Accelerated Paths: Unpacking UK Visit Visa Processing Times in 2018

This detailed analysis delves into the UK Visit Visa Processing Times for 2018, closely examining how the actual processing times across five countries — India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Lebanon, and the USA — stack up against the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Service Standards for non-settlement visitor visa applications. This includes a spectrum of visa types such as Long-Term Visit Visa (more than 6 months), General or Tourist Visit Visa (6 months or less), Business Visit Visa (6 months or less), Family Visit Visa (6 months or less), and Other Visit Visa Applications (6 months or less).

Accelerated Paths: Unpacking UK Visit Visa Processing Times in 2018

UK Visit Visa Processing Time Versus UKVI Service Standards:

Analysis from January 2018 reveals that over 90% of visit visa applications from the aforementioned countries were processed within 10–15 working days (2–3 weeks), indicating effective adherence to UKVI’s service standards. Moreover, virtually all (100%) of the visit visa applications were adjudicated within the 30–60 working days (6–12 weeks) timeframe stipulated by UKVI service standards, underscoring a consistent commitment to efficiency.

UKVI Service Standards (Non-Settlement Applications):

UKVI has set clear expectations for processing times:
- 90% of non-settlement applications decided within 3 weeks
- 98% within 6 weeks
- 100% within 12 weeks of the application date, where a week equals 5 working days

UKVI Priority Service Standards (Non-Settlement):

For an additional fee (GBP 184 online or its equivalent in local currency at UKVAC), applicants can opt for the Priority Service to expedite their application ahead of non-priority ones. The data indicates that between 15–40% of non-settlement visitor visa applications benefited from this expedited processing, receiving decisions within 3–5 working days, aligning with UKVI’s priority service standards. Notably, the standard priority service timeline is generally 5 days, though this can vary by country — for instance, in Pakistan, it extends to 7–9 days.

Understanding Priority Visa Applications:

UKVI’s aim is to make a decision on Priority Visa applications within 5 working days from the submission of biometric information, signaling a swift path through the visa process for those who opt for it. This analysis highlights the effectiveness of the priority service across various jurisdictions, offering applicants a clearer expectation of their application timeline.

The comparative examination of actual processing times against the UKVI service standards not only affirms the efficiency of the visa processing system but also provides valuable insights for future applicants considering the expedited priority service. It reflects UKVI’s commitment to meeting and, in many cases, exceeding its processing time goals, thereby enhancing the applicant experience.

Long-Term UK Visit Visa Processing Time

The information relating to long-term visit visa processing time, during Jan 2018, from Nigeria, USA, Lebanon, Pakistan and India indicates that apart from missing out meeting the stated service standard, only by a very close margin, in Nigeria (89% in 15 days), UKVI has been able to process more than 90% of the applications within 15 days during the month of January 2018. Moreover, all the long-term visit visa applications were decided within 30–60 days.

• Nigeria (Lagos)- 5%, 16%, 44%, 89% and 100% of the Long-Term UK Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Lagos were processed in 3, 5, 10, 15 and 60 days, respectively.
• USA- 31%, 71%, 97%, 99% and 100% of the Long-Term UK Visit Visa Applications from the USA were processed in 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days, respectively.
• Lebanon (Beirut)- 7%, 35%, 81%, 98% and 100% of the Long-Term UK Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Beirut were processed in 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days, respectively.
• Pakistan (Karachi)- 23%, 77%, 97% and 100% of the Long-Term UK Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Karachi were decided within in 3, 5, 10 and 60 days, respectively.
• India (Mumbai)- 38%, 39%, 99% and 100% of the Long-Term UK Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Mumbai were decided in 3, 5, 10 and 15 days, respectively.

Here it important to mention that Long-term UK Visit Visas (more than 6 months) are usually issued for 2, 5 and 10 years for any eligible visiting purpose such as meeting family, doing business, tourism; however, an applicant is not allowed to remain in the UK for more than 180 days during a single visit. For instance, a holder of 10-years visit visa enters the UK on Jan 1, 2018, is required to leave the UK on or before June 29, 2018. Usually, a long-term visit visa is issued to those applicants who have a good immigration history and have a frequent purpose of visiting the UK.

UK General or Tourist Visit Visa Processing Time

The General Visit Visa (6 months or less) is mainly meant for tourism and sight-seeing purpose. Colloquially, it is also called UK Tourist Visa.

During the month of January 2018, more than 90% of the UK Tourist Visit Visa Applications were decided within 10–15 days from Karachi, Mumbai, the USA and Beirut; however, in case of Lagos (Nigeria) the service standard was not achieved as 82%, instead of 90% of the applications, were disposed within 15 days. Nevertheless, all the applications were decided within 30–60 workings days from Karachi, Mumbai, USA, Nigeria and Lebanon.

• Pakistan (Karachi)- 15%, 72%, 97% and 100% of the UK Tourist Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Karachi were decided in 3, 5, 10 and 30 days, respectively.
• India (Mumbai)- 6%, 6%, 99% and 100% of the General Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Mumbai were decided in 3, 5, 10 and 30 days.
• Nigeria (Lagos)- 1%, 7%, 13%, 82%, 99% and 100% of the General Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Lagos were processed in 3, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 days, respectively.
• USA- 11%, 62%, 97% and 100% of the General Visit Visa Applications submitted from the USA were processed in 3, 5, 10 and 60 days, respectively.
• Lebanon (Beirut)- 2%, 21%, 78%, 96% and 100% of the General Visitor Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Beirut were processed in 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days, respectively.

UK Business Visit Visa Processing Time

The Business Visit Visa (6 months or less) is mainly issued for performing permitted business activities in the UK.

During the month of January 2018, more than 90% of the UK Tourist Visit Visa Applications were decided within 10–15 days from Karachi, Mumbai, the USA, Lagos and Beirut. Moreover, apart from Beirut, all the applications were decided within 30–60 workings days from Karachi, Mumbai, USA and Nigeria.

• Pakistan (Karachi)- 20%, 77%, 97% and 100% of the Business Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Karachi were decided in 3, 5, 10 and 15 days, respectively.
• India (Mumbai)- 39%, 40%, 97% and 100% of the Business Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Mumbai were decided in 3, 5, 10 and 30 days, respectively.
• Nigeria (Lagos)- 8%, 34%, 42%, 91% and 100% of the Business Visitor Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Lagos were processed in 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days, respectively.
• USA- 35%, 77%, 99% and 100% of the Business Visitor Visa Applications from the USA were processed in 3, 5, 10 and 30 days, respectively.
• Lebanon (Beirut)- 7%, 38%, 85%, 97%, 98%, 99% and 100% of the Business Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Beirut are processed in 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively.

UK Family Visit Visa Processing Time

The Family Visit Visa (6 months or less) is mainly issued for meeting brothers, sisters, son, daughter and to perform permitted activities in the UK. The definition of family includes a stepbrother, stepsister etc. and in-laws such as mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law etc.

During the month of January 2018, all the UK Family Visit Visa Applications were decided within 30 workings days from Karachi, Mumbai, USA, Beirut and Nigeria.

• Pakistan (Karachi)- 15%, 71%, 97% and 100% of the Family Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Karachi were decided in 3, 5, 10 and 15 days, respectively.
• India (Mumbai)- 8%, 10%, 99% and 100% of the Family Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Mumbai were decided in 3, 5, 10 and 30 days, respectively.
• Nigeria (Lagos)- 1%, 5%, 12%, 85% and 100% of the Family Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Lagos were processed in 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days, respectively.
• USA- 10%, 47%, 96% and 100% of the Family Visit Visa Applications submitted from the USA were processed in 3, 5, 10 and 30 days, respectively.
• Lebanon (Beirut)- 2%, 8%, 80%, 95% and 100% of the Family Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Beirut were processed in 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days, respectively.

Other Visit Visa Processing Time

The Other Visit Visa (6 months or less) is mainly issued for medical treatment, undertaking tests etc.

During the month of January 2018, all the Other Visit Visa Applications were decided within 30 workings days from Karachi, Mumbai, USA, Beirut and Nigeria.

• Pakistan (Karachi)- 24%, 63%, 93% and 100% of the Other UK Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Karachi were decided in 3, 5, 10 and 30 days, respectively.
• India (Mumbai)- 6%, 7%, 97% and 100% of the Other UK Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Mumbai were decided in 3, 5, 10 and 30 days, respectively.
• Nigeria (Lagos)- 2%, 8%, 15%, 85% and 100% of the Other Visit Visa Application submitted at UKVAC Lagos were processed in 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days, respectively.
• USA- 12%, 52%, 96% and 100% of the Other Visit Visa Applications from the USA were processed in 3, 5, 10 and 30 days, respectively.
• Lebanon (Beirut)- 5%, 28%, 83%, 98% and 100% of the Other Visit Visa Applications submitted at UKVAC Beirut were processed in 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days, respectively.

UK Visa Processing Time After Biometrics 2024 Best Guidance

Discover More About UK Visas and Immigration

Delve deeper into the nuances of navigating the UK visa application process with our curated selection of articles. Each piece offers specialized insights to aid your journey towards understanding and fulfilling the requirements for various UK visa categories:

1. UK Visa Refusal Email: Navigate through the complexities of a UK visa refusal with comprehensive guidance on how to interpret and respond to refusal emails.
2. Indefinite Leave to Remain: A thorough walkthrough for securing your Indefinite Leave to Remain status in the UK, encapsulating all necessary steps and documentation.
3. Tier 2 English Language Requirements: Essential information on the English language proficiency needed to qualify for the Tier 2 visa, ensuring your successful application.
4. British Citizenship Fees 2024: Stay informed with the latest fee structure for applying for British citizenship, planning your application in accordance with the 2024 guidelines.
5. Indefinite Leave to Remain Premium Service: Expedite your Indefinite Leave to Remain application with the premium service, understanding the benefits and process.
6. UK Tourist Visa Fee in Nigeria: Insight into the cost of applying for a UK tourist visa from Nigeria, helping you budget for your application.
7. England Work Visa Price in Pakistan 2024: Detailed breakdown of the fees associated with UK work visas for Pakistani applicants, planning ahead for 2024.
8. Skilled Migration to UK from Sri Lanka: Explore visa options for skilled Sri Lankans aiming to migrate to the UK, offering a pathway to new opportunities.
9. UK Student Visa Fees in Indian Rupees 2024: Plan your education journey with the latest on student visa fees, presented in Indian Rupees for 2024 applicants.
10. How to Apply for UK Tourist Visa from USA: A detailed guide for US residents looking to apply for a UK tourist visa, ensuring a smooth application process.

Embarking on Your UK Visa Application Journey

Our collection of resources and guides is designed to support you at every stage of your UK visa application process. Whether you’re seeking to visit, work, study, or settle in the UK, the insights provided in these articles can illuminate your path toward achieving your goals. For further assistance and personalized advice, consider reaching out to professional immigration consultants.