As of 2024, the UK visa from Dubai processing time may vary depending on the visa type, your case complexity and whether you have applied for the visa inside the country or outside the country. A UK visit visa is processed by the Visa and Immigration (UKVI) department, responsible for regulating the UK’s visa system. You can check your visa status through the official UKVI app.
A common question asked by almost all applicants is how long it takes to process a visa following biometrics. However, visa processing time varies depending on several factors. Having a pre-idea about the length of time for your application to be processed and the causes that affect processing time helps you with your pre-travel arrangements, thoroughly ready for the process and how to correctly apply. The post will highlight the various visa processing times and provide in-depth details about the factors that cause delays.
The in-country application processing time is 8 weeks approximately.
Applying from the outside U.K will take 3 weeks approximately in processing.
Applying within the UK is not allowed.
Applying from outside the UK takes approximately 3 weeks to process
No one can apply for this visa type inside the U.K.
For outside applications, it takes approximately 3 weeks to process.
Not available to apply within the United Kingdom.
Applying from outside the country takes approximately 3 weeks to process.
Applying from the UK is not allowed.
Applying from outside, the visa is processed in 3 weeks approximately.
In-country application is not allowed.
Applying from outside the UK takes 3 weeks of visa processing.
The UK settlement visa processing time length varies depending on whether the visa is applied from the country or outside. You can also shorten the visa processing timeline by availing the priority service. Check the processing times for different UK Settlement visas in 2024:
Applying for a child settlement visa from the country takes approximately 8 weeks of processing after the biometrics.
Applying from the other country, for the same takes approximately 24 weeks of processing.
It takes almost 8 weeks to process after the biometrics.
Applying from another country takes 24 weeks to process.
Applying for a spouse visa within the United Kingdom takes 8 weeks of processing after the application is submitted and biometrics are done. By availing of the super-priority service, you can obtain your partner/spouse visa by the next working day of application.
However, applying for a UK partner visa from outside the country takes 24 weeks of processing time. By applying it with priority service, you can obtain the visa in approximately six weeks.
Not applicable from the UK
For outside-country applications, the visa is processed in approximately 60 days.
Different UK work visa processes within different timelines. Depending on the visa type, the location where the application is submitted and the case complexity of the individual decide the work visa processing length. Check the processing time for various work visas:
Processing time (Approximately)- 3 weeks- Inside U.K. (application submission inside the country).
Applying from Outside the country- processing time (approximately)- 3 weeks.
Applying within the country- 8 weeks approximately processing time.
Outside country application- 3 weeks processing time (approx).
Applying Within the UK- 8 weeks processing time (approx).
Outside the country- 3 weeks processing time (approx).
Applying within the country - 8 weeks of processing time (approx).
Outside country application- 3 weeks of processing time (approx).
Entrepreneur Visa: 8 weeks processing time. This visa type is applicable inside the UK only.
Global Talent Visa: 8 weeks processing time (within the country), 3 weeks (outside the country)
Investor Visa: 8 weeks processing time and can be applied only inside the UK
Startup Visa: 3 weeks processing time applying from the UK or outside.
Graduate Visa: 8 weeks processing time and can be applied from the UK only.
Startup Visa: 3 weeks processing time and can be applied from inside and outside the country.
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) is also known as the settlement, where you apply for the right to remain in the country as long as you want. UK ILR application requires fulfilling different eligibility criteria as a child or an adult. By obtaining an ILR status, you will also be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
There are many requirements for obtaining an ILR application which is approved by the UKVI (the division of the UK home office). For example, how long the applicant has lived in the UK, their knowledge of life in UK, how familiar he/she is with the British tradition and customs and others. Once you meet all the requirements and pass the test by the immigration authorities, you will obtain your ILR status. Now, let’s discuss the ILR processing timeline
You must await approval once you have applied for the UK ILR settlement and enrolled with your biometrics information. It takes approximately 6 months to get a decision from the visa authority. However, you can also expedite the process by paying for a faster decision and priority service. If you apply under the priority facility service, the decision will be made in 5 working days. Applicants can also pay to use the “super-priority” service to get the decision by the next working day after your biometrics.
UK visa processing can be delayed due to several factors, which are as follows:
UK Visa type: The major factor affecting the processing time is the type of visa you are applying for. For example, a visit visa may take a shorter time to process than a Work or student visa.
Case Complexity: Cases in which applicants need to verify additional documents required by the UKVI will also delay the processing. Incorrect information and documentation also lead to visa processing suspension where UKVI may seek further correct data to process your application.
Peak season application: During the peak season, a UK visa is processed taking longer than the turnaround time. From March to September, visitors should submit their application in advance to ensure their application is processed in time.
From where the visa is applied: The processing time may also affected depending from which country you have applied for the visa. The relationship and current tie-up with your country to the UK are significant for the visa processing time.
Previous visa or immigration record: It is among the prime reasons that affect your visa processing, where the immigration authorities check your previous travel history and how well you have obeyed the visa rules.
Policy Shifts Regarding Immigration: Any recent relatable change in the immigration policy or unforeseen event can also cause delays with your visa application processing.
1. Why are biometrics necessary for the UK visa application?
Biometrics is an important procedure for the UK visa and without it the application will not be processed. Biometrics ensure the security and integrity of the visa application process by giving each applicant a unique identity (fingerprints and a photo).
2. What are the standard processing times for UK visas?
Various UK visas are processed in different timelines. The standard processing timeline for each applicant varies depending on their case complexity, visa types, immigration records and the person’s background. However, in general, if you apply with all the merits, you will be able to get your UK visa in 3 to 8 weeks.
3. Can I expedite my UK visa application?
Yes! you can expedite your UK visa processing timeline by paying for the priority and super priority visa service.
4. Are visa processing times the same across all UK Visa Application Centres?
No, it varies on location, for example, if the application is made inside the UK the timeline of the approval will vary from those applied from outside the UK.
