Delays in decisions of visa applications

Lately there have been significant delays with the processing of immigration applications by the Home Office such as UK visas, and applications, which could be due to the current suspension of overseas submitted immigration applications. It is found that visitor visas processing time is currently six to eight weeks, skilled worker applications are taking approximately eight weeks to process, and processing time is around six months for settlement visas.

Why have applications have been delayed?

UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration), in March 2022 made public that processing services for priority visa applications from overseas would be suspended temporarily so that applications from Ukrainian refugees can be prioritised. Delays and incompletion of other applications is the result of the focus of application processing under Ukraine immigration.

UKVI, at the end of April, announced that there were a high volume of applications they were experiencing, and that decision making would take longer than expected as they were reading and working through applications in date order. It was also recommended to sponsors that applications should be chased up only due to exceptional circumstances.

Usually on standard service for visa processing times, decisions are made within three weeks after after an applicants biometrics appointment, however it is currently taking longer than usual processing times.

Government updates on processing times

The applicants waiting time starts when they attend the biometric appointment at the visa application centre or depending on the applied visa, verification of applicants identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. However, the waiting time ends when the applicant receives an email containing the decision made on their application.

The government has outlined the new updates on processing times for applications:

• The standard visitor visa, usually taking three weeks to process, is currently taking approximately six weeks to process.
• Transit visa applications are taking on average six weeks to process which usually takes three weeks to process.
• Skilled worker visa applications are also taking on average six weeks to process which usually takes three weeks to process.
• Family visas are estimated to take up to 24 weeks to process due to the prioritisation of the Ukrainian visa applications by the UKVI.
• Decisions on family reunion should take up to 12 weeks once the applicant has attended the visa application centre.
• For an Ancestry visa, decision should take approximately three weeks.
• Returning residents should receive a decision within three weeks when applying for returning resident visa.
• Priority services for visas are temporarily suspended

For more info on the updates of applications, visit GOV.UK.

Due to the sudden delays from the Home Office, it is recommended that processes should be started for sponsors such as employers and applications should be submitted as soon as possible. During recruitment processes, time should be extended due to job start dates being delayed.

For easy to understand advice in regards to your options and guidance about what is involved in the immigration and settlement application process give our dedicated experts a call.

For advice on immigration law call our dedicated immigration lawyers at Njomane Law on (+44) 7591 725862 / (+44) 7816 597100 or contact us online.