This blog contains information on visa decision waiting times for applications outside and inside the UK in 2023.
The UK visa processing and decision waiting time depends on individual’s circumstances. Visa applicants are advised to read Home Office 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 UK visa processing times starts from the appointment of your biometrics.
Priority & fast-track Premium services
Priority service and super priority services for applications being made from outside and inside the UK are available for work, business and family visa routes.
UK Visa Processing Times For ILR Applications
Applicants who have submitted a settlement application, can expect to receive a decision within 6 months after biometrics.
UK Visa Processing Times For Spouse Visas
The standard spouse visa UK processing time in 2023 is currently 3 months (on average). However, the decision making time may vary depending on individual’s case.
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)
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.
- Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK
- Visa decision waiting times: applications inside the UK
Current UK Visa processing times from outside the uK in 2023
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
| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Permitted Paid Engagement | 3 weeks |
| Marriage Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Chinese tour group | 3 weeks |
| Transit | 3 weeks |
Study visas
| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Student | 3 weeks |
| Child Student | 3 weeks |
| Study English in the UK: Short-term student (6 to 11 month English language courses) | 3 weeks |
Family visas
| Category | Processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Partner or spouse | 24 weeks | |
| Parent | 24 weeks | |
| Child | 24 weeks | |
| Adult coming to be cared for by a relative | 24 weeks | |
| Homes for Ukraine | As quickly as possible | |
| Ukraine Family Scheme | As quickly as possible |
Popular work visas
| Category | Processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 3 weeks | |
| Health and Care Worker | 3 weeks |
Temporary work visas
| Category | Processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Government Authorised Exchange | 3 weeks | |
| Charity Worker | 3 weeks | |
| Creative Worker | 3 weeks | |
| International Agreement | 3 weeks | |
| Seasonal Worker | 3 weeks | |
| Religious Worker | 3 weeks |
Work visas you can apply for without a job offer
| Category | Processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Global Talent | 3 weeks | |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | 3 weeks | |
| India Young Professionals Scheme visa | 3 weeks | |
| UK Ancestry | 3 weeks | |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) | 3 weeks |
Work visas to start a business
| Category | Processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Innovator Founder | 3 weeks | |
| Start-up | 3 weeks |
Work visas for an overseas employer
| Category | Processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas Domestic Worker | 3 weeks | |
| Graduate Trainee | 3 weeks | |
| Secondment Worker | 3 weeks | |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | 3 weeks | |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | 3 weeks | |
| Service Supplier | 3 weeks | |
| UK Expansion Worker | 3 weeks |
Other visas and permits
| Category | Processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| British National (Overseas) | 12 weeks | |
| International Sportsperson | 3 weeks | |
| Minister of Religion | 3 weeks | |
| Scale-up Worker | 3 weeks |
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 In 2023 from inside the UK
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 visa
| Category | processing time |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor | 8 weeks |
Study visas
| Category | processing time |
|---|---|
| Student | 8 weeks |
| Child Student | 8 weeks |
Family visas
| Category | processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Partner or spouse (meeting minimum income and English language requirements) | 8 weeks | |
| Partner or spouse – private life (minimum income and English language not required) | 12 months | |
| Parent | 12 months | |
| Child | 8 weeks | |
| Adult coming to be cared for by a relative | 8 weeks | |
| Homes for Ukraine | As quickly as possible | |
| Ukraine Family Scheme | As quickly as possible | |
| Ukraine Extension Scheme | As quickly as possible |
Popular work visas
| Category | processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 8 weeks | |
| Health and Care Worker | 3 weeks |
Temporary work visas
| Category | processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Government Authorised Exchange | 8 weeks | |
| Charity Worker | 8 weeks | |
| Creative Worker | 8 weeks | |
| International Agreement | 8 weeks | |
| Religious Worker | 8 weeks |
Work visas you can apply for without a job offer
| Category | processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Global Talent | 8 weeks | |
| Graduate | 8 weeks | |
| Overseas Domestic Worker | 8 weeks | |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) | 8 weeks | |
| India Young Professionals Scheme | 3 weeks | |
| UK Ancestry | 8 weeks |
Work visas to start a business
| Category | processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Innovator Founder | 8 weeks | |
| Start-up | 3 weeks |
Work visas for an overseas employer
| Category | processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas Domestic Worker | 8 weeks | |
| Secondment Worker | 8 weeks | |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | 8 weeks | |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | 8 weeks | |
| Service Supplier | 8 weeks | |
| UK Expansion Worker | 8 weeks |
Other visas and permits
| Category | processing time | |
|---|---|---|
| British National (Overseas) | 12 weeks | |
| Entrepreneur | 8 weeks | |
| International Sportsperson | 8 weeks | |
| Investor | 8 weeks | |
| Minister of Religion | 8 weeks | |
| Scale-up Worker | 8 weeks | |
| Turkish Businessperson | 6 months | |
| Turkish Worker | 6 months |
When you might wait longer
Your visa application may take longer to process, 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.
