uk visit visa processing time from australia

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Visas and entry clearance

Visa processing times: applications outside the UK

Check how quickly you’ll receive a decision on your UK visa application if you are applying from outside the UK.

You are not required to book any travel before you apply or before a decision is made on your application.

You should allow enough time before you plan travel to make a visa application. You will only receive a refund of your application fee if we have not started to process your application.

You may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa application.

When your application processing time starts

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) starts processing your application once you either:

verify your identity and submit your documents and application online using the UK Immigration: ID Check app . We’ll tell you if you can use this

attend your appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information)

Applications made in the USA

If you make an appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) , you must then send your passport and documents to the VFS processing hub in New York.

If you make an appointment at a VFS premium Application Centre to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information), you can submit your passport and supporting documents at that location.

In both cases, the processing time starts when VFS receive your application.

When your application processing time ends

You’ll get a letter or email to let you know that a decision has been made on your application .

If you attended a visa application centre, you should not visit one until you have been contacted to do so.

You do not need to contact UKVI to track your application if you’ve already made a visa application and it is still within the current processing times.

When you might wait longer

Your visa application may take longer to process if, for example:

• the information in your application is not accurate or requires further consideration
• you need to provide further evidence, for example evidence of funds
• your supporting documents need to be verified
• you need to attend an interview
• further information is required on your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
• UKVI is experiencing increased visa demand

You will be contacted by a letter or email if we need more information on your visa application.

Current processing times

The processing times listed below are based on the current volume of visa applications.

All UK processing times are measured against agreed customer service standards .

Visit visas

Study visas, family visas, ukraine visas, popular work visas, temporary work visas, work visas you can apply for without a job offer, work visas to start a business, work visas for an overseas employer, other visas and permits.

Amended processing time on the Ukraine visas.

Clarified the information about short term study visas.

Updated family visa processing times structure.

First published.

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UK Visa Processing Times (Latest from UKVI)

Anne morris.

• 26 February 2024

IN THIS SECTION

The length of time it takes for your application to be processed can be an important factor in deciding when to apply and when to make travel arrangements. But UK visa processing times vary considerably, depending on factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the country or Embassy where the application is made and the applicant’s own individual circumstances and eligibility.

Visa applicants are advised to take guidance on the current processing timescales for their specific type of application.

UK visa processing times

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the Home Office department responsible for the UK’s visa system.

The processing date is typically counted from when the applicant has attended their visa appointment and submitted their biometric information, or as soon as ID checks have been completed and the application is submitted using UKVI’s visa processing app.

Processing times for in-country applications are as follows (correct as at the date of publishing):

Priority & fast-track services

Priority service and super priority services for applications being made from outside the UK are available for work, business and family visa routes.

Where available, priority processing allows applicants for certain work and settlement routes such as the Skilled Worker visa to pay an additional fee for fast-tracked processing. Priority processing provides a decision within 5 working days, while super-priority is for a decision by the end of the next working day

Priority processing is only available to certain applicants, notably those proving their identity by attending an appointment at a UKVCAS centre or those using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app . If available to you, you will be notified when making your application and given the option to purchase faster processing.

The fees for priority and super-priority processing are as follows:

Priority processing times for Certificate of Sponsorship requests & Changes of Circumstances

Priority processing remains available to A’ rated sponsors for fast-tracked CoS allocation and other Change of Circumstances requests, for a fee of £200 per application. The priority requests are generally processed within 5 working days.

What is the difference between UKVCAS and Home Office processing?

One factor that may affect the UK visa processing time is whether the application has to be made through UKVCAS .

UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service) was introduced in November 2018 to handle certain UK visa, settlement and citizenship applications made be applicants already in the UK.

You will be advised when making your application if you must go through UKVCAS in order for your application to be processed.

How might the time of year and other factors affect your UK visa processing time?

There are other factors that may affect the processing time of your UK visa application. These include:

Caseload Summer is generally the busiest time for UKVI, and other factors such as Home Office priorities may impact processing.

Where you apply from The country that you apply for your UK visa from may affect the processing time for several reasons, including the relationship and arrangements between the UK and your country, the administrative systems within each country, current conditions within either country, endorsing documents from your country or finding their equivalent in the UK, whether that country is part of the EEA and so on.

It is always advised to check with the UK embassy or consulate in your country for any such issues that could lead to visa processing delays.

Insufficient or incorrect information If your application includes incorrect information or the documentation you supply is insufficient, the processing time may be longer than expected if UKVI suspend processing to request further information from you in order to make a decision.

The best way to avoid this is to check your application thoroughly and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to hand before you apply.

What are the different types of UK visa applications?

The type of UK visa that you apply for will be the main deciding factor in how long it takes to process your UK visa application. The UK visa that you choose will depend on your reason for visiting the UK and how long you wish to stay.

Work in the UK

There are many types of short-term and long-term work visas including:

• Skilled worker visa
• Temporary worker visas
• Global Business Mobility visas
• Domestic workers in a private household visas
• Sportsperson visa
• Graduate route
• High Potential Individual visa
• Global Talent visa
• Scale up visa
• Innovator Founder visa

Each type of visa will carry its own eligibility, conditions and application requirements.

The Skilled Worker visa , for instance, is open to non-UK residents with a job offer from a licensed sponsor for skilled employment in the UK.

The processing time for the Skilled Worker visa is generally no longer than 3 weeks once the applicant has attended their appointment.

Holiday, family visit or business trip

The Standard Visitor visa is generally suitable for tourism, holidays, visiting and to receive short-term medical treatment. It replaces:

• Business visitor and prospective entrepreneur visas
• Family visitor visa
• Child visitor visa
• Sports and entertainer visitor visas
• Private medical treatment visitor visa
• Approved destination status visa
• General visitor visa

Under the standard visitor visa, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

Your application for a Standard Visitor visa should be made no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK, and it will generally take no more than 3 weeks for the visa application to be processed and a decision made after your appointment.

Under current processing times, visitor visa applications from outside the UK are taking six weeks instead of the usual three.

Studying in the UK

Should you wish to study in the UK, there are 3 visas available for this purpose, depending on your individual situation:

• A short-term study visa is suitable for a 6 month stay in the UK to attend a course. For students over 16 who wish to attend an English language course, it may be possible to use a Short-term study visa for a stay of up to 11 months.
• A general study visa is suitable for a longer course of study in the UK as long as the student has a confirmed place on a course and is sponsored by a licensed university or college.
• 4 to 17 years old wishing to study at an independent school should apply for a child student visa .

Apply for the appropriate student visa no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK. Once you have attended your appointment, it will generally take no more than 3 weeks to receive a decision.

Entrepreneurs & investors

The primary route for people coming to the UK to set up or run a business is the Innovator Founder visa.  While no up-front investment is required under this route, there are many eligibility criteria that will need to be satisfied by both the applicant and the business. Endorsement will also be required before the visa application can be made.

Processing for business visas can take longer than other categories due to the complexity of the application documentation and evidence. Again, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

Joining family in the UK

The Family visa will generally allow you to join certain family members who already live in the UK if you wish to remain in the country for more than 6 months, such as spouses. You may also consider a dependant visa .

If the visa application is made from outside the UK, the processing time will generally take up to 24 weeks.

To get married in the UK

If you intend to visit the UK to get married, you should generally apply for a Marriage Visitor visa . This visa is also suitable for civil partnership ceremonies in the UK.

This visa doesn’t allow you to remain or settle in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership ceremony.

Processing, once an appointment has been attended, should ordinarily take no more than 3 weeks.

Travelling through the UK

There are two types of Transit visa . If you will be passing through UK border control and staying in the UK no more than 48 hours, then you should apply for a Visitor in Transit visa. If you will not pass through UK border control, then you should apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa.

If you will be staying in the UK for longer than 48 hours, it will be necessary to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

Need assistance?

At DavidsonMorris we have the experience to advise you on the most appropriate UK visa for your circumstances and have the insight to make the process as smooth as possible.

As a team of immigration lawyers and former Home Office employees, we have an established reputation for effective and efficient management and processing of visa applications, and for providing expert visa-related advice to suit your needs. Contact us for advice.

Last updated: 26 February 2024

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Immigration & Societal Contributions
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ A Guide to the Study Visa UK System
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ The Principles of Immigration Sponsorship
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ The UK Points Based System: A Guide

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

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Guidance: Visa processing times: applications outside the UK

Uk visas immigration.

You are not required to book any travel before you apply or before a decision is made on your application.

You should allow enough time before you plan travel to make a visa application. You will only receive a refund of your application fee if we have not started to process your application.

You may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa application.

When your application processing time starts

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) starts processing your application once you either:

verify your identity and submit your documents and application online using the UK Immigration: ID Check app . Well tell you if you can use this

attend your appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information)

Applications made in the USA

If you make an appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) , you must then send your passport and documents to the VFS processing hub in New York.

If you make an appointment at a VFS premium Application Centre to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information), you can submit your passport and supporting documents at that location.

In both cases, the processing time starts when VFS receive your application.

When your application processing time ends

Youll get a letter or email to let you know that a decision has been made on your application .

If you attended a visa application centre, you should not visit one until you have been contacted to do so.

You do not need to contact UKVI to track your application if youve already made a visa application and it is still within the current processing times.

When you might wait longer

Your visa application may take longer to process if, for example:

• the information in your application is not accurate or requires further consideration
• you need to provide further evidence, for example evidence of funds
• your supporting documents need to be verified
• you need to attend an interview
• further information is required on your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
• UKVI is experiencing increased visa demand

You will be contacted by a letter or email if we need more information on your visa application.

Current processing times

The processing times listed below are based on the current volume of visa applications.

All UK processing times are measured against agreed customer service standards .

Visit visas

Study visas, family visas, ukraine visas, popular work visas, temporary work visas, work visas you can apply for without a job offer, work visas to start a business.

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When applying for a UK visa from overseas, in most cases you will need to attend an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC).

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) runs a network of UK VACs overseas which are managed by commercial partners. In Australia, visa centres are run by VFS Global , with service points in seven locations across the country. Due to local COVID-19 restrictions, some UK VACs in Australia are subject to temporary closures and reduced operating hours, therefore securing an appointment may be more difficult than usual at the present time.

To help keep our clients informed of any expected service disruptions, Smith Stone Walters recently reached out to VFS Global to request an update on the current service availability at Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Australia.

Following our enquiry, a spokesperson at VFS has confirmed that priority service is currently suspended for all non-settlement visa applications across Australia until further notice. However, the priority service is still available for settlement applications.

With this in mind, visa applicants and their employers should be prepared to factor in the Home Office’s standard visa processing times when planning their move to the UK whilst priority processing remains unavailable.

UK visa centres in Australia

There are seven UK VACs in Australia, in the following locations:

Customers should note that due to local COVID regulations, the centre in Hobart will be closed until further notice. All other centres remain open, but may be operating with reduced opening hours. An up to date schedule and opening hours for VACs in Australia can be found here .

Applicants are advised to check the VFS Global website for the latest updates on their local VAC before travelling to an appointment.

Priority services in Australia

Although the priority service is currently suspended for non-settlement applications, those submitting settlement applications can still take advantage of this service.

Under standard processing times for settlement applications made outside the UK, the Home Office aims to process 98.5% of applications within 12 weeks, and 100% within 24 weeks of the application date. If you would like to settle in the UK and need a settlement or migration visa in a hurry, you can use the Settlement Priority Visa service. Your application will be at the front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process.

The cost to use the Settlement Priority Visa service in Australia is AUD 1,126. Under Priority processing times, UKVI aims to make a decision on your settlement application within 30 working days from the date you submit your biometric information.

The cost of the Priority service is in addition to your visa application fee and is non-refundable if the visa application is refused or if it takes longer to process. Using the Settlement Priority Visa service does not guarantee that your application will be successful, and all visa applicants must meet the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules.

How will the suspension impact visa applicants in Australia

Those planning to submit a non-settlement application (such as an application for a Skilled Worker or ICT visa) from Australia should be aware of the standard processing times whilst the priority service is unavailable for this type of submission.

Typically, when applying for a visa from outside the UK, you should receive a decision within three weeks once you have attended an appointment at a VAC. However, it may take longer to get a decision if the Home Office needs to request further details or if you need to attend an interview.

Applying for a UK visa from Australia?

If you are submitting a UK visa or settlement application from Australia and require assistance with the process, Smith Stone Walters can help.

Our qualified immigration consultants based in our Hong Kong office cover the entire APAC region and can provide advice and practical support with your application at a time to suit you. To speak to a member of the team about your case, please contact us today .

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Travelling to Australia from the UK: Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

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UK: UK Visa Processing & Decision Waiting Times

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has published service standards for waiting times for decisions on visa and immigration applications. UKVI also publishes up-to-date information on current processing times for visa and immigration applications submitted both within the UK and outside the UK.

In this post we take an in-depth look at UK visa processing times, including the Home Office service standards for waiting times, current Home Office visa processing times, options for securing a faster decision on a visa or immigration application and how to challenge a delay in the processing of a UK visa or immigration application. We also answer some frequently asked questions relating to UKVI visa processing times and look at some of the factors to consider when timing an immigration application.

UKVI Visa Processing Standard Processing Times

If a UK visa application includes all relevant information and supporting documents (and the Home Office does not need to request further evidence or explanation) then the following waiting time customer service standards should apply:

• Non-settlement visa applications submitted outside the UK: 90% to be decided within 3 weeks; 98% within 6 weeks and 100% within 12 weeks of the application date (where 1 week is 5 working days);
• Settlement visa applications submitted outside the UK: 98.5% of settlement applications to be decided within 12 weeks of the application date and 100% within 24 weeks of the application date (where 1 week is 5 working days);
• Applications for leave to remain submitted within the UK, including as spouses, workers and students: 8 weeks to be decided;
• Applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) submitted within the UK: 6 months to be decided;
• Applications for no time limit (NTL) submitted within the UK: 6 months to be decided;
• Organisations seeking to sponsor a worker: 8 weeks;
• Organisations updating their sponsor licence details: 18 weeks.

The processing time standard for applications submitted via the priority service and super-priority service is 5 workings days and the next working day respectively, where these services are available (see further below). Applications for a sponsor licence submitted via the pre-licence priority sponsor licence service should be decided within 10 working days.

These service standards are the visa processing times that UKVI aims to deliver on for the processing of straightforward, complete applications, based on its customer charter . Actual UK visa processing times can vary considerably.

What Factors Affect UK Visa Processing Times?

There are a number of factors which can delay UK visa processing times including:

• The complexity of the case, for example if it involves an assessment of Article 8 ECHR rights or derivative rights of EEA extended family members;
• Concerns regarding suitability requirements such as criminality;
• Consideration of any adverse immigration history;
• Any concerns regarding the authenticity of documents;
• The volume of documents provided;
• Whether further investigations are required or an interview scheduled;
• The capacity of caseworkers; and
• The time of the year.

There is no published service standard for waiting times for more complex applications and UKVI has a wide margin of appreciation with regard to the timing of their decisions.

Home Office decision-making is sometimes delayed. In the last couple of years, many UK visa applicants have experienced extended waiting times during the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, as we outline below, decisions on some UK visa applications are being delayed again as the Home Office seeks to prioritise Ukraine Visa Scheme applications in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine.

To discuss your UK visa or immigration application with one of our immigration barristers, call us on 0203 617 9173 or complete the enquiry form below.

What Are the Current Home Office UK Visa Processing Times?

The Home Office publishes visa decision waiting times for applications submitted outside and inside the UK. From this information it is possible to ascertain approximately how long it should take for a pending visa application to be decided.

The information provided below assumes that the application has, or will be, submitted via the standard service and that a priority service or super-priority service, where available (see further below), has not been used.

Work in the UK

The UK offers a range of sponsored and non-sponsored work and business immigration routes, including:

• Long Term Work Visas (including Skilled Worker , International Sportsperson and Minister of Religion )
• Short Term Work Visas (including Creative Worker )
• Business Visas (including Innovator )
• Global Business Mobility Visas (including Senior or Specialist Worker )
• Talent Visas

You can apply for a UK work visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK.

According to Home Office service standards, applicants applying for a work visa from overseas in any of the above-mentioned categories should normally receive a decision on their application within 3 weeks.

However, the Home Office is currently advising that applications for work visas in the above routes submitted from outside the UK may take longer to be processed than the published standard processing time. The Home Office has not published an up-to-date average processing time for work visa applications, but is advising that it is prioritising Ukraine Visa Scheme applications.

The standard processing time for an application to switch into or extend a stay in the UK on a work visa route is 8 weeks. This service standard is currently being met in practice. Applications to switch into a Start-up visa and to switch into or extend a Health and Care Worker visa are generally being processed within 3 weeks currently.

If you are applying for settlement on a work or business route you should usually receive a decision within 6 months.

Join or Stay With Family in the UK

You can apply for a family visa to live in the UK with your British or settled family member as a:

• Civil Partner
• Unmarried Partner
• Proposed civil partner
• Adult dependent relative

Applications for partner and family visas can be submitted up to 3 months before the intended date of travel.

The published service standard for deciding an application from outside the UK to settle in the UK as the spouse, partner or family member of a British citizen or settled person is 12 weeks. However, the Home Office is currently advising that applications for family visas submitted from outside the UK may take up to 24 weeks to process whilst it prioritises Ukraine Visa Scheme applications.

An application from within the UK to switch into or extend as a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, child or adult dependent relative should still be processed within 8 weeks.

If you are applying for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit , the Home Office is currently advising that you will receive a decision as soon as possible after proving your identity and providing your documents.

There are no standard processing times for applications submitted as a partner, parent or on the basis of private life (10-year routes or 5-year parent route to settlement). The average wait time for a decision on a private life application is currently 11 months.

If you are applying for settlement you should usually receive a decision within 6 months.

Visit the UK

The UK offers a range of Short Stay Visit Visas , for purposes such as:

• Visiting friends, family and/or for a short holiday ;
• Short-term unpaid business activity ;
• Unpaid creative activities ;
• Short courses of study or research ;
• Unpaid sporting activities ;
• Receiving private medical treatment ;
• Marriage or civil partnership in the UK ;

Applications for a UK visit visa can be submitted up to 3 months before the intended date of travel.

Visitor visa applications submitted from outside the UK are currently taking an average of 6 weeks to process. This is longer than the 3-week service standard.

Most visitors cannot extend their stay from within the UK, but if you are a patient receiving medical treatment, an academic who still meets the eligibility requirements or a graduate doing a clinical attachment or retaking the PLAB test and you wish to extend as a visitor then you should usually receive a decision within 8 weeks.

Visitors are not eligible to apply for settlement.

Study in the UK

The Student visa is for individuals who are aged 16 or over and who wish to study on a further or higher education course in the UK. The Child Student visa route is for children aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK, which is a Home Office approved student sponsor. The Short-term Student visa is a route for persons aged 16 and over who want to study an English language course in the UK for between 6 and 11 months without a student sponsor but at an accredited institution.

If applying from outside the UK, applications for UK Student visas can be submitted up to 6 months before the start date of the course. The customer service standard for receiving a decision is 3 weeks.

The Home Office is advising that applications for study visas in all of the above routes submitted from outside the UK may currently take longer to be processed than the published standard 3 week processing time. The Home Office has not published an average processing time, but has advised that it is prioritising Ukraine Visa Scheme applications.

If applying from inside the UK to switch into or extend a Student or Child Student visa, an application for permission to stay can be submitted up to 3 months before the start date of the course. The customer service standard for receiving a decision on such an application is 8 weeks and decisions are currently being made within this timeframe.

Students are not eligible to apply for settlement.

Hong Kong British National (Overseas)

The Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa is an immigration route for Hong Kong British National (Overseas) citizens to live, work and study in the UK. The Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa is an immigration route for adult children (aged 18 or over) of a BN(O) Status Holder or a BN(O) Status Holder's partner, born on or after 1 July 1997, to live, work and study in the UK.

If you apply for a Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder visa or Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member visa from overseas then you should receive a decision within 12 weeks. The same processing time currently applies to applications to extend a Hong Kong BN(O) visa from within the UK.

If you are applying for settlement on the Hong Kong BN(O) route you should usually receive a decision within 6 months.

UK Ancestry

If you are a Commonwealth citizen and have a grandparent who was born in the UK, you may be able to live and work in the UK on the basis of your UK Ancestry. A UK Ancestry visa can only be obtained from outside the UK.

If you are applying for a UK Ancestry visa you should receive a decision within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre. If you apply to extend an Ancestry visa from within the UK then you should usually receive a decision within 8 weeks.

Returning Residents

If you are a non-UK citizen and are not currently in the UK, but have previously been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you may be eligible to return to the UK for settlement on the basis of a returning resident visa. When you apply for a Returning Resident visa from overseas you should normally receive a decision within 3 weeks currently.

Our immigration barristers assist individuals and businesses across the globe to prepare and submit successful UK visa and immigration applications. Call us on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below to find out more.

UK Visa Decision Waiting Times: Frequently Asked Questions

When does the uk visa application processing time start and end.

For UK visa applications submitted outside the UK, visa processing time will start from either the date you provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre or, if eligible, the date you verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. The waiting time will end on the date when you receive an email with a decision on your application.

For a UK immigration application submitted from within the UK, the waiting time will generally start from the date when you submit your application online. An exception is made for Graduate Immigration Route applications, where the waiting time starts from the date when the applicant attends an appointment at a visa service centre or submits their documents using the UK Immigration ID Check app. In all in-country cases the waiting time will end on the date when you receive either a letter or email with a decision.

The service standard does not include the time taken to issue you with your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You will usually receive your BRP within 7 working days after a decision has been made on your application. If you do not receive a BRP you can report it .

Will My Dependents' Visas Be Processed Within the Same Time Frame?

Dependent visas should be processed within the same time frame as the main applicant's visa and dependents should receive their decision at the same time. Dependent visas will not be issued before the main applicant has received their decision. Where a dependent applies after the main applicant has received a positive decision, this may shorten the time to receive an outcome.

Can I Get a Faster Decision on My UK Visa Application?

UK Visas & Immigration offers a 'priority service' and a 'super priority service' for applicants who, for an additional fee, wish to receive a faster decision on their UK visa application. Selecting one of these premium services will ensure that an application is placed at the front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process.

Eligible applicants who apply via the priority service should receive a decision within 5 working days of their appointment at the visa application centre (for overseas applicants) or within 5 working days of either the day of their appointment at a UKVCAS appointment centre or the working day after having finished uploading documents if using the UK Immigration: ID Check app (for in-country applicants).

Eligible applicants who apply via the super priority service should receive a decision by the end of the next working day after their appointment at the visa application centre (for overseas applicants) or their appointment at a UKVCAS appointment centre (for in-country applicants) or within 2 working days if the appointment is at the weekend. In-country applicants cannot use the super-priority service if applying using the UK Immigration: ID Check App to confirm their identity.

However, the Home Office has announced that both priority and super priority visa services are currently temporarily suspended for new study, work and family visa applications submitted outside the UK whilst it prioritises Ukraine Visa Scheme applications. This suspension has been in place since 14 March 2022.

The priority and super priority services are currently both still available to applicants who are applying for leave to remain and settlement in eligible routes from within the UK.

Overseas applicants should check with their visa application centre to see if the priority visa service or super priority visa service is available in the country they are applying from for their application type.

Applicants applying from within the UK can check the eligible visa and settlement application tables to confirm whether the type of application they are making is eligible for either the priority 5 working day or super priority next working day service (note that there are separate tables for switching/extending applications and settlement applications).

Priority and super-priority services may not be appropriate for complex applications which cannot be processed expeditiously. In these cases, your application will be put at the front of the queue at each decision-making stage, but a decision may exceed the priority and super-priority timescales.

These premium services should also be considered carefully when making extension applications or switching categories where there is a risk of refusal. Specialist advice should be sought to ensure that complex applications are timed strategically and sensibly.

Can I Stay in the UK While Waiting for a Decision on My Immigration Application?

If you applied from within the UK before your last leave expired then you will be able to stay in the UK until you receive a decision from the Home Office, even if a decision is delayed.

Can I Travel Outside the UK While My In-Country Application Is Being Processed?

If you have submitted a visa application from within the UK, the general rule is that you must not travel outside the UK while waiting for an immigration decision. If you leave the UK, your immigration application will be treated as withdrawn and you will not be able to request a refund of your application fee.

You may travel outside of the UK if you have submitted a naturalisation application or have applied for the EU Settlement Scheme.

• Travel outside the UK while waiting for an immigration decision

What Can I Do if a Decision Is Not Made in Time or I Need an Urgent Decision?

If UKVI is not able to process your visa application in time, due to its complexity for example, you should receive a letter explaining the reasons and what will happen next. This letter should be received within the standard processing time.

If you do not receive an update from the Home Office, you can contact them directly (by phone, in writing or both) to request an update on your application status.

You may wish to consider providing evidence of how the delay is impacting you, for example if you do not have a right to work or study. If there is an urgency or the standard processing time has passed it is possible to ask for the matter to be escalated as a priority.

If you paid for a priority or super-priority service and a decision has not been made within the standard processing time then you may also be able to request a refund of the priority or super-priority service fee.

When making enquiries, always take care to make clear that you are not intending to withdraw your application.

Additionally you may also consider making a formal written complaint to UKVI. The complaint process can take up to 20 working days.

You may also consider contacting your local MP .

Please note that UKVI has a discretion to treat incomplete applications, for example those that do not include all mandatory documents, outside of the standard service processing times.

How Can I Challenge Home Office Delay in Deciding My Application?

If there is still no response then you may consider a further legal avenue of challenge. There is no right of appeal when there is no decision, but you may consider judicial review proceedings as a way to ask a judge to review the failure of the Home Office to act and make a decision.

If this is a route you wish to consider then you will need to ensure that you have evidence of all stages of your attempts to obtain a decision. Keeping a written record and details of any Home Office 'ticket' numbers you are provided is highly recommended. The steps you have taken to obtain a decision and the reasons why one is required will be relevant considerations.

Before commencing proceedings you will need to follow a pre-action protocol process. This will give UKVI the opportunity to consider the position before you commence proceedings.

Judicial review proceedings can be legally complex, costly and time consuming. You may wish to consider seeking legal advice before commencing any proceedings.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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Popular Australian visas: Current processing times for 2023/2024

• Citizenship
• Immigration
• Study Abroad

You want to move to Australia and you need to complete your visa application. The problem is, you don’t know how long it’s going to take. Here are some of the general visa processing time frames for popular Australian visas.

Nov 24, 2023 by Telerik.Sitefinity.DynamicTypes.Model.SableTeamMembers.Member

There is no exact answer when it comes to Australian visa processing times, they are constantly in flux and there is no way of knowing exactly how long it will be before you get an answer on your visa. These times are guidelines set out by the Australian government and are subject to change.

Government prioritising "on-hand" visa applications

The Australian government has stated that it is working to reduce the time it takes to finalise visa applications by increasing the number of staff processing applications. They are currently prioritising applications lodged by people outside of Australia, including Temporary Skilled, Student and Visitor visas.

Visa processing times from fastest to slowest

The Australian Department of Home Affairs updates its site with the full list of visa processing times  monthly. These times are averages as the time period can change based on application volume, seasonal peaks and complex cases.

The Australian migration skill stream

If you are looking to immigrate to Australia , these are work and study visa options to fill shortages in the Australian labour market.

The processing times are:

See also: A guide to Australian work visas

The Australian migration family stream and visitor visas

These are residential visas to reunite Australian citizens and permanent residents with loved ones from other countries. The processing times are:

Factors that influence visa processing times

There are many circumstances that can affect how long your Australian visa takes to get processed. These include factors such as:

• Whether your visa application is complete and all the supporting documentation is included
• The time taken to respond to Australian Home Affairs’ requests for additional information
• How long it takes to receive information from external agencies. This includes, but is not limited to, health tests, character tests, and national security requirements
• How many places are available in the migration programme

How we can help you move to Australia

Don’t know what supporting documentation you need to include in your Australian visa application? Want to know more about a visa not on our list above? We’re here to help. Hiring us means hiring a business with over 20 years of immigration and nationality experience who treats every case on an individual basis.

We have offices in Cape Town, Melbourne, and London to help you navigate this complicated time in history.

Considering the move to Australia? If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected] or by calling +27 (0) 21 657 1526.

Our registered migration agents can offer you expert advice and representation for moving to and gaining permanent residency in australia., you can also take our free australian visa assessment ..

We are a professional services company that specialises in cross-border financial and immigration advice and solutions.

Our teams in the UK, South Africa and Australia can ensure that when you decide to move overseas, invest offshore or expand your business internationally, you'll do so with the backing of experienced local experts.