Understanding UK visa processing times after biometrics is essential for planning your travel, studies, work, or family reunion in the United Kingdom. This comprehensive guide covers official Home Office processing timelines for all major visa categories, explains what happens after your biometric appointment, and outlines the priority services available for faster decisions in 2026.
Understanding UK Visa Processing Time After Biometrics in 2026
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) begins processing your visa application only after you have submitted your biometric information. The processing clock starts when you either attend your appointment at a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph, or when you verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Processing times vary significantly depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK, and the type of visa you are seeking.
What Happens After Your Biometrics Appointment?
After Biometric, What Is Next for UK Visa?
After completing your biometric appointment, your application is forwarded to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for processing. You will receive communication only when a decision has been made or if additional information is required. There is no need to contact UKVI during the published processing times.
Once you attend your biometric appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) for applications outside the UK, or a UKVCAS centre for applications inside the UK, your application enters the decision-making queue. If you used the UK Immigration: ID Check app to verify your identity, processing begins the working day after you complete your document uploads.
The stages following biometrics submission include document verification, eligibility assessment against the Immigration Rules, and security checks. An Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) will review your application and make a decision based on the evidence provided. You will receive a letter or email confirming the outcome, after which your passport will either be returned with a visa vignette or available for collection.
- Application forwarded to UKVI decision-making centre
- Documents verified and eligibility assessed
- Security and background checks conducted
- Decision made by Entry Clearance Officer
- Email or letter sent confirming outcome
- Passport returned with vignette (if approved)
UK Visa Processing Times: Applications Outside the UK
For applications submitted from outside the United Kingdom, most visa categories follow a standard 3-week processing timeline. Settlement and family visas typically take longer due to the additional scrutiny required for permanent residence pathways. The following tables show the official processing times as published by the Home Office (updated January 2026).
Visit and Study Visa Processing Times (Outside UK)
Family Visa Processing Times (Outside UK)
Work Visa Processing Times (Outside UK)
UK Visa Processing Times: Applications Inside the UK
Applications submitted from within the UK, such as visa extensions or switches between visa categories, generally take longer than out-of-country applications. The standard processing time for most in-country applications is 8 weeks after biometrics, though some categories have different timelines as shown below.
Standard Processing Times Inside the UK (2026)
*There is no official service standard for Private Life and Parent applications inside the UK. The 12-month figure represents current average processing times based on application volumes.
Priority and Super Priority Visa Services
How Long Does UK Priority Visa Take After Biometrics?
The UK Priority Visa service costs £500 and provides a decision within 5 working days for most visa categories, or within 30 working days for Family visa applications from outside the UK. The Super Priority service costs £1,000 and delivers a decision by the end of the next working day.
For applicants who need a faster decision, the Home Office offers Priority and Super Priority services at an additional cost. These expedited options are available for most work, study, and family visa applications, though availability varies by location and visa category.
Factors That Affect UK Visa Processing Time
Why Is My UK Visa Taking So Long?
UK visa applications may take longer due to incomplete information, additional evidence requirements, document verification needs, interview requirements, personal circumstances such as criminal history, high application volumes, or technical issues. UKVI will contact you if your application requires further information.
Understanding the factors that can extend your visa processing time helps you prepare a stronger application and set realistic expectations. The Home Office publishes service standards for straightforward applications, but complex cases fall outside these guidelines. If your application experiences delays beyond the published processing times, you should contact UKVI.
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Applications with missing details require additional correspondence to verify information
- Additional Evidence Required: Requests for further documentation such as financial evidence extend processing times
- Document Verification: Cross-checking supporting documents with issuing authorities takes additional time
- Interview Requirement: Some applications require an interview with a visa officer
- Personal Circumstances: Criminal convictions, immigration history, or suitability concerns require extended review
- High Visa Demand: Peak application periods can create processing backlogs
- Technical Outages: System disruptions affecting UKVI can temporarily delay processing
- Processing begins after biometrics submission, not when you submit your online application
- Most out-of-country applications take 3 weeks; family visas take 12 weeks
- In-country extensions typically take 8 weeks; ILR takes up to 6 months
- Priority (£500) and Super Priority (£1,000) services available for faster decisions
- Do not contact UKVI if your application is within published processing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
After biometric, what is next for UK visa?
After completing your biometric appointment, your application is forwarded to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for processing. Your documents will be verified, your eligibility assessed against the Immigration Rules, and security checks conducted. An Entry Clearance Officer will review your case and make a decision. You will receive an email or letter when a decision has been made, and your passport will be returned with a visa vignette if approved.
How long does UK visa processing take after biometrics in 2026?
UK visa processing times after biometrics in 2026 are: 3 weeks for most applications from outside the UK (visitor, student, work visas); 12 weeks for family visas from outside the UK; 8 weeks for most in-country applications (extensions and switches); and up to 6 months for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications. Health and Care Worker visas take 3 weeks both inside and outside the UK.
What is the UK Priority Visa processing time after biometrics?
The UK Priority Visa service costs £500 per applicant and provides a decision within 5 working days for most visa categories. For Family visa applications made from outside the UK, priority processing takes up to 30 working days. Processing may take longer if additional checks are required or if your application is not straightforward.
What is UK Super Priority Visa processing time?
The UK Super Priority Visa service costs £1,000 per applicant and aims to provide a decision by the end of the next working day after your biometric appointment. If your appointment is on a weekday, you should receive a decision by the end of the following working day. Weekend or bank holiday appointments may result in decisions within 2 working days. This service is not available for all visa types or locations.
Why is my UK visa application taking longer than the standard processing time?
Your UK visa application may take longer due to: incomplete or inaccurate information requiring clarification; requests for additional evidence such as financial documents; document verification with issuing authorities; interview requirements; personal circumstances such as criminal convictions or previous immigration issues; high application volumes; or technical system outages. UKVI will contact you within published processing times if your application requires additional time.
Can I stay in the UK while my visa extension is being processed?
Yes, if you applied to extend your visa before your current visa expired, you are protected by Section 3C Leave. This means you can legally remain in the UK under the same conditions as your previous visa while UKVI processes your application. This protection continues until a final decision is made on your application, including any appeal rights.
When should I contact UKVI about my visa application?
You should only contact UKVI if your application has exceeded the published processing times and you have not been contacted about any delays. There is no need to contact UKVI while your application is within the standard processing timeframe, as they will not be able to provide status updates. If your application is delayed, UKVI will contact you to explain the reasons and request any additional information needed.
What is the difference between UK visa processing times inside and outside the UK?
Applications from outside the UK generally process faster, with most visa categories taking 3 weeks compared to 8 weeks for in-country applications. Family visas take 12 weeks from outside the UK but only 8 weeks for standard partner/spouse applications inside the UK. The exception is Health and Care Worker visas, which take 3 weeks regardless of location. ILR applications can only be made from inside the UK and take up to 6 months.
For the most up-to-date information on UK visa processing times, applicants should check the official Home Office guidance or use the online processing time checker to see when a decision can be expected on your specific application. Professional immigration solicitors can assist with complex applications where timing is critical.