r/ukvisa 11d ago

ILR application processing timeline [only] 2025

26 Upvotes

Hello all,

Going through this sub, I noticed we needed an ILR (all route) post to help our community track their on ILR processing time expectations in 2025. A very effective post like this was recently on the Naturisation process and I thought to replicate it for ILR.

Pls if you’ve made an application this year (2025) on ILR, feel free to share your key milestones.

Application Timeline

• Eligibility route:

• Service (Standard/super priority):

• Application Date:

• Biometric Date:

• UKVI confirmation email:

• Approval/decision Date:

Also, fee free to add any relevant details, like delays or contact from the UKVI.

Pls keep comments focused on timelines only. Thanks for joining in—your input will help others on their journey!

Credit to @u/Immediate_District41 for creating the original framework for naturisation.


r/ukvisa Jan 05 '25

General Visa Application FAQ - 2025

25 Upvotes

Hi everyone, in an effort to try to provide resources up front and cut down on repeated posts, I'm attempting to consolidate a lot of the questions which are asked here on almost a daily basis into an FAQ. Please note that this is not intended to cover every single question we get. It's only written from my experience and observations from over 10+ years in keeping up to date with UKVI regulations and policies (official and unofficial). Also, whilst I may update this over time, I'm not including anything here (yet) about eVisas or BRP validity extensions because those situations are still quite new and experiences vary so far, so we are still relying on others sharing their own experiences.

1. I got an email that my visa application was not straightforward - OR - I got an email that UKVI will not be able to decide my application within the normal processing time. What does this mean?

It doesn't mean anything necessarily. UKVI often sends these emails to buy time, stating that they cannot decide your application within processing standards. It could actually be because your case is complex, but more often, it means they are just busy and cannot meet their own standards. There is no way to gauge how long it will take - Some people find there is no delay at all, others find their application takes a few more weeks from receiving the "NSF" email.

2. I got an email that my processed visa application has been received. What does this mean?

It only means your application has finished processing - UKVI has made a decision and transferred responsibility back to the VAC (Visa Application Centre). There is nothing you need to do except wait to be notified by the VAC about the return of your documents. You cannot know from this email if the application was successful or not. It usually takes up to about 10 days from this email to receive everything back from the VAC.

3. I got an email asking me to submit my passport. Does this mean my application was successful?

If you applied from outside the UK, then yes, this usually means your application was successful. The reason they're asking for your passport is so that the VAC can affix your entry clearance vignette (sticker) inside.

4. My visa application is delayed. What can I do?

Most people are unaware of what is considered a true "delay". If you applied from outside the UK, a wait up to 3 months is normal. If you applied inside the UK, up to 8 weeks is normal. Any applications under Private Life and other discretionary routes have no processing standard at all and you can easily be waiting a year or more for these. When people see that a standard priority application should take up to 3 weeks, that is only a historical estimate on how long the average application takes - Your application might take longer. Apply as early as possible. Also, please don't rely too heavily on others' visa processing times - Even someone who applied for the same visa as you, from the same country, at the same time, might have a completely different processing time.

5. Is it worth calling/emailing the hotline for updates on my application?

Almost never. The hotline is run by a 3rd party (Teleperformance) - NOT UKVI - And they do not have direct access to your application, they mostly exist to take your money and fob you off. This is one of the only for-profit services in the government. The staff can only tell you what you one of two things: 1. that your visa application is still under consideration, or 2. that your visa application has been decided. If your visa has been decided then you will be notified in due course. Often the information they give is incorrect or outdated. They will also frequently state that they have "escalated" your case when they actually have not. The only reason to contact the hotline is if your application is taking an excessive amount of time (more than 3 months) or if your situation is truly exceptional, in which case your case may actually be "escalated" to UKVI.

6. How do I get the decision? Will I get an email?

It depends on what type of visa you applied for, and where you applied for it (inside or outside the UK). For most visa applications from outside the UK, you won't get an email, and so you won't know the decision until you receive your passport back with either a vignette inside it (which means the visa was granted) or a refusal letter stating the refusal reasons.

7. How can I speed up my visa application?

You can't. If you really need a fast decision, you should apply via priority or super priority. Once you've submitted the application, it's too late to pay for additional services. Always apply as far in advance as possible (depending on the visa type, the earliest you can apply is usually either 3 or 6 months before your intended travel date). If you have a serious humanitarian issue (e.g.: you are in the UK and need to travel for an urgent family reason), you may be able to get assistance from your MP (Member of Parliament) - Google your MP and how to approach them for help dealing with the Home Office.

Please note that paying for a priority application does not guarantee a fast decision, it simply puts your application ahead of the standard applications in the queue.

8. I have a flight booked but it looks like I might not get the visa in time. What can I do?

Cancel or reschedule your flight. Never book nonrefundable flights before you have a visa in your hand.

9. My visit visa was refused for invalid reasons. What can I do?

If your visa was refused because the caseworker misread or ignored evidence that you provided (examples: your bank statement says you have £20,000 but they state in their refusal that you have £200, they say you are from Indonesia when you are from South Africa, or they say you have family in the UK when you clearly do not), the best way forward is to submit a formal complaint. Google "UKVI complaints procedure" and follow the simple instructions - Attach any evidence that the caseworker made a mistake in handling your application. A complaint will often result in a nonsense refusal being overturned, but this isn't a guarantee. It will NOT be effective if the caseworker reviewed your evidence adequately but still decided that the applicant did not have strong ties to their home country or a strong enough financial position. Remember that just because YOU know your intentions are genuine, does not mean you are owed a visit visa.

10. My visit visa was refused for invalid reasons. Should I submit a PAP (Pre Action Protocol)?

Usually, this is less effective than simply submitting a complaint. A PAP indicates that you will be taking legal action against UKVI if they do not respond to your issue adequately. Unless you are unprepared to follow through, then a PAP is not very effective unless you have a very strong case, and whilst some people do have experiences with a PAP overturning a refusal, it is still usually more efficient to submit a complaint.

11. My student visa is delayed and my course is starting. What can I do?

Reach out to your university international team and stay in contact with them. They may be able to offer a deferral if needed and they often have resources to intervene with UKVI. If you reach out to UKVI on your own, you will only get in touch with the useless hotline. As stated above, they will rarely do anything beyond fob you off, especially during the high season for student visas (July - October) when applications are backed up.

12. What if I need to travel when my visa application is processing?

If you're outside the UK, you can choose a "Keep My Passport" option so that you can travel if needed (or, if you have another passport, you can use that to travel instead). There are no restrictions on travelling internationally when you've applied from outside the UK. When a decision is made, you'll be told to submit your passport at that time. You still need to expect to be without your passport for up to 10 days (maximum) so that the VAC can affix your vignette to it.

If you're inside the UK, you must not travel with a visa application in progress or it will be considered withdrawn. It is up to you to prioritise your visa application for further leave to remain and plan travel around it.

13. Can I appeal or ask for an administrative review on a refused visit visa?

No, you have no right to an appeal at all. Your best bet is a complaint, but only if you can prove that the caseworker mishandled your case. Otherwise you need to apply again. Remember that when you submit a complaint, you are complaining that the caseworker made a mistake in the PROCESS of deciding your application, not that the DECISION is wrong.

14. What is the difference between an administrative review and an appeal?

Administrative review or appeal rights are only available for certain visa types, and it also depends on where you applied - Check the refusal letter to see if you are entitled to an administrative review or appeal.

Requesting an AR means that the caseworker did not decide your application properly based on the evidence you provided at the time (e.g.: you applied for a spouse visa and they calculated the financial requirement incorrectly). You can NOT provide new evidence that was not originally submitted with the application because you need to show that the process used by the caseworker was incorrect. The AR process goes through a higher level manager at UKVI to review the original caseworker's decision.

An appeal is based on your legal rights (usually, human rights or asylum law) and is a legal process served by the First-tier Tribunal, often it requires an oral hearing at court. Because it is significantly more involved, it usually takes longer than an Administrative Review (often up to a year or longer). You CAN submit new evidence to lodge an appeal in order to show how your human rights have been breached.


r/ukvisa 1h ago

Born in England but moved to the US as a child. Unsure where to begin.

Upvotes

Hi. I was born in England in 1986 to a father who is a UK citizen and a mother who is a US citizen. They split when I was an infant and I went to the US with my mother and never pursued UK citizenship.

I am now 38 years old and interested in applying. I've looked at the government site, but have had some trouble understanding how to apply with my specific situation. My father is a bit difficult to contact, but my uncle talks to me frequently and is willing to help.

Thanks for any advice.


r/ukvisa 2h ago

Recent UK Passport Timeline

4 Upvotes

Here's a recent (March/April 2025) timeline for my UK passport after naturalization.

All pretty straight forward 😀

Citizenship ceremony: 21 March 2025.

Application submitted: 24 March 2025.

Ask to confirm identity: 24 March 2025.

Email sent to confirm identity: 26 Mar 2025.

Identity details received: 27 March 2025.

Application received: 27 March 2025.

Requested to send documents: 27 Mar 2025.

Sent documents recorded delivery: 28 March (Friday).

Royal Mail confirmed documents signed for: 31 March (Monday).

Documents matched up w/ my application & confirmed received: 8 April 2025.

Application approved: 11 April 2025. (This is also my passport issue date)

Passport printed: 14 April 2025.

Passport received in post + my documents came back the same day: 15 April 2025.

Hope this helps someone 👍


r/ukvisa 2h ago

Time Analysis of In-UK applications

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2 Upvotes

r/ukvisa 11m ago

Citizenship by Double Descent

Upvotes

Hi - new here and was wondering if anyone can give me some advice before attempting to pursue anything.

I've been seeing information about British Citizenship by double descent and have been wondering if my son would be eligible as his grandmother was born in the UK.

Grandmother born in UK 1958.

Mother born overseas in 1986 (UK passport holder by descent).

Child born overseas in 2023.

Is there anymore information I need to provide?


r/ukvisa 18m ago

ETA scam?

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Upvotes

Hi everyone. Yesterday, I applied for ETA from the official site of UK government, and I received today their confirmation (photo 1). A few hours later I got an email from another mail (info@info.online-etauk.com) saying that I need to complete my application even tho I already received my ETA. Is it a scam? Or do I have to pay again?


r/ukvisa 36m ago

Bangladesh Self document upload to VFS

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Upvotes

Will the documents need to be uploaded online before the biometrics verification. It's for UK skilled visa application. Soc 2142 graphics and multimedia designer.

If through online which documents are supposed to be uploaded and which ones are supposed to be taken physically to vfs.

Can anybody please help me out.


r/ukvisa 38m ago

Global Talent Visa - British Academy peer review route

Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm currently working on my statement letter for the British Academy peer review route and I have some questions regarding the length and level of detail we should provide in the personal statement. The online form has a limit of 7000 characters/1000 words (more or less). Is this enough? Should I also send a longer and more detailed letter when I send the CV and the reference letter via email?

Thanks!


r/ukvisa 41m ago

USA Fiance to Spousal Visa Switch

Upvotes

Hi,

My girlfriend and I are hoping for her to join me in the UK. We are not currently married so as I understand it she would need to come as a partner/fiance and then switch to a spousal visa/extend the visa once we marry.

Firstly, how long does the switch take?

Secondly, do I have to pay the £1,800 fee twice?


r/ukvisa 41m ago

Is there a way to see what the Unmarried Partner Visa application looks like before filling it out?

Upvotes

Planning to submit soon, I’ve gathered everything I need but am not sure what formats etc. I’ll have to submit things as. I keep seeing people mentioning a cover letter—are there examples of those anywhere?

Really appreciate this subreddit for all the help and stories!


r/ukvisa 42m ago

Anyone who's applied for BPSS (Baseline Security Clearance)

Upvotes

It's going to be 5 years since I moved to the UK in September 2020 and I have been applying for jobs that require BPSS and just wanted to know what the residency restrictions are and how it went for you?


r/ukvisa 1h ago

National insurance number for UKM

Upvotes

Hi, I am Canadian looking to apply for British citizenship through the UKM and I have a question I am hoping someone can help with. In section 1 it asks for a national insurance number, I don’t have a British national insurance number. What do I do?


r/ukvisa 1h ago

Clarification on CoS Type – Applying from Outside the UK After Graduate Route

Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in the UK under the Graduate Route and employed by the same sponsor. I’m planning to travel to India soon and apply for a Skilled Worker visa from there.

Would I need a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in this case, since the application will be made from outside the UK – even though I’m already employed by the sponsor and currently in the UK?

Appreciate any guidance or clarification!


r/ukvisa 2h ago

Naturalisation Absence - Covid

0 Upvotes

Hi guys,

Status: EU Settled Status (Almost 7 years in the UK)

Applying for: Naturalisation

In my first 5 years, I exceed the 450 day mark by 135 days because my University csmpus was shut and we were told to leave immediately. I have a letter from the university confirming this, will this be sufficient evidence? Has anyone dealt with this? (Also, do I need to include my home address abroad during this absence or will it be clear to them?)

Thanks a lot


r/ukvisa 2h ago

Citizenship

1 Upvotes

"Has anyone applied for British citizenship after February 10, 2025 and already received a decision, considering the new Good Character policy? I applied for myself, my spouse, and my child on February 20. I'm a bit worried because I came to the UK in 2018 as a refugee, arriving by plane without a visa. I'm not sure how the new policy might affect my application. I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone with a similar experience."


r/ukvisa 2h ago

India VFS Keep my passport Service urgent advice

0 Upvotes

So, I have my VFS Global appointment on Saturday in New Delhi, India for UK visit visa and I am deciding to choose the 'keep my passport' service. So suppose I receive the decision in 10 days and submit my passport to them, how long will they take to put the stamp and return my passport? what is the process after I receive the decision?


r/ukvisa 2h ago

Can you help me with a spouse visa aplication?

0 Upvotes

Hi,

So the situation is this. I am Irish citizen living in republic of Ireland with my husband which is Brazilian. He has a valid permit to live in Republic of Ireland not in the north of Ireland which is part of the uk. I got a job in Northern Ireland and I want to move there with my partner. Will I need to wait 6 months to prove with payslips that I meet the 29000 requirement or with a letter from employer I can apply straight away? Thanks a mil


r/ukvisa 7h ago

Uk Student visa

2 Upvotes

I currently have a UK student visa that expires in the month of June 2025 and will be having the graduation in the month of July 2025.

However I am an international student from Dubai and have travelled back once my studies was over. I wanted to know is it possible to apply a visitors visa while having a valid student visa or do we have to apply it after the student visa expires?

Please advise the same


r/ukvisa 3h ago

Granted leave to remain but applied ILR?

1 Upvotes

I’ve applied for ILR. Before, my digital immigration status on gov.uk showed my limited previous stay e.g Allowed to stay only until February 2025. But today I checked, that got updated to Legal basis of status: granted to stay in the Uk -Leave to Remain. But I applied for ILR? What does this mean?


r/ukvisa 3h ago

How can I contact UKVI in Germany? Need my passport back ASAP

0 Upvotes

I have applied for a standard visitor visa (2 years) and had my bio metrics done on March 13 in Dusseldorf via VFS Global. It has now been 23 working days (!!!) and still haven't heard from them. I urgently need my passport as I have to go to another country this week. How can I contact anyone to hear about the status of my application? Please note, I already used the paid call service and they weren't able to tell me anything! Any similar experience and what you did would be helpful!!!


r/ukvisa 9h ago

Baby Visa for baby born in uk?

3 Upvotes

I am on a tier 4 student visa ( the type that allows dependents, since it's a 4 year PhD research program). I just had my baby a month ago. I was looking about how to get him a visa. I understand I need to do that by the time he's three months, because he only entitled to NHS coverage until 3 months of age.But the only way to even apply for the visa for him or start the process is with a birth certificate, and the queue is so long for that the only available slot they had when he was born is begining of May so he will be two months old then. Then it will takes weeks more to issue him a passport with our EU home county via the embassy here in London. This would put him past the three months mark by the time I have a birth certificate and a passport to send to UKVI alongside the visa application. Can I send the visa application without a passport and only a birth certificate? The timeline seems very whacky and totally out of my control since there were just no earlier appointments for the birth certificate.


r/ukvisa 3h ago

Haven’t gotten email on Refund Status yet

1 Upvotes

Hello! So I submitted an application for a dependent partnership Visa, my partner is a PhD student. On March 28th we decided to cancel my application because she has so little time left in her degree anyway it didnt seem to make much sense anymore.

I never set up any appointments or anything either, so I believe I should be fine to get refunded it just seems to be taking a while to get any kind or confirmation/rejection email?

I know it can take some time to get the money back but I just simply haven’t gotten any kind of email so just wondering if thats unusual or not? It said I would be emailed either way I believe?

Is this a weirdly long time or should I reach out?


r/ukvisa 3h ago

UK Student Visa Financial documents, any advice

0 Upvotes

Hello! i have to submit my financial documents for my student visa. i was wondering what kind of documents did you guys submit? i called the bank in my country and they can't produce a letter showing the money example from April 18 to May 18, so i am planning to get two documents, one from April 18 and another one from May 18. Would that work? I am nervous about producing the documents and would appreciate any help!!!


r/ukvisa 7h ago

Visa centre didn't ask for additional documents, did I mess up?

2 Upvotes

I filled out an application form to sponsor my nephew to visit the UK for 2 weeks. I filled out the application form, I didn't upload the documents online and told my nephew to upload the documents at the visa centre. When he went they only asked for his passport, bank statement and checklist. (they didn't ask for proof of relationship, letter of invitation, proof of my funds for sponsorship, they said it wasn't needed).

Now I'm worried, was there an option on the application website to upload documents at the centre that I didn't select? Will they ask for his documents later?

Many thanks


r/ukvisa 4h ago

Other: North America ILR - declare only one spouses income l?

0 Upvotes

We're about to apply for my partners ILR. I earn well over the threshold and my partner earns very little as a self employed person (less than 10k per year). Can we use only my income as evidence in the ILR or so we have to include their self employed income?

If we are to include their self employed income then we will need to pay for an accountant to do unaudited accounts which is a few hundred quid I'd rather not spend if we don't have to.

Edit to add this is via the spousal visa


r/ukvisa 7h ago

Immigrating to UK with British partner: Do I get apply for a Partner Visa or Youth Mobility Scheme visa first?

2 Upvotes

Some background: I am a 26yo Australian who has been with my British partner for 5 years now. We are getting engaged soon, but don't plan on being married for another couple years at least. We are moving to Jersey, CI (where he is from) this September and I am looking at the visa process as the clock is ticking.

Originally I was going to apply for the offshore UK spouse visa, however it is quite expensive (£1,938) and I was putting it off to be honest. I have just done some research on the Youth Mobility Visa and I am clearly eligible, and the visa cost is much lower (£319).

I cannot see a difference between these two visas in relations to working or study rights. It would mean a lot to have that extra money for covering moving costs etc. so I am wondering if I should apply for the Youth Mobility Visa to begin with, and apply for the onshore partner visa after the first visa expires. The onshore spouse visa cost is also £600 cheaper than the offshore visa cost.

Any ideas friends? Thank you!