UK Visa
processing
times

10 December 2014

UK Visa processing times

Here at Smith Stone Walters our advisers accompany their clients through every step of the visa process, providing them with expert guidance and a keen eye. Without the support from a reputable immigration service provider, the experience of applying for a UK visa can be rather daunting.

Here we provide you with a summary of the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) processing times according to the government’s service standards. Please note that here one week is counted as five working days.

Non-settlement visa applications filed from outside the UK

90% of these applications are resolved within three weeks, 98% within six weeks and 100% within twelve weeks of the application date.

Settlement applications filed from outside the UK

95% of settlement applications are resolved within twelve weeks of the application date and 100% within twenty-four weeks.

Extension applications filed from inside the UK 

These processing times are applicable for customers applying on a temporary basis and include applications from spouses, workers, Tier 1 general and entrepreneurs, students and organisations seeking to sponsor a worker. Applicants seeking leave to remain on this basis can expect a processing time of up to eight weeks.

Applications from Croatian and Turkish nationals

Individuals from Croatia who wish to live, study or work in the UK, and Turkish citizens applying under the European Community Association Agreement can expect a processing time of up to six months before their application is decided by the authorities.

Applications from EEA family members 

EEA national family members who choose to apply for a registration certificate or document certifying permanent residence as confirmation of their rights will have a similar waiting time of up to six months before receiving a decision from UKVI.

Please contact Smith Stone Walters for comprehensive immigration management and support. We specialise in moving people to the UK and take pride in advising our clients on all aspects of nationality and UK work permit law. We provide friendly, up-to-date UK immigration services for work related applications that are catered to our clients’ individual needs.

For more on UVKI processing times and services please click here

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