The United Kingdom is one of the most popular regions for studying abroad. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), 2,862,620 students enrolled in the UK for 2021-2022. Of these 2,862,620 enrollments, 2,182,560 were from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and other UK areas.
At the same time, 120,140 enrollments were from European Union countries and 559,825 from the rest of the world. This data suggests how the UK is among international students. One of the critical aspects of studying in the UK is a Student Visa, and students from many countries apply for it.
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According to the UK’s official data, 457,673 sponsored visas were granted in 2023. Students from countries like China, Nigeria, India, and many others apply for study visas in the UK every year.
It’s totally normal to feel worried about your UK visa status. But don’t worry! Here’s a simple guide on how to track your visa for the UK!
Also Read: Apply for Visa of UK: Types, Application Process, Fees & Time
Visa Tracking For UK: Stepwise Process
Understanding your UK visa status is essential for planning and peace of mind. Whether you’ve recently submitted an application or already hold a visa, actively monitoring its progress or details is key. You can easily track your application online using your reference number or reach out to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) directly.
This proactive approach provides valuable insights into your visa status and empowers you to stay in control of your immigration journey, ensuring you can manage your affairs effectively.
Here is the stepwise process you can follow to track your UK Visa:
For applications in progress:
- Online Tracking: You can check your application status through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website or a third-party visa application centre, if you used one. Just have your application reference number handy.
- Contacting UKVI: Another option is to call the UKVI helpline and ask about your application status.
For existing visas:
- Online Service: Access your visa details and rights using the UKVI ‘View and prove your immigration status’ service. Simply create a UKVI account and provide your date of birth.
By staying informed about your visa status through these simple methods, you not only ensure smooth travel and stay in the UK but also show that you’re committed to following immigration rules.
Also Read: Reasons to Study in UK
Check UK Visa Application Status Outside the Region
If you are an applicant for a UK Visa outside the country, you must visit an application centre locally. For example, if you have applied for a UK visa from India, you can visit a visa application centre locally for biometric and interview purposes.
Some of India’s visa application centres are in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. Such a visa application centre helps you interview and get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). BRPs are essential for people looking to stay in the UK for more than six months, extend their visa, or want to settle in the country.
However, if you are looking for visa tracking for the UK in India, you may receive no direct responses regarding the status. You can contact the UKVI staff about the application status here. Another critical aspect of applying for a visa from outside the UK is that the processing times are less than that of applications within the country.
The average processing time for an application for a UK visa outside the country is three weeks. However, UKVI offers premium processing services, which will cost you more.
Now that we have covered visa tracking for the UK, when you apply from outside and inside, it’s time to discuss Visa Facilitation Services (VFS).
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Visa Tracking for UK Using VFS
VFS is an outsourcing partner for the British high commission immigration department. VFS has features on its official website that track the confirmation of your UK visa application. The VFS UK visa tracking service provides an easy way to monitor your application’s progress.
If you need visa tracking for UK immigration, you must have several key pieces of information. So, here is the information related to your application form for tracking application status.
- Gather Your Information: Find your application reference number. You should have received it on the invoice or receipt from VFS when you submitted your application.
- Visit the Tracking Portal: Go to the VFS Global website to track visa applications.
- Enter Your Details: Fill in the required information on the tracking page:
- Select Language: Choose your preferred language.
- Reference Number: Enter the application reference number you got from VFS.
- Last Name: Provide your last name exactly as it appears on your application.
After following these steps, you need to enter the captcha text and click on ‘Submit’. You will then be able to track the current status of your visa application.
Visa Tracking for UK: Details Required
These are some details that you will need to check the status of your UK visa application. The following are essential for your visa tracking process:
- Payment Reference Number – This unique number can be used as a reference or proof of payment for application fees. You can also use the payment reference number to check your UK visa status.
- Unique Application Number (UAN)- This is a unique 16-digit number found in all the e-mails and letters sent by the visa office during the application process.
- Case Identification Number – This is another 8-digit unique identification number provided by the visa office in their communication letters, which you can use to track the application’s status.
- Immigration Health Surcharge- When you pay the National Health Surcharge, you get an alphanumeric IHS number. You can use this number to track your UK Visa Application Status.
- Passport number—Your government provides a passport number so you can easily track the status of your visa application. To check your UK visa status, you only need to provide the passport number and date of birth on the official website.
Please do note the above details can vary for other countries like the United States, Canada, or others, depending on the immigration rules.
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Conclusion
Whether you are looking to settle in the UK or want a student visa for the UK, tracking the status can be difficult without proper guidance. The above steps will help you track down the current status of your visa application.
And always remember that sometimes the UK visa gets rejected due to the lack of substantial information, such as personal identification documents and reasons for visiting the UK (such as academic, job, travel, etc.). All these issues can be hindrances to your journey, so you should always consult the experts to avoid rejections in the first place.
Leapscholar counsellors can make this journey smoother by creating your study abroad roadmap, including your career, goals, and the right visa application that you should apply for in the UK.
Related Articles:
- Guide on UK Visa: Application, Process & Fees
- UK Visa Interview Question & Answers
- UK Visa Fees for Indian Students
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I track my UK visa application?
A. Yes, you can track your UK visa application through the official UK Visa and Immigration website. You’ll need your application reference number and your date of birth to check the status of your application. Once logged in, you can see the current stage of your application, whether it’s under consideration, awaiting a decision, or if a decision has been made. It’s a convenient way to stay updated on the progress of your visa.
Q. What are the different visa application statuses?
A. The UK visa application statuses typically include:
-Application Submitted: Your application has been successfully lodged.
-Under Consideration: Your application is being reviewed by immigration authorities.
-Further Action Required: Additional documents or information may be needed.
-Awaiting Decision: Your application is awaiting a final decision.
-Decision Made: A decision on your visa application has been reached.
-Visa Issued: Your visa has been approved and issued.
-Visa Rejected: Your visa application has been declined.
Remember to regularly check your application status and follow any instructions provided by the immigration authorities for a smooth visa process.
Q. How long does it take to track a UK Visa?
A. The time it takes for visa tracking for the UK varies depending on the stage of processing. Typically, you can track your application online shortly after submitting it. However, the frequency of updates may vary. It’s recommended to check the status regularly, as updates can occur at any stage of the process. Be sure to have your application reference number and date of birth ready when checking for updates on the official UK Visa and Immigration website.
Q. What if my visa application takes longer than expected?
A. If your UK visa application takes longer than expected, remain patient and continue to monitor the status online. Delays can occur due to various factors, including the complexity of your case or high application volumes. If significant delays persist, you may contact the UK Visa and Immigration helpline or seek assistance from your immigration advisor for guidance on how to proceed.
Q. Can I track my visa application with just my passport number?
A. No, typically, you cannot track your UK visa application with just your passport number. You usually need your application reference number and your date of birth to access the tracking system. However, some countries may offer alternative tracking methods, so it’s best to check the specific guidelines provided by the country’s immigration authority where you submitted your visa application.
Q. Are there any alternative ways to track UK Visa?
A. Yes, in addition to tracking your UK visa application online through the official website using your application reference number and date of birth, you can also inquire about your application status through the UK Visa and Immigration helpline. Additionally, some visa application centres may offer SMS or email notification services to update you on the progress of your application.
Q. What should I do if my visa application is stuck on ‘Processing’?
A. If your UK visa application is stuck on ‘Processing,’ first ensure you’ve allowed sufficient time for processing, as timelines can vary. If it’s been significantly delayed, consider contacting the UK Visa and Immigration helpline for assistance. Provide your application details and inquire about the status. Additionally, consulting with an immigration advisor may offer insights or actions you can take to expedite the process.
Q. What happens if my visa application is rejected?
A. If your UK visa application is rejected, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You may have the option to appeal the decision, depending on the type of visa and the grounds for refusal. Alternatively, you could reapply and address the issues raised in the refusal letter. Consulting with an immigration advisor can provide guidance on the best course of action.
Q. Can I use a visa tracking service?
A. It’s not recommended to use visa tracking services for the UK other than those provided by official government or embassy websites. Some third-party services may claim to offer visa tracking assistance, but they may be unreliable or even fraudulent. It’s safer and more reliable to track your visa application directly through the official channels provided by the country’s immigration authorities.
Q. Where can I find more information about UK visas?
A. Visit the official UK Visa and Immigration website for detailed guidance on various visa types, requirements, processing times, and application procedures. Also, check out resources offered by UK visa application centres in your country, like application forms and FAQs. Relying on these official sources ensures you have accurate information throughout your visa application journey.
Q. How to speed up the application process for a UK visa?
A. With UKVI’s enhanced processing services, you can speed up the process. In addition, UKVI provides two premium priority services- ‘5 working day priority service’ and ‘next working day super priority service.’ However, it will cost you extra.
Q. What is the Global Web Form number?
A. The GWF or Global Web Form number is first generated when applying for a UK visa. You can get this number immediately when you submit the payment and application forms. In addition, it can help you track your UK visa application status through email or telephone inquiries.
Q. What’s the response time of UKVI staff?
A. For inquiries, the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) department typically responds within two days if contacted by mail. However, for instant updates or urgent matters, it’s advisable to make a telephone inquiry. This ensures you receive timely assistance and information regarding your visa application or any other immigration-related queries.
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