This relates to 
UK family settlement visa processing time 2018 for UK Visa Applications from outside the UK. Perhaps, settlement visa from outside the UK essentially refers to the spouse visa. Therefore, UK spouse visa processing time predominate the UK settlement visa timelines. Moreover, the post also covers and highlights the UK spouse visa priority processing time. However, apart from spouse visa, family settlement visa processing time also includes dependant children under 18 and parents. Accordingly, the post highlights the following aspects of UK Spouse Settlement Visa Applications:
- UK Settlement Visa Processing Time 2018
- UK Settlement Visa Processing Time | UKVI Service Standards
- Spouse Settlement Priority Visa Timelines | UKVI Service Standards
- Priority Service is for Straightforward Cases
- Priority Service is Not Available at All UKVAC
Moreover, the post also provides information relating to UK Settlement Visa Fee from April 6, 2018, and Appealing Against a Spouse Visa Refusal. Finally, the post concludes with the information relating to UK Spouse Visa Processing Time 2018 from 15 UKVACs and sharing individual experiences relating to Spouse Visa Processing Time UK.
UK Spouse Visa Processing Time 2018 | UK Settlement Visa Timeline
Apparently, the details for UK Settlement Visa Processing Time from a random sample of fifteen (15) UKVACs during the month of July 2018 indicates that 10% of the applications submitted in nearly all the UKVACs are concluded within 30 days. However, in quite a few instances 25-50% settlement applications decided within 30 days. Therefore, if an applicant has purchased priority service then there is a likelihood that the application may process within 6 weeks (30 working days). Perhaps, most of the applications process within 60-90 days. However, a fraction of the applications does not conclude even within 120 days (24 weeks).
UK Spouse Visa Priority Processing Time | UK Spouse Visa Timeline
Moreover, a few of the settlement applications process even within 2, 3, 5, 10 and 15 working days. Apparently, these may not solely be relating to spouse settlement but may also relate to other types of settlement applications. Nevertheless, if a spouse settlement application is from an individual, who and his/her British Spouse has clear and immaculate bonafide that are easily ascertained then there is good chance that such spouse settlement application may be processed within 10-15 days or even less duration. especially if it is well and clearly documented and the applicant has purchased the priority service. From April 6, 2018, the cost of priority visa service for settlement visa is GBP 573 for applications from outside the UK.
UK Settlement Visa Processing Time | UKVI Service Standards
The service standard of UKVI for Settlement Visa Processing Time from outside of the UK is to process:
- 95% of the applications within 12 weeks i.e. 60 working days or approx 3 months;
- 100% of the applications within 24 weeks i.e. 120 working days or approx 5-6 months.
Customers Applying for Settlement from Outside the UK.
95% of settlement applications within 12 weeks of the application date and 100% within 24 weeks of the application date (where 1 week is 5 working days)
Spouse Settlement Priority Visa Timelines | UKVI Service Standards
Furthermore, for priority service, the service standard of UKVI for settlement visa applications from outside the UK is 30 working days or 6 weeks for a straightforward application. Quite noteworthy: the cost of priority settlement service is GBP 573 or equivalent in the local currency per application.
UK Visa Fast Track Fees 2018/19
Optional Premium Services Charges outside the UK from April 6, 2018
Priority visa service – settlement GBP 573
User-pay visa application centre GBP 55
International Contact Centre – Email Service (per query) GBP 5.48
International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline (per minute) GBP 1.37 per minute
Priority Service is for Straightforward Cases
However, 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. Moreover, there is no guarantee that UKVI will be able to process such a settlement application within the stated priority service standard of 30 days.
Priority Service: UK Spouse Visa Priority Processing Time
Apparently, priority service is not available at the all the UKVAC. For instance, in India, priority settlement is not available at UKVAC Jaipur, Lucknow and Goa. Moreover, for updates please refer: UK Visa Information – India – PREMIUM SERVICES.
How long does a Priority Visa (family migration / settlement) application take?
UKVI aims to make a decision on your Priority Visa (family migration / settlement) application, and contact you to let you know that your passport is ready to be collected within 30 working days from when you submit your biometric information.
However, every application is unique, and if your application is not straightforward, it may not be possible to meet this timescale. If this is the case, your application will still be put at the front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process, and UKVI will aim to process your application within global customer service standards. Your application may not be straightforward if you have:
- been refused a visa for the UK, and/or;
- refused leave to enter the UK, and/or
- been deported, removed, or otherwise required to leave the UK, and/or;
overstayed a period of leave in the UK, and/or;- had leave to remain in the UK curtailed by the Home Office, and/or;
- refused leave to remain in the UK by the Home Office, and/or;
- refused a visa for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States of America, or the Schengen countries, and/or;
- you have been interviewed, detained, or prosecuted by the police for any offence in the UK or elsewhere, and/or;
- have an unspent criminal conviction in any country, and/or;
- you have committed a criminal offence in any country.
If you fall into one of these categories, you may not want to use the Priority Visa service, as UKVI may be unable to process your application within the faster timescale.
UK Settlement Visa Fee from April 6, 2018
Moreover, the cost of spouse visa application from outside the UK is £1,523 from April 6, 2018.
Home Office Fees 2018/19 from OUTSIDE the UK
UK Settlement Visa Fee from April 6, 2018
Settlement £1,523
– other dependant relative £3,250
– refugee dependant relative £388
Appealing Against a Spouse Visa Refusal
Perhaps, in case of settlement/spouse visa application refusal may consult a professional lawyer. Accordingly, for details please refer: Challenge a UK Visa Refusal Decision- Immigration Solicitors
Spouse Visa Processing Time UK 2018 from 15 UKVACs
For the facilitation of the prospective applicants, information relating to UK Settlement Visa Processing Time during the month of July 2018 from outside the UK is as under:
UK Spouse Visa Processing Time India
The UK spouse visa timeline 2018 India for the applications submitted from UKVAC Mumbai and Jalandhar indicates that 27% and 24% of the applications decided within 30 working days, respectively. Probably, this surmises that nearly one-fourth of the applicants opted for UK spouse visa priority processing time and get the result within 6 weeks. Furthermore, only 90% and 97% applications decided from Mumbai and Jalandhar within the stipulated 120 working days. Accordingly, this strongly indicates that processing time for some application inevitably escalates due to verification checks and other administrative considerations of the UKVI. Moreover, UKVI intents to meet its service standards, but proper scrutiny is more important before making a final decision.
UK Spouse Visa Processing Time from Pakistan
Likewise, the UK Spouse visa processing time UK from Pakistan for the applications submitted from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi indicate that 25%, 23% and 27% of the settlement applications processed within 30 working days, respectively. This again surmises that one out of four applicants, especially those who can afford and have a straightforward case, may be opting for UK spouse visa priority processing time to expedite the decision making with 6 weeks.
Moreover, all the applications from Karachi processed within 60 days. However, only 95% and 92% of the applications from Islamabad and Lahore, respectively, decided within 60 days or 12 weeks. decided within 60 days. Furthermore, in the case of Islamabad, all the applications processed within 120 days. However, only 97% of application processed within 120 from Lahore. Accordingly, if an applicant has submitted a spouse visa application from Pakistan then there are more than 90% chances that the application may process within 12 weeks. Probably, with priority service for UK spouse visa priority processing time the application may decide within 6 weeks.
UK Spouse Visa Processing Time from USA
The UK spouse visa processing time form USA indicates that 15%, 31% and 45% of the applications decided within 5, 10 and 15 working days, respectively. Moreover, 74%, 94% and 98% of applications processed within 30, 60 and120 working days, respectively, Perhaps, the UK spouse visa processing time from USA clearly indicates that waiting time varies from case to base. Although, nearly 3 out of 4 application processed within 6 weeks or 30 days; however, a final decision on 2% of the cases was not made even after the stipulated time period of 120 days.
Reasons for Prompt Processing and Delays
Contrary to UK spouse visa processing time from Pakistan and Inda, where one out of four applications processed within 30 days, approximately three out of four applications from 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 apply from countries with higher per capita income are more inclined to purchase priority service for expediting case processing.
Variation in Processing Time and Quality of Decision Making
Although 45% and 74% of the applications from USA decided within 3 and 6 weeks; however, 2% applications remain outstanding even after the stipulated 120 days. This indicates that UKVI is keen to meet its service standard and where possible to expedite processing without compromising the quality of decision making. Certainly, there are some individual grievances against UKVI for unnecessarily delaying the decisions and making apparently wrong decisions. But it quite human to make mistake and due to share quantum of applications wrong decisions can be made. However, it is not in the interest of UKVI to pile up and delay processing. Therefore, a margin of error should be given to both the caseworker and UKVI administrative arrangments.
All’s Well That Ends Well
Moreover, 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. During the duration of the application process, it is the anxiety due to waiting for the result, which takes its toll on the applicant. However, once the result is successful then the applicant forgets: how long it took to reach the final decision. Contrary, if the end result is the refusal then applicant start finding fault with the decision making process. Although the decision-making process is not perfect, overall it is quite objective and well functioning. Quite noteworthy: do your homework before submitting the application.
How to Expedite Application Processing Time?
Accordingly, if you want to not only expedite the application but also like to have a successful result then submit a clear and well-structured application. If necessary and affordable, hire a specialist solicitor for documentation and purchase the priority service for a straightforward application. 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.
UK Spouse Visa Processing Time 2018 from other countries
- Spouse visa processing time Lebanon (Beirut)- Only 12% of the applications processed within 30 days. However, nearly 95%, 97% and 98% of the applications decided within 60, 90 and 120 days, respectively.
- UK settlement visa processing time 2018 Egypt (Cairo)– Only 9% and 22% applications decided within 15 and 30 days, respectively; however, 97% of applications concluded within 60 days. Moreover, all the applications processed within 90 days.
- Spouse visa processing time UAE (Dubai) has been very quick as 5%, 14%, 29% and 32% of the applications concluded within 3,5, 10 and 15 days, respectively. As many as 58% and 82% of the applications decided with 30 and 60 days, respectively. Moreover, all the applications processed within 90 days.
- UK family settlement visa processing time Bangladesh (Dhaka)- 20% and 94% applications decided within 30 days, respectively. Moreover, all the applications processed within 90 days.
- Spouse visa processing time China (Hong Kong)– 46% of the applications decided within 15 days. Moreover, all the applications processed within 30 days.
- UK settlement visa processing time Ghana (Accra)– only 11% of applications processed within 30 days. Whereas, all the applications decided within 60 days.
- Spouse visa processing time 2018 Jordan (Amman)– 15% and 71% of the applications decided within 30 and 60 days, respectively. Moreover, all the application concluded within 90 days.
- UK spouse visa processing time Turkey (Ankara)- 21% applications decided within 30 days. However, 80% and 92% of the applications processed 60 and 120 days, respectively. Therefore, 8% of the settlement/spouse visa applications were outstanding even after 120 days i.e. 24 weeks or 5-6 months.
- Spouse visa timelines 2018 Thailand (Bangkok)– Only 10% of applications concluded within 30 days. Moreover, 86% and 100% applications decided within 60 and 90 days, respectively.
Spouse Visa Processing Time- Individual Experiences
For further knowledge on the subject, a few experiences of real applicants are as under:
UK Family Settlement Visa Processing Time Experience # 1
Finally we got our VISA, listed down are the details.
Type: Settlement VISA (Husband Holds ILR) with Non-Priority Service
Biometric Submission @VFS Bangalore: 28th Mar 2017
online application received @Sheffiled : 29th Mar 2017
Documents submitted @Sheffiled : 7th April 2017
VISA received :29th June 2017We had applied under category B, with the below details.
PART I: He was holding a job offer of more than or equal to £18500/Annum.
PART II: income from the immediate past 12 months employment must be more than or equal to £18500) we ”Added Both overseas (7 months) & UK Employment Income”.He had just got transfer to UK from INDIA for the same employer.
Dark waiting time of 3 months!!! there were no updates from UKVI in between waiting time, and yes we got it finally
All the best for those are in the anticipation of VISA.
Thanks a lot to everyone out here for giving suggestion during those dark days.
– via UK Settlement VISA Processing Time
UK Family Settlement Visa Processing Time Experience # 2
Application submitted & biometrics enrolled at : Application completed on 5 October 2015, Biometrics at Lahore on 8 October 2015
Supporting documents sent to Sheffield on : 16 October 2015
Supporting documents received back from Sheffield on : 11 January 2016Contacted with ‘decision made’ : 4 January 2016
Afterwards Contacted for Collection : 13 January 2016
Collection made : 13 January 2016
Decision of Application : Visa grantedUK Spouse Visa Timeline 2018 Experience # 3
Online application submitted on : 02/10/15
Biometrics enrolled at & enrolled on: 22/10/15Supporting documents sent to Sheffield on : 26/10/15
Afterwards, supporting documents received back from Sheffield on :
Status Checked : 15/01/2016 Processed
IHS Refunded : 19/01/2016
Contacted for Collection : 22/01/16
Collection made : 25/01/16
Finally Decision Refused (refused with silly reason that eco thinks “couple have not met in person” even though wedding photographs provided with application. Certified copies of passport showing spouse was in pakistan. I don’t know what else i can provide or how eco thinks that they have not met in peron. This was the only reason.)UK Family Settlement Visa Processing Time Experience # 4
Application submitted & biometrics enrolled at : 05/10/2015
Case File forwarded to British High Commission on : 12/10/2015
Application under process at British High Commission on : 13/10/2015Supporting documents sent to Sheffield on : 12/10/2015
Supporting documents received back from Sheffield on :Not yet received
Sponsor contacted by UKVI (if applicable) – NAContacted with ‘decision made’ : 25/01/2016
Contacted for Collection : 26/01/2016
Collection made : 27/01/2016
Decision of Application : Visa GrantedAlso I need to mention for people who want to change jobs – I changed my previous job on 1st December and sent the new employment contract to Sheffield, wasn’t asked but I just sent it anyway.
PS. Mrs was refused twice on a Family Visitor Visa – Reason for refusal was that ECO wasn’t satisfied that she will leave the country at the end of Visit Visa.
Read Blog Posts UK Visa & Appeal Services
UK Visa Enquiry Procedure Contact Immigration Solicitors
Related: Apply for UK Spouse Settlement Visa, Leave to Enter as a Fiance(e) or Proposed Civil Partner, Leave to Enter as the Unmarried or Same-Sex Partner, UK Settlement Visa Refused During 2006-17 | Family, Asylum, Work, Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain as Child of a Settled Parent
