🕰 UK visa decision times - how long?

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We are writing to update on the processing times for UK visas. At the moment, all categories in all locations are taking longer than normal. A full story is here, the Home Office is prioritising Ukraine Visa Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/visa-decision-waiting-times
 
 
Applying outside the UK: 

The timing for family visas was recently extended from 3 months to up to 6 months. Unfortunate news for spouses and families of UK citizens. In most countries, you can purchase a Keep My Passport service and travel during that time (but not to the UK).  

For work, study and other non-family visas, the processing time remains up to 3 weeks officially. Although we now see applications taking longer. 

Priority services: suspended in all locations. Only a limited Priority service remains for visitor visas. 
 
 
Applying inside the UK: 

Applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) are taking up to 6 months. Sometimes sooner but often close to that. 

Other applications are taking 8 weeks. All timing starts from the appointment for biometrics. 

British Citizenship applications used to be fast earlier in the year, but are now also taking longer. The Home Office target is within 6 months, so the safest option would be to expect that. You may not need biometrics, however, because most people are now asked to use the IDV app (like a selfie). 

Priority services: officially exist but in practice, the Priority option rarely appears on the portal for ILR applications. This is where it is most in- demand. Citizenship never had Priority service, only standard as above. 

The non-ILR applications, such as Skilled Worker or a Spouse visa extension, still have an option of Priority service, which takes until next working day (from the date of biometrics). It is, however, subject to availability. So, if it appears on the gov.uk during the submission of your application - you can use it. If not - then not. The only way to find out is to apply and see what the Government comes up with. 


1st 4Immigration is one of the most experienced UK immigration law companies, OISC - accredited at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 13 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HN. 


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