Last reviewed: 18 October 2026
UK visa processing times depend on your application route, where you apply and whether you use an available faster service. Published times are guidance, not guaranteed decision dates.
Planning Your Application?
Already in the UK? Contact our UK office about your in-country application.
WhatsApp Our UK OfficeApplying from overseas? Contact our separate Thailand office.
WhatsApp Our Thailand OfficeApplications Made Outside the UK
| Application | Usual time |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Marriage Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Partner or spouse family visa | 12 weeks |
| Student | 3 weeks |
| Skilled Worker | 3 weeks |
Overseas processing normally starts when you attend biometrics or complete the applicable identity app process, rather than simply paying for the application.
See our UK visitor visa application guide for preparation steps.
Applications Made Inside the UK
| Application | Published time |
|---|---|
| Partner or spouse meeting the minimum income and English requirements | 8 weeks |
| Partner or spouse: private life category where minimum income and English are not required | About 12 months* |
| Parent application | About 12 months* |
| Student extension | 8 weeks |
| Skilled Worker extension | 8 weeks |
*These categories have no service standard. The published estimates reflect current application volumes. All times were checked on 18 October 2026 and can change.
Priority and Super Priority Services
Availability depends on the route, application location and appointment options.
| Service | Extra fee |
|---|---|
| Priority | £500 |
| Super Priority | £1,000 |
Priority usually means five working days for most eligible visa applications. Overseas family visa applications usually take 30 working days under priority.
Super Priority usually provides a decision by the end of the next working day, with different timing for weekend or bank holiday appointments. Additional checks can cause delays.
Why Might a Decision Take Longer?
Applications may need document verification, further evidence, an interview or additional checks. Demand and technical problems can also affect processing.
We recommend checking email and spam folders regularly and keeping a copy of every request and response.
What Should You Do About a Delay?
If the applicable published period has passed and UKVI has not contacted you, use the official UKVI contact service.
We recommend having your application reference, submission date, biometric date and any priority receipt ready. Contacting an adviser or enquiry service does not itself speed up a decision.
What If Your Permission Expires While Waiting?
A qualifying in-time application may protect your position through section 3C. Check our section 3C leave guide before making assumptions about work rights or travel.
Related Guides
Check the Latest Official Times
This guide provides general information. Check current guidance before applying or making travel commitments.
