• UK Visa Processing Times

UK Visa Processing Times

The table below provides an overview of approximate waiting times for UK visa applications.

The processing times shown are not fixed and can be impacted by a range of factors, including the current workload and staffing levels of UK Visas and Immigration and the unique circumstances of each particular applicant. Applications may therefore be accepted or rejected quicker or slower than the indicated timeframe.

Some applications for visas or settlement—including Family Visas and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—may be eligible for a priority or super priority service, which guarantees a decision within days rather than weeks or months in exchange for payment of an additional fee. For more details or to check if you might be eligible to get a quicker decision, please book an appointment with our qualified immigration solicitors.

Visa CategoryVisa TypeDecision usually within
Work VisasGlobal Talent Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Charity Worker Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Creative Worker Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Graduate Visa8 weeks
Graduate Trainee Visa3 weeks
Health & Care Worker Visa3 weeks
High Potential Individual Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Overseas Domestic Worker Visa3 weeks
Representative of an Overseas Business Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Scale-up Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Seasonal Worker Visa3 weeks
Secondment Worker Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Service Supplier Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Skilled Worker Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
UK Expansion Worker Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Business VisasInnovator Founder Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Permitted Paid Engagements3 weeks
Start-up Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Study VisasShort-term Study Visa3 weeks
Child Student Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Student Visa3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
Visitor VisasStandard Visitor Visa3 weeks
Long-term Standard Visitor Visa3 weeks
Other VisasAncestry Visa3 weeks
British National (Overseas) Visa12 weeks
Family Visas8 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

24 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)
India Young Professionals Scheme VisaBallot results issued within 2 weeks of it closing.

Visa decisions issued within 3 weeks of application.
Marriage Visa3 weeks
Transit Visa3 weeks
Youth Mobility Scheme3 weeks
Long-term settlementIndefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)1-6 months
UK Citizenship1-6 months

VisaEnvoy is a truly international migration firm providing relocation solutions to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US.

We recognise that there are a range of visa options and a variety of immigration solicitors to choose from. We take pride in understanding our clients and their needs so that we can help them apply for the right visa for their unique circumstances.

VisaEnvoy’s main offices are located in Melbourne, Australia, but we work with colleagues around the world to provide reputable, trustworthy and professional service to our clients wherever they are and wherever they wish to go. We hold ourselves to the highest professional standards and abide by the relevant migration agents’ code of conduct in the jurisdictions in which we operate.

If you would like to know more about VisaEnvoy, our agents and the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

For individual or corporate visa enquiries, we recommend booking an appointment.

Book a visa consultation or check your eligibility

Neveen Galal

Neveen is a UK Immigration Solicitor with over 20 years experience in UK Immigration Law. She represents corporate and individual clients seeking assistance with any visa category to the UK. Neveen is a graduate of Westminster University, from which she was awarded the 2021 Westminster Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award.

Neveen’s rapid career trajectory saw her progress at pace from paralegal to Head of Department level, and then to earning a place on her firm’s Board of Directors by the age of 28. This achievement was recognised by Who’s Who placing her in their directory of ‘Britain’s Business Elite’ in 2008. Neveen then went on to establish her own boutique Immigration Law Firm in the City of London in 2015. She also co-founded the Hexagon Legal Network in 2017.

Neveen is passionate about all aspects of UK immigration law, and is committed to providing bespoke residence and citizenship solutions to citizens across the globe that wish to relocate to the UK. Neveen’s immigration advisory services are predominately geared towards highly skilled workers and companies wishing to have a UK presence, however she and her team of experienced immigration advisors can also assist with partner-based applications, student visas and all other personal and business immigration matters.

If you would like to discuss your UK immigration matter or have any questions about your options for immigrating to the UK, you can book a consultation here.