{"id":5003,"date":"2023-02-02T12:05:34","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T12:05:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.migraco.com\/en\/?p=5003"},"modified":"2023-02-02T12:23:54","modified_gmt":"2023-02-02T12:23:54","slug":"what-to-do-if-your-visa-application-is-delayed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.migraco.com\/en\/what-to-do-if-your-visa-application-is-delayed\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do if your visa application is delayed?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Delays in application decisions have been particularly acute in the last year. With a step into 2023, processing times are now gradually returning to normal, however, applicants will still experience delays in the processing of UK visa applications from time to time.<\/p>\n

Here are some options available to individuals experiencing this type of problem.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Assessing whether it is a delay<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Firstly, you should determine whether your application falls within the general processing timeline. The processing times will be updated by Home Office and are available on the UKVI website:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-outside-the-uk#full-publication-update-history<\/a> for applications made outside the UK<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-inside-the-uk#full-publication-update-history<\/a> for in-country applications.<\/p>\n

In general, processing times vary depending on the type of visa:<\/p>\n

Outside the UK applications<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Visit the UK (including transit)<\/td>\n5-6 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Study in the UK (including short-term study)<\/td>\n3 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Work or invest in the UK<\/td>\n4-5 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Join family in the UK<\/td>\n24 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hong Kong BN(O) visa<\/td>\n12 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
UK Ancestry visa<\/td>\n3 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Returning residents<\/td>\n3 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Replacing biometric residence permits (including vignette transfer)<\/td>\n3 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Certificate of entitlement<\/td>\n3 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Inside the UK applications (Switch\/extend)*<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Student<\/td>\n8 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Family visa<\/td>\n8 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Work or business visa<\/td>\n8 weeks (3 weeks for Start-up visa)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hong Kong BN(O) visa<\/td>\n12 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ancestry visa<\/td>\n8 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
BRP replacement<\/td>\n8 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Settlement<\/td>\n3-6 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Naturalisation<\/td>\n3-6 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Registration of minor<\/td>\n3-6\u00a0\u00a0 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*Please note that ILR applications are currently taking up to 6 months.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reasonable cause for delay<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

If there are complexities in your case, such as a prior refusal, the processing will naturally exceed the normal time frame, in which case your complaint will be disregarded. In addition, your case might take longer if one of the below applies:<\/p>\n