Visa Processing Time in the UK (November 2023 Update)

UKVI, the UK Visas and Immigration agency, has announced the visa processing and waiting times for visa and immigration applications. This post aims to shed light on the UK visa processing times and factors that can impact the waiting period. We will also take an in-depth look at UK Spouse Visa processing time in particular. Finally, you will come to know about the best spouse visa solicitors who can streamline and fast-track the visa application process to ensure you don’t have to wait long to live your dream life with your better half in the UK. Let’s jump into the discussion.  

UK Visa Processing Time

Visa processing time in the UK may vary depending on the visa type you have applied for. The majority of them are processed within three weeks, but some visas, especially the ones that fall into the Family Visa category, may take longer. Here’s a complete list of the main visa categories’ processing times: 

1. 3-5 days for the United Kingdom Priority Visa
2. 3 weeks for the United Kingdom Study Visa
3. 3 weeks for the United Kingdom Tourist Visa 
4. 3 weeks for the United Kingdom Skilled Work Visa
5. 24 weeks for the United Kingdom Family Visa

Factors That Can Impact the Waiting Period

Many factors can impact and delay the visa processing times. The list includes:

1. Issues about suitability requirements like criminality
2. Possibilities of any terrible immigration history
3. Requirement of further investigations or an interview
4. The complexity of the case, like the derivative of rights of EEA extended family members or analysis of Article 8 ECHR rights
5. Caseworkers’ availability and capacity
6. The volume of the documents provided and concerns about their authenticity
7. Time of the year when the application has been submitted

Apart from the abovementioned factors, several other reasons can impact your visa processing time. For example, applicants experienced a waiting period more than usual during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the current scenario, your visa application decision may also take more time to come as the Home Office has prioritised Ukraine Visa Scheme applications, responding to the humanitarian catastrophe caused by war. 

UK Spouse Visa Processing Time

The average processing time for the UK Immigration Spouse Visa in 2023 is around 90 days when the application is made outside the UK. The same can take approximately 6 to 8 weeks on average if the application is made within the UK. 

Leading Spouse Visa Solicitor You Can Trust in the UK

Intime Immigration Limited(Intime Solicitors) is the house of the best Spouse Visa lawyers committed to providing clients with effective representation and expert advice at an affordable range. We can also help you in other immigration fields, including both personal and business immigration processes. Consult us now to discuss your case. Let us craft the right strategies and help you navigate through the complicated steps of the immigration process with ease.

Points-based System (PBS): Current UK Visa Immigration Rule for Economic Migrants

Applying for a UK skilled worker visa? It’s important to know about the current immigration rules- the point-based system(PBS) to ease your process. See here.