The time it takes for your visa application to be processed can be an important part of deciding when you should submit your application, and when you can make travel plans.
It is often assumed that the date you submit your application online is the date the application is transferred to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for processing. However, this is not always the case, as the start of the application processing often depends on the verification of the applicant’s identity.
Verifying your identity can be done in two different ways and, among other things, may depend on your nationality. If you verify your identity at the beginning of your application process by using the ID Check app, the processing of your visa will begin from the date of online submission of your application. If you opt to verify your identity via an in-person appointment, the appointment will typically be arranged following the submission of your online application, and the processing period will not begin until you have attended the appointment and enrolled your biometric data.
UKVI regularly publish processing times that serve as a guideline for applicants on when their visa applications are expected to be processed. UKVI processing times can depend on various factors, such as the type of visa application being made, whether the application is made from within or outside of the UK, and how complex the application is. For more information on this topic please refer to our blog on UK Visa Processing Times. Eligible applicants can also opt for premium services for an additional fee to receive a decision faster. There are two premium services available, priority and super priority. The priority processing service provides for a decision to be made within 5 working days, and the super priority processing service aims to deliver a decision within 24 hours.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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