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Updated May 2023
Over the past few years, the United Kingdom has emerged as a beloved destination for holiday tours and getaways, and with good reason. With its abundance of tourist attractions and notably streamlined visa processing, the UK has become an ideal choice for tourists from numerous countries.
Book cheap flights to the UK
Keep reading to learn more about the processing time for the UK visa.
UK visa processing time
The processing time required for the UK visa depends on where you’re applying from and what kind of visa you are applying for. The processing time for different types of visas issued by the UK are as follows:
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 | 3 weeks |
Family visas
| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Family visas | 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 |
Average processing time
According to the gov.uk website, the average processing time for UK visas is 3 weeks.
While applying outside the UK
It takes approximately 3 weeks to get the UK visa processed from outside the UK.
While applying inside the UK
It takes approximately 8 weeks to get the UK visa processed from inside the UK.
UK visa processing time after biometrics
Typically, when you submit an online application for a visa to obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP) as a replacement for the conditions or wet ink stamp in your passport or UK travel document, you can expect a decision within 8 weeks.
What causes the delay in the processing time of a UK visa?
If your visa application takes longer to process, there may be some causes for that to happen:
- 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)
UK visa priority processing time fee
The cost of a UK visa varies based on the country from which you are applying. To determine the applicable visa fee, kindly consult this link for calculation.
In order to issue your visa application faster, you have the option to apply for expedited service by paying an additional fast-track fee for the specific visa you are applying for. The fees for priority and super-priority processing are as follows:
- priority visa service – (settlement made out of country) £573
- priority visa service – (non-settlement made out of country) £250
- super priority visa service – (out of country) £956
- super priority service – (in-country) £800
- expedited processing – (Priority service – in-country) £500
