How many months will the visa processing take in UK?

Your UK visa processing time depends heavily on which visa you are applying for and whether you are applying from inside or outside the country. Most standard applications made from outside the UK, including student and work visas, are processed within three weeks, while in-country extensions and switches typically take eight weeks. The clock only starts after your biometric appointment, not the day you submit your application online.

UK Visa Processing Times By Category

Faster Options If You Need A Quicker Decision

• Priority Service usually gives you a decision within 5 working days, or around 30 working days for certain family visas, for an extra fee.
• Super Priority Service gives you a decision by the end of the next working day after your biometric appointment.
• Processing can stretch longer than standard if your case is complex, needs extra checks, or falls in a high volume season such as pre summer travel or university intake months.

My Advice

If you are applying for a student visa from outside the UK, submit your application as soon as your CAS is issued and book your biometric appointment immediately, since the three week clock only starts after that appointment, not your submission date. If your intake date is tight, budget the extra fee for Priority Service so a slow week does not cost you your term start.