the visa application centre and submit your biometrics (if applicable). The processing time will end when your passport is ready for collection.

UKVI

UK Spouse Visa Processing Time after Biometrics 2020/21

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!

3. FAQs

UK Spouse Visa Processing Time after Biometrics

How to expedite?

An applicant may expedite UK spouse visa timelines by:

1. submitting an accurate, clear, and well-documented application at the time of appointment at an application centre
2. including any required photographs
3. providing clear supporting documents for maintenance funds
4. making a leave to remain – extension, switching or ILR – application before the expiry of the current permission to stay in the UK
5. hiring a specialist immigration solicitor for documentation – only if necessary and affordable
6. purchasing the settlement priority service – only if necessary and affordable. Please note application fees and that for the priority service are non-refundable after biometrics. Moreover, purchasing priority or premium service does not guarantee any additional benefit
7. enrolling for biometric information in case of leave to remain application
8. promptly responding to any requests for further information made by UKVI/Home Office
9. using the correct application form – only in case of a paper application. And signing and dating the paper application properly and furnishing the required supporting documents. Moreover, including the payment and any cheque for the full fee.

What are the reasons for quick processing?

In fact, contrary to UK spouse visa timelines in Pakistan and India, twenty percent of the partner visa applications from USA processed within 30 days. And more than 40% of the applications from the USA were processed within thirty working days or 6 weeks. 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 to expedite UK spouse visa timelines.

What are the reasons for variation in timelines?

Perhaps, UKVI is keen to meet its service standard. And likes to dispose of applications as soon as possible. However, at the same time, the UKVI does not wish to compromise 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, respectively. However, 7% of spouse visa applications from USA 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.

What is a Complex Application?

A straightforward spouse visa application means that an applicant has not only met the requirements but has an immaculate overall credibility- applicant’s background, relations with the sponsor, income verification, intentions, and plans in the UK etc.

Therefore, if a spouse/partner visa application is categorized as non-straightforward then the processing time usually exceeds the respective service standards as UKVI does not maintain any service standard for non-straightforward applications. For instance, UK spouse visa processing time for a non-straightforward (complex) overseas family settlement application may exceed 60-90 working days- or even 120 working days. Nevertheless, in such instances, UKVI usually intimates that the application is non-straightforward within 6-8 weeks from the date of the receipt of documents by Sheffield UKVI.

With the Super Priority Service, the implication is you’d receive a visa straight away – it took 38 days

The Guardian

Is the Processing System Perfect?

No. Certainly, there are some individual grievances against UKVI for unnecessarily delaying the decisions. And making the wrong decisions. It’s quite human to make mistakes. And due to the high 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.

Do timelines really matter?

Irrespective of the duration of the processing time, an applicant is satisfied if the final decision is favourable. In fact, during 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 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 UK spouse visa application.

What is the UK Fiancé Visa Processing Time?

In fact, the service standard for UK fiancé visa is the same as that for spouse/partner applications i.e., 98.5% and 100% applications are processed within 60 and 120 working days, respectively. Moreover, applicants can purchase the £573 settlement priority service for fast tracking the UK fiancé visa processing time within thirty working days.

Hello,

I’m from Israel and have applied to join my fiancée in the UK.

Online application date: 3rd January 2019
Biometrics: 8th of January 2019
Application received by UKVI (being prepared for ECO): 16th of January 2019
Documents returned: 27th March 2019
Escalated by emailing UKVI: 2nd of April 2019

I’m still waiting, it’s been 69 Business days since biometrics. Is this normal? Could someone explain why it could be taking that long?

Thank you.

Immigration Board

What is the Processing Time for Reapplication?

Perhaps, depending on the nature of the spouse visa refusal reasons, an applicant can either reapply or appeal. Therefore, if one opts for a reapplication then the UK spouse visa processing time may usually be within sixty working days. Moreover, it is not recommended to opt for the priority service after a spouse visa refusal.

3RD APPLICATION- REFUSED TWICE PREVIOUSLY

Type Of Visa Applied: Spouse Settlement wife
Priority/Non-Priority: Priority
Application Centre: Mumbai North
Online Application Submitted: 15/10/2019
Biometrics: 24/10/2019
SMS Application Forwarded to UKVI: 24/10/19
Documents scanned at VFS Manchester: 5/11/2019
Email stating “Your Application is currently being prepared for consideration by an ECO”: 25/10/2019 and 14/11/19 (got two)
Sponsor contacted by UKVI: No
Case not straightforward email: No
Decision made email from UKVI after contacting through email: No
VFS Text And Email for Passport Collection: 21/11/2019
Passport Collected: 23/09/2019
Status: Granted
Vignette: 25/11/19-25/12/19

Immigration Boards

4. Entry Clearance Applications

UK Spouse Visa Processing Timelines

The normal service standard for UK spouse visa processing time is 12-24 weeks or 60-120 working days. However, applicants can still fast track their spouse applications by purchasing the £573 priority settlement service to enable processing within thirty working day or 6 weeks.

Please note, if an application is not straightforward due to past refusals, removals, deportation, detentions, criminal records etc. then it is not advisable to opt for the priority service. An applicant should use the priority settlement service for the processing of a straightforward spouse visa application. And 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.

2019 Q3

During July-Sept 2019 Q3, UKVI received 7,036 straightforward and 1,579 non-straightforward standard (normal) spouse visa applications. Accordingly, decided 7,004 straightforward spouse/partner visa applications within the sixty working days service standards. Therefore, the UK spouse visa processing time after biometrics 2019Q3 for 99.50% of straightforward entry clearance applications with standard (normal) service was within sixty working days.

Priority 2019 Q3

Additionally, during 2019Q3, UKVI received 4,224 straightforward and 376 non-straightforward priority visa applications. Accordingly, decided 3,815 straightforward priority visa applications within the thirty working days service standards. Therefore, UK priority spouse visa processing time 2019Q3 for 90.32% of straightforward entry clearance applications was within thirty working days.

2019 Q2

During April-June 2019 Q2, UKVI received 7,044 straightforward and 2,052 non-straightforward standard (normal) spouse visa applications. Accordingly, decided 6,874 straightforward spouse/partner visa applications within the sixty working days service standards. Therefore, the UK spouse visa processing time after biometrics 2019Q2 for 97.59% of straightforward entry clearance applications with standard (normal) service was within sixty working days.

Priority 2019 Q2

Additionally, during 2019Q2, UKVI received 3,687 straightforward and 261 non-straightforward priority spouse/partner visa applications. Accordingly, decided 3,205 straightforward priority spouse/partner visa applications within the thirty working days service standards. Therefore, UK priority spouse visa processing time 2019Q2 for 86.93% of straightforward entry clearance applications was within thirty working days.

2019 Q1

During Jan-March 2019 Q1, UKVI received 12,493 straightforward and 3,561 non-straightforward spouse visa applications. Accordingly, decided 12,394 straightforward spouse/partner visa applications within the service standards. Therefore, 99.2% of straightforward spouse entry clearance visa applications decided within the service standards.

Example

Applied for spousal visa (husband) – without priority services
Biometrics 21/01/2020
Email received that application has been received on 10/02/2020
No calls made to the employer
Interview for both myself and husband on 21/02/2020
VFS mail received 19/03/2020 to collect passport
Visa Granted

Immigration Boards

5. Leave to Remain (Extension or Switching)

UK Spouse Visa Processing Time after Biometrics

The normal service standard for UK spouse/partner visa extension processing time is 8 weeks or forty working days. However, applicants can still fast track their spouse visa extension applications by purchasing the £800 super-priority service (aka same-day and ILR Premium Service) to enable processing within 24 hours.

Please note: the 5-day priority service (£500) is available for other types of leave to remain applications. However, so far it is not available for spouse visa extension applications.

2019 Q3

During Jul-Sept 2019 Q3, 9,186 spouse visa leave to remain applications received – including unmarried and same-sex civil partners. However, thirty applications refused as invalid, and 2,204 spouse extension applications were non-straightforward (complex). Accordingly, of the remaining 6,952 straightforward applications, 6,782 decided within 8 weeks. Therefore, UK spouse/partner visa extension processing time 2019 for 97.60% of straightforward applications was within 8 weeks.

Super-Priority 2019 Q3

Please note, the 5-day priority service is not available for UK spouse visa extension timelines. However, during the period, 3,486 straightforward and 385 non-straightforward super-priority spouse visa extension applications received. Accordingly, decided all the 3,479 straightforward super-priority spouse/partner visa extension applications by the next working days. Therefore, UK visa extension processing time 2019Q3 for 99.80% of super-priority (premium) spouse leave to remain applications was within 24 hours.

2019 Q2

During April-June 2019 Q2, 8,562 spouse visa leave to remain applications received – including unmarried and same-sex civil partners. However, thirty-six applications refused as invalid, and 1,508 spouse extension applications were non-straightforward (complex). Accordingly, of the remaining 6,946 straightforward applications, 6,806 decided within 8 weeks. Therefore, UK spouse/partner visa extension processing time 2019Q2 for 97.98% of straightforward applications was within 8 weeks.

Super-Priority 2019 Q2

During the period, 3,059 straightforward and 342 non-straightforward super-priority spouse visa extension applications received. Accordingly, decided 3,038 straightforward super-priority UK spouse visa extension applications by the next working days. Therefore, UK visa extension processing time 2019Q2 for 99.31% of super-priority (premium) spouse leave to remain applications was within 24 hours.

Example

Application Type: FLR(M): My wife’s timeline, first application for Spouse Leave to Remain (Husband on ILR):
Application Submitted online on 11 Jan 2020
Postal or In-Person Application: Online (Standard)
Biometrics Enrolled: 17 Jan 2020 in Croydon (paid a fee of £75)
Method: Self Scanned & Uploaded on UKVCAS.COM
Acknowledgement Received: No
Additional Documents Requested on (if any): None. They didn’t ask for photos in the required documents, but we uploaded some anyway.
Decision Email: N/A
Decision Letter Received on: 28 Feb 2020 exactly 6 weeks from biometrics appointment.
BRP Card Received on: 28 Feb 2020
Decision: Granted

Immigration Boards

6. Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR (Settlement)

UK Spouse Visa Processing Time after Biometrics

Indeed, the UK spouse visa processing time for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) applications is usually 6 months. Moreover, the 24-hours super-priority service (aka same-day and ILR Premium Service) is also available for processing UK spouse settlement visa applications. However, in addition to the regular ILR fees of £2,389, an applicant needs to pay an additional amount of £800/- for the 24-hour ILR super priority service.

Migrants forced to wait months for UK visa despite paying £800 for priority

The Guardian

2019 Q2

During April-June 2019 Q2, 3,120 Spouse visa ILR applications received – including unmarried and same-sex civil partners. However, thirty-seven applications refused as invalid and 219 spouse ILR applications were non-straightforward (complex). Accordingly, of the remaining 2,864 straightforward applications, 2,801 UK partner/spouse visa ILR applications decided within 6 months. Therefore, the UK settlement visa processing time 2019 for 97.80% of straightforward standard (normal) partner/spouse visa ILR applications was within 6 months.

Super-Priority 2019Q2

Moreover, during the period, 3,064 super-priority premium partner/spouse visa ILR applications received. However, three applications refused as invalid and six hundred spouse/partner ILR visa applications were non-straightforward (complex). Accordingly, of the remaining 2,461 straightforward super-priority premium partner/spouse visa ILR applications, 2,410 applications decided by next working day. Therefore, UK settlement visa priority processing time 2019 for 97.93% of partner/spouse ILR premium applications was within 24 hours.

Example

Application Type: SET (M) 5 Year Spouse Visa (4 years 11 months)
Online Application Submission date: 17th January 2020
Biometric (UKVCAS) and Document submission Appointment: 21st January 2020 @ 07:30 (at Sopra Premium Croydon £85).
HO approval Email: 21st January 2020 @ 1:13 pm
Approval letter received: 21st January 2020 11:15 am
BRP Card: 21st January 2020 15: 45am

Immigration Boards

7. Country Specific Details

UK Spouse Visa Processing Time after Biometrics

The UK spouse visa processing time from a random sample of more than 40 UKVAC indicates that usually 75% of the settlement applications are processed within sixty working days or 12 weeks. In fact, most of the spouse/partner visa 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. This delay in UK spouse visa processing time is due to verifications, interviews, past immigration history, administrative workload etc.

The random sample of 40 UKVACs indicates that 10% of all settlement applications are concluded within thirty working days. However, in quite a few instances 25-40% of settlement applications are decided within thirty 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 thirty working days.

Bangladesh

In July 2019, 23%, 74%, 85% and 100% of the settlement applications from Dhaka, Bangladesh, decided within 30, 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively.

Egypt

During Jan 2020, the UK spouse visa timelines from Cairo, Egypt, for 7%, 23%, 95% and 100% of the settlement applications was within 15, 30, 60 and 90 working days, respectively. Therefore, UK spouse visa processing time from Egypt is quite quick and approx. 20-25% of Egyptian nationals are using the priority settlement service.

Ethiopia

During April 2019, the UK spouse visa timeline from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for 28%, 83%, 98% and 99% of partner/family applications was within 30, 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively. Moreover, in Jan 2020, 9% and 95% of partner/family visa applications from Ethiopia concluded within 30 and 60 days, respectively.

Ghana

In Sept 2019, 9%, 74%, and 92% settlement applications from Ghana decided within 30, 60 and 120 working days, respectively. Accordingly, 9% of the settlement applications from Ghana remained outstanding after 120 working days. Therefore, some applicants from Ghana may experience delays in UK spouse visa processing time

Hong Kong, China

During Jan 2020, the UK spouse visa processing time from Hong Kong, China, for 44%, 88% and 100% of family settlement applications was within 15, 30 and 60 working days, respectively. Therefore, the UK spouse visa processing time from Hong Kong is quick and quite a few applicants are opting for the priority service!

India

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. In fact, usually 20-25% of the settlement applicants from India opted for UK spouse visa priority processing time. However, 10-15% applicants from India may experience delays in UK spouse visa processing time beyond 60, 90 and even 120 working days.

Example

Visa type: (Priority) Settlement- Wife Application.
Online Application: 02 October 2019 (made through UK Access)
Scanning & Biometrics: 09 October 2019, VFS New Delhi also upgraded the Visa application from standard to priority
Text from VFS Global: “The visa application was forwarded to UKVI on 10 October 2019
Paid Call to UKVI to know the status: 30 October 2019 (was informed to wait until 19 November 2019)
ECO Email that your application is currently being prepared for consideration: 31 October 2019
Text & Email from VFS global: The processed visa application for GWF reference number – GWFXX was received at the UK Visa Application Centre on 08 November 2019
Passport collected: 13 November 2019
Status: Application Successful, Vignette from 25 November 2019 to 25 December 2019

Decision was made in twenty-three working days from the date of biometrics and scanning. Passport collected on 25th working day from the centre.

Immigration Boards

Jordan

During July 2019, 18% of the settlement applications from Amman, Jordan decided within thirty working days. And 77%, 94% and 100% of the applications concluded within 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively.

Lebanon

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.

Nepal

During April 2019, 9% of the applications from Kathmandu, Nepal, decided within thirty days. And 94% and 95% of the applications determined within 60 and 120 working days, respectively. Moreover, in Jan 2020, 94% of the settlement applications from Nepal concluded within sixty working days. And 95% and 98% of the applications processed within 90 and 120 working days, respectively.

Nigeria

In March 2019, only 9% of the family settlement applications from Lagos, Nigeria decided within thirty working days. And 90% and 93% of the applications processed within 60 and 120 working days, respectively.

Pakistan

The UK spouse visa timelines from Pakistan in July 2019 indicates delays in processing as 25-30% settlement applications are not straightforward! However, there is more than 70% chance that UK spouse visa application from Pakistan may process within 12 weeks. Moreover, 20% of applicants are opting for settlement priority service to fast-track UK spouse visa processing time from Pakistan.

Islamabad

In April 2019, 14%, 65%, 70% and 73% of spouse/partner settlement applications from Islamabad, Pakistan, decided within 30, 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively. During July 2019, the UK spouse visa processing time for 23%, 69% and 81% of settlement applications from Islamabad, Pakistan, was within 30, 60 and 120 working days. The UK spouse visa timelines 2020 from Pakistan for 33%, 66%, 77% and 84% of settlement applications from Islamabad, Pakistan, during Jan 2020 was within 30, 60, 90 and 120, respectively. Therefore, 27%, 19% and 16% of spouse/partner settlement visa applications from Islamabad, Pakistan, remained outstanding after 120 working days during April 2019, July 2019, and Jan 2020, respectively.

Karachi

In July 2019, 19% of the settlement applications from Karachi, Pakistan, processed within thirty 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.

Lahore

In July 2019, UK spouse visa processing time from Lahore, Pakistan for 24%, 75% and 92% of partner/family settlement applications was within 30, 60 and 120 working days, respectively. Therefore, 8% family settlement applications remained outstanding after 24 weeks or 120 working days.

The Philippines

During July 2019, 15%, 86%, and 95% of the settlement applications from Manila, Philippines, decided within 30, 60, and 120 working days. Moreover, in Jan 2020, the UK spouse visa processing time from Philippines for 40%, 89% and 94% of the applicants was within 30, 60 and 120 working days, respectively.

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. Some family settlement applicants from Sri Lanka may expect delays in the UK spouse visa processing time.

Sudan

In April 2019, 8% of the spouse settlement applications from Khartoum, Sudan, decided within thirty working days. And 95%, 97% and 99% of the applications processed within 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively. During March 2019, 7% of the applications from Sudan concluded within thirty working days. And 96% and 100% of the applications determined within 60 and 90 working days, respectively.

Thailand

In Jan 2020, the UK spouse visa processing time from Bangkok, Thailand, for 15%, 65% and 83% of applications was within 30, 60 and 120 working days, respectively. Since 35% of the spouse/partner settlement visa applications remained outstanding after 12 weeks, therefore, applicants are expected to experience delays in UK spouse visa processing time from Thailand.

Turkey

During July 2019, UK settlement visa processing time from Istanbul, Turkey, for 62%, 93% and 100% was within 30, 60 and 90 working days, respectively. In July 2019, only 21%, 80% and 92% of partner/family visa applications from Ankara, Turkey, decided within 30, 60 and 120 working days. Moreover, in Jan 2020, UK spouse visa processing time from Istanbul, Turkey, for 34%, 87% and 95% of partner/family settlement applications was within 30, 60 and 90 working days, respectively. Therefore, the UK spouse visa processing time from Turkey, is quite normal and few applicants are experiencing delays. Furthermore, more than 30% of the applicants from are opting for UK spouse visa priority processing time.

UAE

In July 2019, UK spouse visa processing time from Abu-Dhabi, UAE, for 69%, 96% and 100% of partner/family settlement applications was within 30, 60 and 120 working days, respectively. During Jan 2020, the UK spouse visa processing time from Dubai, UAE, for 7%, 15%, 32%, 35%, 63%, 81% and 100% of partner/family visa applications was within 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 90 working days, respectively. Moreover, in Feb 2020, the UK spouse visa processing time Abu Dhabi, UAE, for 82%, 95% and 100% of the applications was within 30, 60 and 90 working days, respectively. Therefore, the UK spouse visa processing time from UAE, is quite quick. More than 60% of the applicants are fast-tracking their applications by using the priority service.

Uganda

During July 2019, UK spouse visa timelines from Uganda for 8%, 97% and 100% of settlement applications was within 30, 60 and 90 working days, respectively. Moreover, in Jan 2020, 25%, 97% and 98% of spouse/partner visa applications from Uganda decided within 30, 60 and 120 working days, respectively.

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. Therefore, the UK spouse visa processing time from the USA varies from case-to-case basis. However, three out of 4 UK spouse/partner visa applications from the USA usually decide within 6 weeks or 30 days and only 3-5% of applicants needs to wait beyond the stipulated time of 120 days.

DHS VAC, USA

During April 2019, 57%, 91% and 93% of the settlement applications from DHS VAC, United States, concluded within 30, 60 and 120 days, respectively. Therefore, more than 40% of the applicants purchased the priority service for fast-tracking the UK spouse visa timelines from the US. Moreover, in Jan 2020 the UK spouse visa processing time from DHS VAC, United States, for 43%, 93%, 96% and 100% were within 30, 60, 90 and 120 working days, respectively.