Visa processing times: applications outside the UK

When to apply for a visa
You should allow enough time before you make a visa application.
You are not required to book any travel before you apply or before a decision is made on your 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)
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 VAC and left your passport, you should not return to the VAC until you have been contacted.
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. We will not be able to provide information on the status of your application.
Watch our video on understanding 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
there is an unexpected technical outage affecting visa systems
You will be contacted within the current processing times if your application will take longer.
If your application has taken longer than the current processing times and you haven’t been contacted by UKVI about your visa application, you should
contact UKVI
.
Current processing times
The processing times listed below are based on the current volume of visa applications. The processing times are different if you paid for a
faster decision
.
Processing times are based on the UK working week (Monday to Friday) and include public holidays in the UK. They do not include public holidays in other countries.
All UK processing times are measured against agreed
customer service standards
.
If you applied to visit, study or work in the UK, use the online service to
check your visa processing time
. This will tell you when you can expect a decision.
Visit visas
Category
Processing time
Standard Visitor
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
12 weeks
Parent
12 weeks
Child
12 weeks
Adult coming to be cared for by a relative
12 weeks
Ukraine visas
Category
Processing time
Homes for Ukraine
3 weeks
Work visas
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
Returning Resident visa
3 weeks
Scale-up Worker
3 weeks