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UK Visa Processing Times (Latest from UKVI)

Anne morris.

• 26 February 2024

IN THIS SECTION

The length of time it takes for your application to be processed can be an important factor in deciding when to apply and when to make travel arrangements. But UK visa processing times vary considerably, depending on factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the country or Embassy where the application is made and the applicant’s own individual circumstances and eligibility.

Visa applicants are advised to take guidance on the current processing timescales for their specific type of application.

UK visa processing times

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the Home Office department responsible for the UK’s visa system.

The processing date is typically counted from when the applicant has attended their visa appointment and submitted their biometric information, or as soon as ID checks have been completed and the application is submitted using UKVI’s visa processing app.

Processing times for in-country applications are as follows (correct as at the date of publishing):

Priority & fast-track services

Priority service and super priority services for applications being made from outside the UK are available for work, business and family visa routes.

Where available, priority processing allows applicants for certain work and settlement routes such as the Skilled Worker visa to pay an additional fee for fast-tracked processing. Priority processing provides a decision within 5 working days, while super-priority is for a decision by the end of the next working day

Priority processing is only available to certain applicants, notably those proving their identity by attending an appointment at a UKVCAS centre or those using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app . If available to you, you will be notified when making your application and given the option to purchase faster processing.

The fees for priority and super-priority processing are as follows:

Priority processing times for Certificate of Sponsorship requests & Changes of Circumstances

Priority processing remains available to A’ rated sponsors for fast-tracked CoS allocation and other Change of Circumstances requests, for a fee of £200 per application. The priority requests are generally processed within 5 working days.

What is the difference between UKVCAS and Home Office processing?

One factor that may affect the UK visa processing time is whether the application has to be made through UKVCAS .

UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service) was introduced in November 2018 to handle certain UK visa, settlement and citizenship applications made be applicants already in the UK.

You will be advised when making your application if you must go through UKVCAS in order for your application to be processed.

How might the time of year and other factors affect your UK visa processing time?

There are other factors that may affect the processing time of your UK visa application. These include:

Caseload Summer is generally the busiest time for UKVI, and other factors such as Home Office priorities may impact processing.

Where you apply from The country that you apply for your UK visa from may affect the processing time for several reasons, including the relationship and arrangements between the UK and your country, the administrative systems within each country, current conditions within either country, endorsing documents from your country or finding their equivalent in the UK, whether that country is part of the EEA and so on.

It is always advised to check with the UK embassy or consulate in your country for any such issues that could lead to visa processing delays.

Insufficient or incorrect information If your application includes incorrect information or the documentation you supply is insufficient, the processing time may be longer than expected if UKVI suspend processing to request further information from you in order to make a decision.

The best way to avoid this is to check your application thoroughly and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to hand before you apply.

What are the different types of UK visa applications?

The type of UK visa that you apply for will be the main deciding factor in how long it takes to process your UK visa application. The UK visa that you choose will depend on your reason for visiting the UK and how long you wish to stay.

Work in the UK

There are many types of short-term and long-term work visas including:

• Skilled worker visa
• Temporary worker visas
• Global Business Mobility visas
• Domestic workers in a private household visas
• Sportsperson visa
• Graduate route
• High Potential Individual visa
• Global Talent visa
• Scale up visa
• Innovator Founder visa

Each type of visa will carry its own eligibility, conditions and application requirements.

The Skilled Worker visa , for instance, is open to non-UK residents with a job offer from a licensed sponsor for skilled employment in the UK.

The processing time for the Skilled Worker visa is generally no longer than 3 weeks once the applicant has attended their appointment.

Holiday, family visit or business trip

The Standard Visitor visa is generally suitable for tourism, holidays, visiting and to receive short-term medical treatment. It replaces:

• Business visitor and prospective entrepreneur visas
• Family visitor visa
• Child visitor visa
• Sports and entertainer visitor visas
• Private medical treatment visitor visa
• Approved destination status visa
• General visitor visa

Under the standard visitor visa, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

Your application for a Standard Visitor visa should be made no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK, and it will generally take no more than 3 weeks for the visa application to be processed and a decision made after your appointment.

Under current processing times, visitor visa applications from outside the UK are taking six weeks instead of the usual three.

Studying in the UK

Should you wish to study in the UK, there are 3 visas available for this purpose, depending on your individual situation:

• A short-term study visa is suitable for a 6 month stay in the UK to attend a course. For students over 16 who wish to attend an English language course, it may be possible to use a Short-term study visa for a stay of up to 11 months.
• A general study visa is suitable for a longer course of study in the UK as long as the student has a confirmed place on a course and is sponsored by a licensed university or college.
• 4 to 17 years old wishing to study at an independent school should apply for a child student visa .

Apply for the appropriate student visa no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK. Once you have attended your appointment, it will generally take no more than 3 weeks to receive a decision.

Entrepreneurs & investors

The primary route for people coming to the UK to set up or run a business is the Innovator Founder visa.  While no up-front investment is required under this route, there are many eligibility criteria that will need to be satisfied by both the applicant and the business. Endorsement will also be required before the visa application can be made.

Processing for business visas can take longer than other categories due to the complexity of the application documentation and evidence. Again, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

Joining family in the UK

The Family visa will generally allow you to join certain family members who already live in the UK if you wish to remain in the country for more than 6 months, such as spouses. You may also consider a dependant visa .

If the visa application is made from outside the UK, the processing time will generally take up to 24 weeks.

To get married in the UK

If you intend to visit the UK to get married, you should generally apply for a Marriage Visitor visa . This visa is also suitable for civil partnership ceremonies in the UK.

This visa doesn’t allow you to remain or settle in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership ceremony.

Processing, once an appointment has been attended, should ordinarily take no more than 3 weeks.

Travelling through the UK

There are two types of Transit visa . If you will be passing through UK border control and staying in the UK no more than 48 hours, then you should apply for a Visitor in Transit visa. If you will not pass through UK border control, then you should apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa.

If you will be staying in the UK for longer than 48 hours, it will be necessary to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

Need assistance?

At DavidsonMorris we have the experience to advise you on the most appropriate UK visa for your circumstances and have the insight to make the process as smooth as possible.

As a team of immigration lawyers and former Home Office employees, we have an established reputation for effective and efficient management and processing of visa applications, and for providing expert visa-related advice to suit your needs. Contact us for advice.

Last updated: 26 February 2024

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Work Rights for Migrants with UK Visas
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Understanding the EEA: Benefits for UK Citizens
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Access to Public Services for UK Migrants
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ UK Healthcare for Migrants: Access & Rights

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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UK Visa Decision Waiting Times: Frequently Asked Questions

Nov 23, 2022 | Blogs - Immigration

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has published service standards for waiting times for decisions on visa and immigration applications.  UKVI also publishes up-to-date information on current processing times for visa and immigration applications submitted both within the UK and outside the UK.

In this post we take an in-depth look at UK visa processing times, including the Home Office service standards for waiting times, current Home Office visa processing times, options for securing a faster decision on a visa or immigration application and how to challenge a delay in the processing of a UK visa or immigration application.  We also answer some frequently asked questions relating to UKVI visa processing times and look at some of the factors to consider when timing an immigration application.

When Does the UK Visa Application Processing Time Start and End?

For UK visa applications submitted outside the UK, visa processing time will start from either the date you provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre or, if eligible, the date you verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. The waiting time will end on the date when you receive an email with a decision on your application.

For a UK immigration application submitted from within the UK, the waiting time will generally start from the date when you submit your application online.  An exception is made for Graduate Immigration Route applications, where the waiting time starts from the date when the applicant attends an appointment at a visa service centre or submits their documents using the UK Immigration ID Check app.  In all in-country cases the waiting time will end on the date when you receive either a letter or email with a decision.

The service standard does not include the time taken to issue you with your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You will usually receive your BRP within 7 working days after a decision has been made on your application.  If you do not receive a BRP you can report it.

Will My Dependents’ Visas Be Processed Within the Same Time Frame?

Dependent visas should be processed within the same time frame as the main applicant’s visa and dependents should receive their decision at the same time. Dependent visas will not be issued before the main applicant has received their decision. Where a dependent applies after the main applicant has received a positive decision, this may shorten the time to receive an outcome.

Can I Get a Faster Decision on My UK Visa Application?

UK Visas & Immigration offers a ‘priority service’ and a ‘super priority service’ for applicants who, for an additional fee, wish to receive a faster decision on their UK visa application.  Selecting one of these premium services will ensure that an application is placed at the front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process.

Eligible applicants who apply via the priority service should receive a decision within 5 working days of their appointment at the visa application centre (for overseas applicants) or within 5 working days of either the day of their appointment at a UKVCAS appointment centre or the working day after having finished uploading documents if using the UK Immigration: ID Check app (for in-country applicants).

Eligible applicants who apply via the super priority service should receive a decision by the end of the next working day after their appointment at the visa application centre (for overseas applicants) or their appointment at a UKVCAS appointment centre (for in-country applicants) or within 2 working days if the appointment is at the weekend.  In-country applicants cannot use the super-priority service if applying using the UK Immigration: ID Check App to confirm their identity.

However, the Home Office has announced that both priority and super priority visa services are currently temporarily suspended for new family visa applications submitted outside the UK whilst it prioritises Ukraine Visa Scheme applications.  This suspension has been in place since 14 March 2022. For work (except Innovator, Start-up and High Potential Individual), study and visitor visa applications, priority and super priority services are available in the majority of overseas locations on an appointment basis.  However, there is a reduction in the availability of the priority visa service for visit visa applications.

The priority and super priority services are currently both still available to applicants who are applying for leave to remain and settlement in eligible routes from within the UK.

Overseas applicants should check with their visa application centre to see if the priority visa service or super priority visa service is available in the country they are applying from for their application type.

Applicants applying from within the UK can check the eligible visa and settlement application tables to confirm whether the type of application they are making is eligible for either the priority 5 working day or super priority next working day service (note that there are separate tables for switching/extending applications and settlement applications).

Priority and super-priority services may not be appropriate for complex applications which cannot be processed expeditiously.  In these cases, your application will be put at the front of the queue at each decision-making stage, but a decision may exceed the priority and super-priority timescales.

These premium services should also be considered carefully when making extension applications or switching categories where there is a risk of refusal.  Specialist advice should be sought to ensure that complex applications are timed strategically and sensibly.

Can I Stay in the UK While Waiting for a Decision on My Immigration Application?

If you applied from within the UK before your last leave expired then you will be able to stay in the UK until you receive a decision from the Home Office, even if a decision is delayed.

Can I Travel Outside the UK While My In-Country Application Is Being Processed?

If you have submitted a visa application from within the UK, the general rule is that you must not travel outside the UK while waiting for an immigration decision.  If you leave the UK, your immigration application will be treated as withdrawn and you will not be able to request a refund of your application fee.

You may travel outside of the UK if you have submitted a naturalisation application or have applied for the EU Settlement Scheme.

What Can I Do if a Decision Is Not Made in Time or I Need an Urgent Decision?

If UKVI is not able to process your visa application in time, due to its complexity for example, you should receive a letter explaining the reasons and what will happen next. This letter should be received within the standard processing time.

If you do not receive an update from the Home Office, you can contact them directly (by phone, in writing or both) to request an update on your application status .

You may wish to consider providing evidence of how the delay is impacting you, for example if you do not have a right to work or study.  If there is an urgency or the standard processing time has passed it is possible to ask for the matter to be escalated as a priority.

If you paid for a priority or super-priority service and a decision has not been made within the standard processing time, then you may also be able to request a refund of the priority or super-priority service fee.

When making enquiries, always take care to make clear that you are not intending to withdraw your application.

Additionally, you may also consider making a formal written complaint to UKVI. The complaint process can take up to 20 working days.

You may also consider contacting your local MP.

Please note that UKVI has a discretion to treat incomplete applications, for example those that do not include all mandatory documents, outside of the standard service processing time.

How Can I Challenge Home Office Delay in Deciding My Application?

If there is still no response, then you may consider a further legal avenue of challenge.  There is no right of appeal when there is no decision, but you may consider judicial review proceedings as a way to ask a judge to review the failure of the Home Office to act and make a decision.

If this is a route you wish to consider then you will need to ensure that you have evidence of all stages of your attempts to obtain a decision.  Keeping a written record and details of any Home Office ‘ticket’ numbers you are provided is highly recommended.  The steps you have taken to obtain a decision and the reasons why one is required will be relevant considerations.

Before commencing proceedings you will need to follow a pre-action protocol process. This will give UKVI the opportunity to consider the position before you commence proceedings.

Judicial review proceedings can be legally complex, costly and time consuming.  You may wish to consider seeking legal advice before commencing any proceedings.

Contact our Immigration Solicitors

For expert advice and assistance regarding a UK visa application, contact our immigration solicitors on 020 8240 9018 or via the enquiry form on our website.

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When you apply for a UK visa, the length of time you can expect to wait for a decision will vary depending on the type of visa you have applied for, whether you applied from overseas or from within the UK, and whether you have utilised any of the Home Office’s paid for priority services.

The Home Office has standard processing times in place to give customers an indication of an estimated lead time for most straightforward applications. However, there are occasions when visa processing times may extend beyond this target, leaving applicants waiting much longer than normal for a decision.

UK visa processing times have been hit by widespread delays this year , mainly due to increased global demand for visas and the fact that the Home Office continues to prioritise applications filed under the Ukraine visa schemes. Over 250,000 applications have been received so far this year under the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme combined.

As we approach the end of 2022 we are beginning to see a gradual return to standard processing times for most visa categories. Below is an update on current processing times for applications made both outside and inside the UK.

Visa processing times outside the UK

If you are applying for your UK visa from overseas, you are advised not to book any travel until a decision on your application has been made. The current waiting times per category are as follows.

Work visas: Processing times for this category are largely back to the service standard and those applying to work or invest in the UK should receive a decision within 3 weeks.

Study visas: Student and Child Student visas are currently being processed within the service standard of 3 weeks. However, Short-term study visas are currently taking on average 5 weeks to process.

Family visas: If you are applying to settle in the UK as the spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or is settled in the UK, you should get a decision on your application within 24 weeks. If you are applying as the dependant of another applicant, you will get your decision at the same time.

Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visas: If you are applying for a BNO visa, you should get a decision within 12 weeks.

Visit visas: Visit visas, including Standard Visitor visa applications, are currently taking on average 5 weeks to process, however some applications might take longer. The same timeframe applies to transit visa applications. The Home Office is working hard to process applications to get back to the 3-week standard.

Visa processing times inside the UK

If you are applying to extend your visa or switch to another visa category from within the UK, processing times are usually longer than for overseas applications. Below is an overview of current waiting times for in-country applications per category.

Work visas: It is currently taking 11 weeks on average to get a decision if you apply to extend or switch to a Skilled Worker visa or a Health and Care Worker visa. Other categories, including the High Potential Individual, Graduate and eligible Temporary Worker visas are currently being processed within the 8-week service standard. Those applying to switch to a Start-up visa should get a decision within 3 weeks.

Study visas: You should usually get a decision within the service standard of 8 weeks once you’ve applied to switch to or extend a Student or Child Student visa.

Family visas: If you are applying to switch to or extend a family visa, you should usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks. If you’re currently applying under a 10-year route to settlement (or 5-year parent route to settlement), there are no standard processing times for applications submitted as a partner, parent or on the basis of your private life. The average wait time for a decision is currently 11 months. The Home Office is working hard to reduce this.

Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visas: If you are applying to switch to or extend a BNO visa, you should get a decision within 12 weeks.

Visit visas: There are limited circumstances in which you can apply to extend a Standard Visitor visa from within the UK. You should usually get a decision on your extension application within 8 weeks if you have applied as a patient receiving medical treatment, an academic or a graduate doing a clinical attachment or retaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test.

Priority services

If your UK visa application is urgent, you are advised to use the Priority or Super Priority services where these are available.

• With Priority service you will usually receive a decision within 5 working days.
• With Super Priority service you will usually receive a decision by the end of the next working day.

Priority and Super Priority visa services have been temporarily suspended for new family visa applications. For visitor visa applications, there is a reduction in the availability of the Priority visa service.

When your application’s waiting time starts and ends

Once you’ve submitted your application online, the waiting time starts after you’ve proved your identity either by attending an appointment at a visa application centre, or by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app . The waiting time ends when you receive an email from the Home Office containing a decision on your application and explaining what you need to do next.

Factors affecting UK visa processing times

As well as the war in Ukraine and the increased global demand for UK visas, there are other factors which can impact how long your application will take to process. You may need to wait longer for a decision if:

• Your case is complex, for example if you have any adverse immigration history or a criminal record.
• The Home Office needs to request further information or schedule an interview.
• There are any concerns regarding the authenticity of your supporting documents.
• You are applying at a busy time of year.

UKVI generally receives the highest volume of visa applications in the summer, therefore caseworkers are likely to have a higher caseload during peak season.

Find the latest processing times

The Home Office (Tel. no: 0300 790 6268 / +44 (0)203 875 4669) publishes a list of current processing times for applications filed outside the UK and inside the UK . Applicants are advised to check these links for the most up to date estimates.

If you require support with your UK visa application, Smith Stone Walters can help. Contact us today to speak to a qualified immigration advisor.

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UK visa processing times: FAQ

This article was written in 2020.  For the latest information on UK visa processing times, please read: UK Visa Processing & Decision Waiting Times

In this post we address some of the common questions relating to Home Office UK visa processing times and some of the factors to consider when timing an immigration application. 

W hat are UK visa processing times?

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is responsible for processing immigration applications. UKVI publishes standard processing times for applications on its website in accordance with their customer charter.  The processing time will depend on the type of immigration application submitted and if it has been submitted within the UK or outside of the UK.

The service standard processing times vary according to the type of application. These times are set out on the UKVI website pages here and here . The published processing times are indicative but not determinative, as some applications will fall outside of the processing time. 

UKVI’s up-to-date records show that for straightforward applications from outside the UK:

• Non-settlement visa applications: 90% to be decided within 3 weeks;
• Non-settlement visa applications: 98% to be decided within 6 weeks;
• Non-settlement visa applications: 100% to be decided within 12 weeks;
• Settlement applications: 95% to be decided within 12 weeks; and
• Settlement applications: 100% to be decided within 24 weeks 

When does UK visa processing begin?

Processing for priority services will begin from the date you provide biometric information and supporting evidence at your booked appointment. The processing time will end when your passport is ready for collection.

What UK visa priority services are available?

You may be able to select a priority service when making your application and/or when booking your biometrics appointment. This will reduce the standard visa processing time. Please note that it is not available for all immigration applications or in all countries. 

A standard priority service offers a visa processing time of 5 working days of your appointment at a visa application centre. A super priority service offers a visa processing time of 24 hours of your biometrics appointment. Each visa application centre should be able to confirm which priority services are available and the relevant fees. Priority services are available in most countries. 

Priority services may not be appropriate for complex applications which cannot be processed expediently. In these cases, your application will be put at the front of the queue at each decision-making stage but this still may exceed the priority timescales. These services should also be considered carefully when making extension applications or switching categories where there is a risk of refusal. Specialist advice should be sought to ensure complex applications are timed strategically and sensibly. 

What factors affect UK visa processing times?

There are a number of factors which can delay processing times including: the complexity of the case, for example if it involves an assessment of Article 8 ECHR rights or derivative rights of EEA extended family members; concerns regarding suitability requirements such as criminality; consideration of any adverse immigration history; any concerns regarding the authenticity of documents; the volume of documents provided; whether further investigations are required or an interview scheduled; the capacity of caseworkers; and the time of the year.

There is no published service standard for applications that are not straightforward and UKVI have a wide margin of appreciation with regard to the timing of their decisions. 

Will my Dependants’ visas be processed within the same time frame?

These visas should be processed within the same time frame as the main application and dependants should receive their decision at the same time. Dependent visas will not be issued before the main applicant has received their decision. Where a dependant applies after the main applicant has received a positive decision, this may shorten the time to receive an outcome.

Can I travel while my visa application is being processed?

The general rule if you have submitted a visa application from within the UK you must not travel as your application will be treated as withdrawn and you will not be able to request a refund of your application fee. You may travel outside of the UK if you have submitted a naturalisation application or have applied for the EU Settlement Scheme as examples.

What do I do if a decision hasn’t been made in time?

If UKVI may not be able to process your application in time, due to its complexity for example, you should receive a letter explaining the reasons and what will happen next. This letter should be received within the standard processing time. 

If you do not receive an update from UKVI you can contact them directly to request an update on the application status, to request that the application be escalated as a priority, or to make a complaint.

When you have paid for a priority or super-priority service you may also be able to request a refund if a decision has not been made in the standard processing time. 

Please note that UKVI has discretion to treat incomplete applications, for example not including mandatory documents, outside of the standard service processing times.

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For expert advice and assistance regarding a UK visa application, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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The United Kingdom is amongst the most frequently visited destinations for travellers in the world. What adds to UK’s allure is its proximity with the Schengen region that opens up seamless tourism opportunities for travellers if they combine their UK travel with a visit to continental Europe, to behold its many brilliant landscapes and landmarks. In order to make your UK visa application process hassle-free and convenient, UK Visas and Immigration and VFS Global offer you an exclusive array of value-added services.

This is in addition to the Premium Lounge facility and the On Demand Mobile Visa services available at the UK visa application centres.

Choose from any of these time-saving services:

Keep Your Passport When Applying

If you need to apply for multiple visas, such as a UK / Schengen combination, or wish to make a short trip while waiting for your UK visa to be processed,

you will find the ‘Keep My Passport When Applying’ service at the UK Visa Application Centre very helpful. After enrolling your biometrics and submitting your visa application at the UK visa application centre, if you have opted for this service, your passport is handed back to you.

This is extremely useful if you want to carry on with another country’s visa application formalities, as this service allows you to keep your passport with you.

You can keep your passport with you until the UK embassy makes a decision regarding your visa, one way or the other.

Once the decision is made, you will be called once again to complete the procedures as required by the embassy.

The visa application centres of UK and Schengen countries are often conveniently located next to each other at the VFS Global centres. This facility enables applicants to finish the visa formalities of multiple countries along with that of UK in a single day.

Super Priority and Priority Visas

Need a visa at short notice? The Super Priority and Priority Visa services are options for those who need to travel urgently.

For Priority Visa applicants, the process takes 3–5 days, while for Super Priority Visa applicants, this speeds up to a single business day. Super Priority Visa Service is available at VFS Global’s UK visa application centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Do note that the eligibility for application for either of these services may vary.

UK Visa Processing Times

Many factors impact visa processing times, this article is a summary of the current (average) processing times. For accurate information refer to UKVI.

Paragon Law

UK visa processing times vary quite significantly depending on what visa is being applied for, where the application has been made, and what an individual’s circumstances are . 

It is worth mentioning that the provided information is just a guide, and so, processing times experience may be longer or shorter depending on factors such as the complexity of your case, the capacity at the UKVI.

UK visa processing times

In order to assess whether your visa or immigration application has been delayed, it is important to understand what the current visa decision waiting times are.

Your UK visa processing time begins when you submit your application online and ends when you have received a letter or email which outlines the decision. Some applicants will only need to submit an application form, however, others may be required to either:

Attend an appointment to provide both fingerprints and pictures at a biometric centre either within the UK or at an approved partner centre outside of the UK.

Verify identity and submit documents using the UK Immigration ID Check app (ID check app) .

If applicable, your UK visa processing time begins once you have either attended a biometrics appointment or have submitted the relevant documents to the UK ID Check app.

It is worth noting that a priority visa service is available for in-country and out-of-country applications. The priority visa service means that decisions on visa applications can be received within 1 and 5 working days (depending on the service purchased). Unfortunately, the priority visa service is not available for every visa route - where it is available you will be able to purchase it either upon submission of an application or during the process of booking the biometric appointment.

UK visa processing time: Applications made inside the UK

Below is a summary of how long the UKVI expects decisions to be made on the various types of UK immigration and visa applications. The UK visa processing time starts after you have submitted your biometric details, either through the ID Check App or by attending an in-person appointment.

According to UKVI, applicants who have made a visa application (and haven’t paid to receive a priority service) can expect to receive a decision within 8 weeks when switching to, or extending any of the following visas :

Applicants who have applied to either switch to, or extend either a Health and Care Worker visa or a Start-up visa, can expect to receive a decision within 3 weeks . 

Applicants who have submitted a settlement application, can expect to receive a decision within 6 months . 

Please be aware that the standard visa processing times outlined above have been impacted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As a result of this, decisions on visa applications are taking more than 11 weeks to be made. However, UKVI is continuously working and aiming to return their decision timelines back within their standard service times.

UK visa processing time: Applications made outside of the UK

Below is a summary of how long the UKVI expects decisions to be made on the various types of UK immigration and visa applications. The processing time refers to the period after an individual has attended a biometric appointment or has verified their identity through another means. 

According to UKVI, applicants who have made a visa application can expect to receive a decision within 3 weeks when making an application for one of the following:

Visit visas (this includes Standard Visit visas)

Transit visas

Student visas

Short term study visa

Commonwealth citizen visas (including Ancestry visas)

Returning resident visa

Work and investment visas, including:

Entrepreneur visa

Global talent visa

Skilled worker visa

International sportsperson visa

High potential individual (HPI) visa

Innovator visa

Intra-company transfer visa

Domestic Workers in a Private Household visa

Investor visa

Representative of an Overseas Business

Minister of religion visa

Temporary Worker Visa

Scale-up worker visa

If you have made a visa application to join family in the UK (i.e. partner visa, spouse visa, parent visa, child visa, adult dependent relative visa, private life applications) then visa decisions take around 24 weeks . However, if you are applying for family reunion to join a  refugee or an individual with humanitarian protection, then decisions will take around 12 weeks (but there are currently delays in visa processing times).

The decision waiting time for the Hong Kong BNO visa and Turkish Businessperson visa is around 12 weeks .

If you are applying for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, you will get a decision soon after you have proved your identity and provided the required documents .

What is the waiting time after biometrics?

The waiting time after biometrics depends on a range of factors including:

What visa you applied for.

Whether you applied from inside or outside the UK.

Whether you paid to receive a priority service.

The complexity of the case.

The evidence presented.

For a general overview of the waiting times after biometrics head over to these links ( applying from outside the UK or applying from inside the UK ).

What are some of the factors which affect immigration and visa application processing times?

The delays to the visa and immigration processing times are currently largely caused by Covid and the Ukraine crisis. However, other factors which can affect processing times include:

Concerns about an individual meeting the eligibility requirements (e.g. having a criminal record or an adverse immigration history).

Concerns about the documents presented with the application (e.g. issues with authenticity or not many have been provided).

If the applicant is required to attend an interview .

The capacity of the caseworkers at UKVI .

Can I speed up the processing time of my visa?

Yes certain UK visa applications enable you to pay to receive either a priority service or a super priority service .

If you are eligible to benefit from the priority service then a decision on your visa application will be made within 5 working days of attending your appointment at the visa application centre or uploading your documents on the UK Immigration: ID Check app. 

If you are eligible to benefit from the super priority service then a decision on your visa application will be made within 1 to 2 working days of attending your appointment at the visa application centre or uploading your documents on the UK Immigration: ID Check app . 

Please note that priority and super priority services have been suspended for new family visa applications and there is a reduced availability for these services amongst visitor visa applications.

Want to know more about applying for a UK visa?

Perhaps you have a question about UK visa processing times, or perhaps you have a question about applying for a UK visa. Whatever, the need, why not get in touch with us today and claim your free consultation with an expert immigration lawyer?

What to do when there is a Home Office delay

If your application to any of the routes outlined previously has been delayed, then you can do one of the following.

Contact UKVI to escalate application delays

UKVI offers several routes to contact them and enquire about applications.

For applications made outside of the UK, you can contact UKVI online . Queries cost £2.74. Upon completion of this application form and payment a response will be received from UKVI by way of email within 5 working days. You will not be charged for any follow-up emails about the same enquiry.

For both applications made within the UK and from outside of the UK a complaint can be lodged through this link . This route is free however upon submission of the complaint it takes 28 working days for a response to be received in respect of the application.

Contact your local MP

If you have made an immigration application within the UK and it has been delayed, then an alternative route to escalate this delay would be to contact your local Member of Parliament (MP).

To find out who your local MP is, please head over to this link . Upon selecting your MP based on your location you will be brought to their page on the government where you can find the correct email address to contact them.

If you choose to contact them to express your concern or frustration at the delay in your immigration application, then it is important that you write in a formal manner. Your email or other form of correspondence should include the following:

The reason why you are requesting your MP’s assistance .

What you would like them to do after reading your request.

Facts and evidence which supports your case and shows that you have experienced a Home Office delay .

The above information will assist your local MP to determine the strength of your case and how they can best assist you.

Your MP has the power to raise your case with UKVI which is invaluable because UKVI is obligated to respond. However, UKVI might only tell your MP what stage your case is at or reaffirm that your appeal rights have been exhausted. Therefore, it is important to be very specific with what you request your MP to do i.e. pushing for a decision to be made in the instance of a prolonged delay on your application. It is only through a specific and measured approach that you can increase your chances of getting positive intervention.

Parliamentary Ombudsman

The Parliamentary Ombudsman is a body which makes the final decisions on complaints that are yet to be resolved by a government department within the UK. They aim to do this fairly, without biases and freely. However, you can only complain about UK government departments (such as UKVI) if an MP refers the complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman . In summary, a complaint form (found here ) must be completed and signed by an MP before being submitted.

You can only make a complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman about one of the following:

The government department’s (e.g. UKVI) conduct was unfair .

The service you received was poor .

The negative impact of either the above has not been resolved .

It is then for the Parliamentary Ombudsman to investigate this and determine whether the government department is at fault and have failed to resolve these issues. Ideally, a complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman is submitted as soon as all of the other routes (mentioned previously) have been exhausted. However, as long as a complaint is lodged within the time-limits it will still be valid: this means that a complaint about a UK government department must be made within a year of becoming aware of the problem.

If the Parliamentary Ombudsman agrees with your complaint, they can do one of the following:

Request the government department take action to rectify its error , which could be in the form of either a refund or apology or acknowledging its mistake.

Instruct the government department to revisit the incorrect decision made.

Ask the government department to change their processes in order to prevent them from repeating the same mistake. This step would require the government department to review any policies, guidance, and standards which are in place.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman will also consider legal action where appropriate as they might be of the view that the best solution to your complaint is within the courts. However, this decision will be made considering all factors, such as the likely cost of legal action, the likelihood of a positive outcome and the likely length of court proceedings.

C onclusion

In summary, when dealing with Home Office delays it is first important to assess whether you have in fact experienced a delay. With this information you can then:

Contact UKVI to get an update.

If that fails you can escalate your issue to your local MP.

As a last resort you can lodge a complaint with the Parliamentary Ombudsman providing that your local MP has referred your complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman first.

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UK Visa Waiting Times

Nov 2023 Update – Most application have now returned to their typical service standard timeframe. Visit, study, work visas are typically 3 weeks where as Family applications are 24 weeks more than double the time compared to last year. You can expedite your application if you need to be in the UK faster however you would need to meet the criteria for this. Reasons for waiting longer for your family visa

• the information in your application is not accurate or requires further consideration
• 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)
• UKVI is experiencing increased visa demand

June 2023 Update – Applications made outside the UK for Visit, Points Based System and temporary worker visas are currently 3 weeks. Family visas are currently 24 weeks. April 2023 – There are currently delays in processing times for family reunion with a refugee or person with humanitarian protection. Contact the UKVI if you have not received any communication after 9 months. For visitor visa applications, there is a reduction in the availability of the priority visa service Feb 2023 – There are currently delays in processing times and your application may take longer than usual. For visitor visa applications, there is a reduction in the availability of the priority visa service

December 2022 Additional Update: Visit visas, including standard visitor visa applications, are currently taking on average 5 weeks to process, however some applications might take longer. We are working hard to process applications to get back to the 3-week service standard. Priority and super priority visa services have been temporarily suspended for new family visa applicatio ns. For visitor visa applications, there is a reduction in the availability of the priority visa service. October 2022 Additional Update: Visit Visas are currently taking on average 7 weeks to process. The UKVI is working towards the 3-week service standard. October 2022 Update:  Visit Visas are currently taking on average 7 weeks to process, however some applications might take longer depending on their complex nature. The UKVI is working towards the 3-week service standard. Most work and investor visas, including skilled worker visa applications, are currently taking on average 4 weeks to process. The UKVI are working towards their three-week service standard. June 2022 Update: Skilled Worker Visa applications are currently on average taking 6 weeks to process although the Home Office are working hard to process applications in order to get back to the three-week service standard. May 2022 Update: UKVI is prioritising Ukraine Visa Scheme applications. It may take up to 24 weeks to receive a decision for people applying to join family in the UK. April 2022 Update: Priority and super priority visa services have been temporarily suspended for new study, work and family visa applications made outside the UK to j oin family in the UK.  Standard visitor visa applications are currently taking on average 6 weeks to process. The UKVI are working hard to process applications to get back to the 3-week service standard. March Update: Due to Exceptional Circumstances, UK Visa applications may take longer to consider. There are a significant number of applications being processed at the moment due to an international effort to support the security of those fleeing conflict. Priority Services have also been disrupted, therefore consider whether it is worth using this service abroad.  

UK Visa Waiting Times (Pre-Humanitarian crisis)

One of the most common questions applicants have with regard to their visas is how long they will have to wait for a decision.

Ukraine Visa applications

Under the Ukraine Visa schemes available for those who are applying to join family in the UK and those who are applying under the ‘Ukraine for Homes’ the current waiting time is 7 days. Due to a significant number of applications being submitted the processing times may be extended. The home office resources are being reassigned to tackle high volumes of applications.

Applications made outside of the UK

If you are applying from outside of the UK then your application’s waiting time starts, once you’ve submitted your application online, either from the time that you attend your biometric appointment or verified your identity using the IDV App.  The waiting time also depends on the visa you have applied for.  See below.

Visit visa ( for a holiday or to see family or friends; for a business trip or meeting; to get married) – You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. You may be able to get your visa faster or other services depending on what country you’re in.  See priority services section below

Study in the UK/Work or invest in the UK (this also includes dependants of the main applicant) plus returning resident and ancestry – You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks

Join family in the UK (partner/parent/child) incl. dependants applying at the same time – You should get a decision within 12 weeks

EEA family permit or an EUSS family permit you will get a decision as soon as possible after proving your identity and providing your documents.

Visa decision waiting times: applications inside the UK

The waiting time starts, not when you have submitted your biometrics, rather as soon as you’ve submitted (paid) your application online.

For the visas outlined above which typically take 3 weeks consideration time outside of the UK – Switching or making extensions – 8 weeks other than applications to switch to a Start-up visa or extend a Health and Care Worker visa, both of which take 3 weeks

Family-based visas – Applications for leave to remain take 8 weeks

If you’re currently applying on the basis of your private life as you are unable to meet the requirements there are no standard processing times.  The average wait time for a decision is currently 8 months although The Home Office state that they are endeavoring to reduce this waiting time.

Applying for settlement – All standard route applications for ILR (settlement) normally receive a decision within 6 months, although this is often shorter and very occasionally longer (see when you might wait longer section below)

Priority services – pay a premium (check go.uk website for current visa fees) for a faster decision (where available)

Collection within 5 working days (priority service); next working day (super-priority).  These will be offered at point of payment, if currently available for your location and/or route.

When you might wait longer

You might wait longer for a decision if your application is not straightforward and more information is required before a decision is made, for example: if your supporting documents need to be verified, if you need to attend an interview; your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction).  These holdups can often be avoided by submitting a well-presented and more than adequately documented application.

If, you applied for a priority or super priority visa and your application is not straightforward, you may have to wait longer.  It is therefore advisable that, should you feel your application is not straightforward or has not been accompanied by ample supporting evidence, then perhaps it be best not to pay a premium for a faster decision.

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New Zealand visas

Explore and select a visa.

You can compare visas side by side to help you find a visa that may give you a pathway to live in New Zealand permanently.

Preparing a visa application

Find out about the process to apply for a visa online or on paper, and how to prepare the supporting information we will ask for.

Waiting for a visa

Find out how to check the status of your visa or NZeTA online and how long it normally takes us to process the type of visa you have applied for.

Already have a visa

Now that you have a visa, you may have questions about moving to New Zealand, or what happens to your visa if your situation changes.

Information about NZeTA

Some people can use an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa first. This depends on your passport, how you are travelling and if you are visiting or only transiting.

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After you apply

On this page, your fingerprints and photo (biometrics), processing your visitor visa application, check your application status, if we approve your application, if we refuse your application.

Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.

Find out how to give biometrics

We’ll check your application to make sure you have all the documents you need.

If it's incomplete, your application may be refused.

We may also ask you to

• go to an interview with our officials in your country
• send more information
• get a  medical exam
• get a  police certificate

We’ll tell you what to do if you need to do any of these.

We process most applications in a few weeks or less.  Processing times  depend on the visa office and if you need to do any extra steps (listed above).

Use the application status tracker (opens in a new tab)    to get updates about your application. To create an account you need your:

• unique client identifier (UCI)
• application number

If you applied online

You’ll get 2 letters in your IRCC account:

• a letter with instructions to submit your passport
• our decision letter

This approval doesn’t mean you can travel to Canada. You need to wait until we put the visa in the passport you submit to us.

If you applied on paper

When your application is approved, any original documents, including your passport with the visa inside, will be returned to you.

You’ll get our decision in your IRCC account. This will explain why we refused your application.

An explanation of why your application was refused will be sent to you, along with any original documents, including your passport.

Basic entry requirements

To visit Canada, you will need to meet some basic requirements, such as:

• have a valid travel document, such as a passport,
• be in good health,
• have no criminal or immigration-related convictions,
• convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country,
• convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and
• have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. It depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.)

Inadmissibility

Some people are inadmissible—they are not allowed to come to Canada. Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime.

You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons. Find out more about inadmissibility .

How long you can stay

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.

At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave by in your passport. They might also give you a document, called a visitor record, which will show the date you need to leave by.

If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you need a stamp, you can ask a border services officer for one. If you arrive at an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks , ask the border officer after you finish at the kiosk.

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Temporary Worker Visas

Visas for Members of the Foreign Media, Press, and Radio

Treaty Trader & Treaty Investor and Australians in Specialty Occupations

Visas for Canadian and Mexican USMCA Professional Workers

A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to work in the United States must first get the right visa.  If the employment is for a fixed period, the applicant can apply for a temporary employment visa.  There are 11 temporary worker visa categories.  Most applicants for temporary worker visas must have an approved petition.  The prospective employer must file the petition on behalf of the applicant.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the petition. 

Temporary worker visa categories

Labor certification.

Certain visa categories need an approved labor certification. First, the prospective employer must apply for the labor certification with the Department of Labor .  Then, the prospective employer can file the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS.  Please refer to the Instructions for Form I-129   on the USCIS website to confirm if you need  the labor certification.

Petition Approval

Some temporary worker categories are limited in the total number of petitions which can be approved on a yearly basis. Before an applicant can apply for a temporary worker visa, USCIS must first approve the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129 .    For more information about the petition process, see Working in the U.S. and Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Workers on the USCIS website.  Once USCIS approves the petition, it will send the prospective employer a Notice of Action, Form I-797. 

Important Notice: Same-sex Marriage

Effective immediately, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate visa applications that are based on a same-sex marriage in the same way that we adjudicate applications for opposite gender spouses. Please reference the specific guidance on the visa category for which you are applying for more details on documentation required for derivative spouses. For further information, please see our  FAQ’s .

How to Apply

You may apply for a visa when USCIS has approved your petition. There are several steps in the visa application process. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please visit the embassy or consulate website for instructions on how to apply.

Complete The Online Visa ApplicationComplete The Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo –You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Applpicants of a certain age may not need to have an interview. Consular officers have the discretion to  interview any applicant, regardless of age.

You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you live.  However, it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category.  You should apply for your visa early.  Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment as a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

Note:  Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

You will need to provide the receipt number to schedule an interview.  The receipt number is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797.

Prepare for your Interview

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. When your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

Reciprocity Fees

Nonimmigrant visa applicants from certain countries*/areas of authority may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved. These fees are based on the principle of reciprocity:  when a foreign government imposes fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a reciprocal fee on citizens of that country*/area of authority for similar types of visas. 

Check the Reciprocity Fees

• Fee payment information is available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
• L visa applicants included in a L blanket petition : must also pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and may need to pay the Border Security Act fee. Select  All Fees  to learn more.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport  valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).  Each person included in a single passport needs a separate visa application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page .
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements . 
• Petition Receipt Number as it appears on your Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797.
• L Visa Applicants  included in an L blanket petition, must bring Form I-129S to the interview.

Legal Rights and Protections

H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B visa applicants should read the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet before applying for a visa.  The pamphlet includes information on your rights in the United States and protection available to you.

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions on how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified.  

Most visa applicants, except H-1B and L, need to show their intent to return to their home country after their temporary stay in the United States. They can do so by showing proof of compelling ties to the home country, which may include:

• A residence abroad which you do not intend to abandon
• Your family relationships
• Your economic situation
• Your long term plans

Attend your Visa Interview

During the visa interview, a consular officer will determine if you are eligible for the visa.  The consular officer will also determine if the visa category is appropriate for your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may need further administrative processing . A consular officer will inform you if further processing is necessary for your application.

Depending on your nationality, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee.  You must pay this fee when the visa is approved.  The embassy will explain how your passport with visa will be returned to you.  Review the visa processing time , to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport).  A visa also allows you to request permission to enter the United States.  A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.  When admitted, you may get an admission stamp or  Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Review the CBP website to learn more about entry requirements and customs restrictions.

Extending Your Stay

You must leave the United States on or before the date indicated on your admission stamp or Form I-94.  You can request to extend your stay by contacting USCIS.  Visit USCIS's Extend Your Stay website for more information.

Failure to leave the United States on time will result in you being out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of travelers who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). If you had a multiple-entry visa and it was voided due to you being out of status, it will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

Failure to leave the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas you may apply for in the future. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more.

Change of Status

While in the United States, you may be able to request a change to another nonimmigrant category.  See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more.

Requesting a change of status does not require that you apply for a new visa, as long as you remain in status. If you cannot remain in status while USCIS processes your change of status request, you must apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Additional Information

• The approval of a petition does not guarantee that you will get a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• Spouse and Children –
• Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may also apply for the same visa category as you to accompany or join you.  The only exception is for Cultural Exchange Visitor Q-1 visa applicants.  You must be able to show that you will be able to financially support your family in the United States.
• For more information, visit USCIS’s Temporary Workers information and Employment Authorization website.
• Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date.  Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

Visa Renewal

The same visa application process applies for first-time applicants and renewals. Please review How to Apply for more information.  Some applicants may be eligible for interview waiver.  Interview waiver allows eligible individuals to renew their visa without an in-person interview. To determine if you are eligible for interview waiver, please review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.

I was refused a visa under section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States. 

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizen of Canada and Bermuda

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need visas to enter the United States as temporary workers.  These applicants do need a temporary worker petition approved by USCIS. For more information see the  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website , the  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and the  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian temporary workers to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy Ottawa website in Canada.

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions  - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions  - review  Contact Us .

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Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or need a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail, get it changed or corrected, or what to do if it expires soon.

Renew early. Passport processing times  vary. And some countries and airlines deny entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months.

Determine if you can renew your passport

If any of the following are true, you cannot renew your U.S. passport and must instead apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11:

• Issued before your 16th birthday
• Issued more than 15 years ago
• Damaged, lost, or stolen. Learn how to report a lost or stolen passport.
• Issued in your previous name, and you do not have a legal document like a marriage license to prove your legal name change

If none of the above situations are true, you can renew your U.S. passport. 

Can you renew an expired passport?

You can renew an expired passport, but only if it was issued within the last 15 years.

How to renew your passport and what documents you will need

Passports can only be renewed by mail, and the renewal process for passport books and cards is the same. You will select which type of passport you want when you fill out the application form. Online renewals are currently paused. Because it can take up to three months to process your application, it is important to renew your passport before it expires.

Typically, you will need the following items to renew your passport:

• You can fill out Form DS-82 online , or
• Download Form DS-82 and fill it out by hand, or
• Find your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up a copy.
• Passport photo
• Passport fee
• Your most recent passport - Your most recent passport will be mailed back to you separately after your new passport is mailed.
• Name change documentation, if necessary

Learn how to submit all your documentation and passport fees and where to mail them.

Check with the Department of State to find out the current processing times for passport renewals .

If you need your passport quickly

Learn how and where to get your passport fast for emergency or urgent travel or to get expedited processing. The time it takes for each varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart.

Check the status of your passport renewal

Learn how to check the status of your passport renewal online . Or check its status by phone (call wait times may be long).

If you need to change your name or correct your passport

After you receive your renewed passport, if you change your name or find an error, you will need to get an updated one to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you have had your current passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.

If you are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to request a passport while outside the U.S.

If you need help with your passport application

If you have questions about your U.S. passport, the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) can help. Get contact information for NPIC and find out when to contact them based on when you are traveling.

Be aware of passport expiration rules for your destination

Some countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months. 

Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the  Department of State's country information page .

• On the left, search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box.
• On that country's page, look for "passport validity."

LAST UPDATED: May 15, 2024

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Election latest: Tory minister defiant over election - and wants a former PM to campaign

The Liberal Democrats have kicked off a vital stage of the election campaign by launching their manifesto to "save the NHS". Reform UK haven't gone that far yet, but are seeking to explain their tax-cutting plans. Meanwhile, a Tory minister wants Boris Johnson back on the campaign trail.

Tuesday 11 June 2024 06:23, UK

• General Election 2024

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Election news

• Conservatives launching manifesto this morning - with tax cuts set to be at its heart
• Battle For No 10: PM and Starmer taking part in Sky News special
• Monday:  Lib Dems launch manifesto to 'save the NHS'
• Live reporting by  Tim Baker

Expert analysis

• Electoral Dysfunction :  Sunak 'going to feel defensive' after D-Day backlash
• Gurpreet Narwan: Echoes of Truss in Reform's economic plans
• Tamara Cohen: Labour takes on enormous childcare challenge
• Sky News Daily: Do the Lib Dem manifesto's sums add up?

Election essentials

• Manifesto checker: Lib Dems
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Trackers: Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more: Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | How to register to vote | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Your essential guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will face questions from Beth Rigby and members of the public during Sky News' special leaders' event on Wednesday, the broadcaster has confirmed.

Award-winning political editor  Rigby  will scrutinise the leaders of the Conservative and Labour parties on their commitments to the country during 20-minute in-depth interviews.

The Battle for Number 10 - a Sky News Leaders Special Event will air live on Sky News on Wednesday at 7.30pm from Grimsby - an area expected to play a key role in the election.

Sky News' lead UK presenter  Sarah-Jane Mee  will be among the representative audience - drawn from the local area and nationally - as they put their questions to Mr Sunak and Sir Keir in 25-minute slots. There will be a coin toss to decide who goes first.

It will be the second televised event with the two party leaders, coming halfway through the general election campaign and just three weeks ahead of polls opening.

Sky News executive editor and managing editor Jonathan Levy said: "People said they wanted to hear more from Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, so Sky News is giving them more time to tell you about their plans for your future. Each candidate - 45 minutes, not 45 seconds... in-depth and unfiltered.

"We're giving the nation the full story, first."

The Battle For Number 10 Leaders Special Event, Wednesday 12 June 7pm-10pm on Sky News - free wherever you get your news.

Freeview channel 233, Sky 501, Virgin 603, BT 313 and streaming on the Sky News website, app and across social channels. It is also available to watch on Sky Showcase.

The backlash to Rishi Sunak's decision to leave D-Day commemorations early will leave him "defensive" in the Sky News special leaders' event, Ruth Davidson has said.

The prime minister apologised for skipping part of the event on Thursday for a TV interview and on Monday said he hopes people "find it in their hearts" to forgive him.

Speaking on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast with Sky News political editor Beth Rigby , the former leader of the Scottish Tories said Mr Sunak may have his guard up on Wednesday's programme.

👉  Click here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts  👈

"Rishi Sunak's going to feel quite defensive going into this, particularly because of the D-Day fiasco," she said.

The Battle for Number 10 - a Sky News Leaders Special Event will be live on Sky News on Wednesday at 7.30pm from Grimsby - an area set to play a key role in the election.

Beth Rigby will scrutinise the leaders of the Conservative and Labour parties on their commitments to the country during 20-minute in-depth interviews.

The audience will then put their questions to Mr Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer in 25-minute slots, which Ms Davidson said the prime minister will have to navigate carefully.

"I think Rishi Sunak tonally is a bit more uncomfortable with people," she added, remembering when Mr Sunak asked a homeless person if he works in business.

You can read more below:

Welcome back to the second day of manifesto week.

Today, we'll be hearing from the Conservative Party about their policy platform - with tax cuts and offers to pensioners set to be at its heart.

It is also likely to include the policies that have already been announced during the campaign, such as Rishi Sunak's plans for a form of national service.

Labour, meanwhile, have announced plans for an extra 100,000 urgent and emergency dental appointments for children.

The other parties will also be keeping up their campaigns, and we'll let you know all the major moments from the campaign trail as they happen.

Speaking to us this morning will be:

• 7.15am: Work and pensions secretary Mel Stride ;
• 8.15am: Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting.

Below is a preview of today's manifesto launch from political reporter Alexandra Rogers that will get you up to speed with what we know.

We are going to pause coverage now so we can all get some shut eye before another busy day.

Remember to join us in the morning ahead of the Conservatives' manifesto launch, where we will bring you all the news and analysis first. 

And our correspondents will be out on the road, getting the reaction of all the rival parties in another busy day of campaigning. 

For now though, sweet dreams! 

The Conservatives will put their offer to pensioners at the heart of their election manifesto when it is published on Tuesday.

The document will reiterate already-announced pledges to introduce the so-called  "triple lock plus" for pensioners  - which will create a new "age-related" tax-free allowance - as well as promises not to increase major taxes.

Its publication follows a torrid for days for the prime minister, who has been forced to  quash rumours he considered resigning  over the backlash he received over his early departure from the D-Day commemorations last week.

In an attempt to get back on the front foot, Mr Sunak will stress that as the "party of Margaret Thatcher and Nigel Lawson" the Tories believe in "sound money" and will ensure "we have lower welfare so we can lower taxes".

Read more ahead of the launch from our political reporter Alexandra Rogers below:

After launching his party's general election manifesto, Sir Ed Davey jumped on a rollercoaster and rode on a big swing.

His aim? To show the  Liberal Democrats  are on a rollercoaster ride to gaining seats, with a big swing to the party from the Tories.

Sir Ed's  visit to Thorpe Park , in Surrey, was just the latest in a gallery of wacky and often silly election stunts and photo-ops that have gained him priceless publicity.

In this election campaign he's confirmed his status as the king of the photo-ops. Remind you of anyone? Yes, he's snatched that title from Boris Johnson.

Read more from Jon below:

Welcome to our final rundown for today of the main things you need to know from the campaign trail.

We've had a manifesto launch, a Reform policy event, and seen a grilling of the prime minister, amongst other things.

So, if you are settling down with your cocoa before bed, here's what you need to know before you start counting sheep:

• The Liberal Democrats have launched the first manifesto of the election , vowing to "save the NHS";
• Leader Sir Ed Davey said  fixing social care would be key, while other pledges included stopping raw sewage being dumped into Britain's waterways and improving ties with the EU ;
• But the party leader (who enjoyed a trip to Thorpe Park this afternoon) refused to say austerity - enforced by the Tory-Lib Dem coalition - was a mistake during an interview with our deputy political editor Sam Coates ;
• You can flick through the party's manifesto pledges in our snazzy tool below: 
• Rishi Sunak continued to bat away questions over his early exit from D-Day commemorations last week, insisting rumours he considered quitting over the row were untrue;
• However, another significant figure from the Conservatives, Scottish leader Douglas Ross , did quit following a furore about his candidacy at the election;
• Home Secretary James Cleverly admitted he had heard some "concerns" on the campaign trail about his party's performance, but insisted he remained positive about the Tories' chances at the ballot box;
• And the PM faced a 30-minute grilling from the BBC over tax, immigration and the NHS .
• Reform's tax-cutting agenda has been outlined by the party leadership today, with ambitions to raise the threshold for paying income tax to £20,000  and the point at which small business pay VAT from £90,000 to £150,000 ;
• This so-called "great British tax cut" would be funded by overhauling the Bank of England, though it's seen Reform accused of pursuing a strategy of "Trussonomics on steroids" ;
• Nigel Farage also used the event to double down on his criticism of the prime minister for leaving last week's D-Day commemorations;
• But his party came in for some extra scrutiny today after it was revealed one of Reform's candidates had said Britain should have "taken Hitler up on his offer of neutrality" instead of fighting the Nazis in an old social media post. 
• Elsewhere, Labour announced it will honour the government's commitment to expand free childcare;
• Our political correspondent Tamara Cohen says the party has taken on an "enormous challenge" by pledging to take up the policy, which the government has faced serious trouble implementing;
• Labour has also said it will offer 100,000 new nursery places, and claimed the Tories' spending pledges "do not add up";
• And in a late announcement tonight, the party pledged to ban the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to under 16s.

That's all your bulletins for this evening, but we'll have a few more bits of news coming your way so do stay with us. 

Labour has made a late policy announcement tonight, promising to ban high caffeine energy drinks for under 16-year-olds.

Sky News' political correspondent Tamara Cohen first reported the party were considering the move in February.

But now Labour has officially adopted the idea, saying it will apply to all drinks containing over 150mg of caffeine per litre.

Making the announcement, Sir Keir Starmer said: "The sale of dangerously high caffeine energy drinks to children under the age of 16 is not justifiable or acceptable and we'll stop it. I will always take the tough decisions necessary to keep our children healthy. 

"No more dither and delay, the time has come for change with Labour."

By Jenness Mitchell , Scotland reporter

First Minister John Swinney has said he is "not surprised" Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has announced he is stepping down. 

Speaking to Sky News at Pollok United's after-school activity club in Glasgow, the SNP leader said his rival's position was "beyond credibility" - having replaced David Duguid as a candidate, despite Mr Duguid wanting to campaign.

"He's treated David Duguid absolutely abominably," added Mr Swinney. 

"David is ill. He's a respected member of parliament. Everybody accepts the fact he's not well, and he was selected by his local association. 

"But that's not good enough for Douglas Ross. I think it's just an absolutely appalling way to behave towards a colleague."

If re-elected to Westminster as an MP, Mr Ross has pledged to resign as an MSP. 

But Mr Swinney said "picking and choosing" parliamentary representation "trivialises it". 

He added: "Representing our community in parliament is a deadly serious responsibility. Not one that you just pick and choose about."

Sticking with his BBC interview, Rishi Sunak is pressed on the NHS and, after a lot of pushing, admits it had "undeniably been under pressure for a while" before any strikes or the pandemic.

But he insists his government is now bringing down waiting lists and putting in "record" funding.

'Airfield on standby' for Rwanda flights

On immigration, the prime minister is pushed on the rise in small boats crossing the Channel this year.

He insists Rwanda flights will take off after the election if the Tories win, saying: "We've got a plan, the airfield is on standby, the planes are booked, migrants have been detained, the caseworkers are working."

PM teases tax cuts

And ahead of the party's manifesto launch tomorrow, Mr Sunak reveals there will be more tax cuts - though he is challenged over frozen tax thresholds - saying: "I believe in a country where people's hard work is rewarded and there's a clear choice and contrast at this election."

'It's got harder to buy a first home'

But he repeats his much maligned figure of Labour introducing £2,000 of taxes per family over the next parliament - despite multiple experts and the chief civil servant at the Treasury saying it is wrong. 

Finally, the interview comes to housing, and the prime minister appears to accept it is harder to buy a first home under the Conservatives, saying: "It has got harder, and I want to make sure that it's easier."

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Guidance: Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK

Uk visas immigration.

You are not required to book any travel before you apply or before a decision is made on your application. Youll only be refunded if we have not started processing your application.

When your applications waiting time starts and ends

Once youve submitted your application online, the waiting time starts when you either:

• attend your appointment and provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre
• verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app - this will depend on the visa you apply for and youll be advised if you can use this

The waiting time will end when you get an email containing the decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

Visit the UK

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying for a visa to visit the UK :

• for a holiday or to see family or friends
• for a business trip or meeting
• to get married
• to study for 6 months or less

You may be able to get your visa faster or access other services depending on what country youre in - check with your visa application centre.

Travelling through the UK

You should get a decision within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying for a visa to travel through the UK on your way to another country.

Study in the UK

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks once you either attend your appointment at the visa application centre or use the ID Check app, if you are applying for a:

• Student visa
• Child Student visa

Short-term study in the UK

• Short-term study visa

If you are studying for 6 months or less and have applied for a Standard Visitor visa, please refer to the visit the UK decision times.

Work or invest in the UK

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks once you either attend your appointment at the visa application centre or use the ID Check app, if you are applying for a visa to work or invest in the UK .

You should get a decision within 12 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying for a Turkish Businessperson visa.

Join family in the UK

You should get a decision within 24 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying to settle in the UK as the spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or is settled in the UK .

If you are applying as the dependent of another applicant, you will get your decision at the same time.

If you are applying for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit you will get a decision as soon as possible after proving your identity and providing your documents.

Family reunion

There are currently delays in processing times for family reunion with a refugee or person with humanitarian protection . Contact us if you have not received any communication after 9 months. We apologise for the delay and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our processing timescales.

Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa

You should get a decision within 12 weeks once you either attend your appointment at the visa application centre or when you submit your online documents after completing the ID Check app.

Commonwealth citizens

You should get a decision within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying for an Ancestry visa .

Returning residents

You should get a decision within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying for a returning resident visa .

Replacing biometric residence permits

You should get a decision within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying for a visa to travel to the UK to replace your biometric residence permit (BRP) .

Replacing residence cards

You should get a decision within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you hold settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme and are applying for an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit to travel to the UK to replace a lost or stolen residence card.

Transfer your visa from your passport

You should get a decision within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying to transfer your visa from your passport .

Certificate of entitlement

You should get a decision within 3 weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre, if you are applying for a certificate of entitlement to prove you have right of abode in the UK.

Priority services get a faster decision

For visitor visa applications, there is a reduction in the availability of the priority visa service.

Collection within 5 working days (priority service)

If you verify your identity at a visa application centre and the service is available in the country youre applying from, you can choose the priority service when you apply. There will be an additional cost for this service.

A decision will be made within 5 working days of your appointment at the visa application centre.

Check with your visa application centre to see if the priority visa service is available in the country youre applying from. The priority visa service is available in most countries.

Next day collection (super priority service)

If you verify your identity at a visa application centre and the service is available in the country youre applying from you can choose the super priority service when you apply. There will

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