r/ukvisa 2d ago

ILR application processing timeline [only] 2025

18 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

20 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

EU Airport staff missing training for Settled Status holders after recent ETA changes

Upvotes

I was just able to board at BER airport, EU citizen with Settled Status since 2019.

However, SwissPort/RyanAir staff did not let me initially and wanted to see a Residence Permit or an ETA.

EU citizen with EUSS statuses don’t have residence permits in paper form and share codes mean nothing to clueless SwissPort staff. We also don’t need an ETA.

In the end I found the email from UKVI that I got with the confirmation of my settled status and showed staff the PDF letter. It was like talking to the wall before that no matter how I tried to explain. She looked at the letter and accepted it, even though the letter itself is not a valid proof of status in the UK.

Even if I did have an ETA - there will be nothing to show with it, as the outcome of the ETA message you receive itself says „you don’t need to do anything, just use your passport when you enter the UK“, so there’s nothing to show.

So just be warned in case something like that happens to you and be early at the gate so you have time to deal with the hassle.


r/ukvisa 4h ago

Naturalised Citizen, what to do with old passport

3 Upvotes

Finally got UK citizenship through Tier 2 - 5-year ILR - Naturalisation route!!

My old un-expired foreign passport was returned to me after applying for my first ever British passport. It does not appear damaged, no holes, no cuts.

Does this mean that I can still use this old foreign passport, am I a dual citizen automatically until this passport expires?

What do I do with this passport?

Has anyone experienced the same thing?

I thought they would destroy my old passport.

Thank you!


r/ukvisa 3m ago

UK standard visitor visa application mistake

Upvotes

on my last visit visa application, It was written that my parents OWN the place we live in and not that we RENT it. we got the visa with no problems. they do own another place, but not the place that we live in.

we've just discovered right now that we've made that mistake, we will correct it to *renting the place next time, but will it cause us problems since it doesn't match the old application?


r/ukvisa 9m ago

Worried about old (spent) conviction and UK entry – need some peace of mind

Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m traveling to the UK soon and have already received my ETA approval. A long time ago, I was convicted of a minor offence (theft), but it’s now officially spent and no longer appears on my criminal record (I’m from Sweden, where spent convictions are removed from the register after a certain time).

When applying for the ETA, I answered "No" to the question about past criminal convictions because, legally, I have none anymore – it’s fully expunged from the system and even the police no longer have access to it.

Still, I’m worried. I’m traveling with people who don’t know about this part of my past, and I’m scared something could come up at the border or that I could get refused entry. I’ve read that the UK takes lying seriously, and while I believe I answered truthfully (since it’s no longer a conviction in legal terms), I’m still nervous.

Also, I have dual citizenship (Swedish and Romanian, adopted as a child), which I did mention on the application, but a friend worried me by saying they might “find out” I was hiding something if I hadn’t mentioned it – but I did.

Can the UK somehow access old, spent Swedish convictions? Can I be denied entry or banned for this? What could happen if they somehow found out?

Thanks for any reassurance or experiences you can share – I just want to make sure I can relax and enjoy the trip.


r/ukvisa 20m ago

How Long is LTR Processing Application?

Upvotes

I will be sending in my application soon has anyone done their leave to remain application this year or late last year? And how long did it take for you to receive a response without paying for priority?


r/ukvisa 27m ago

EU Passport help

Upvotes

I am a minor currently 16 years old and we want to apply for me to obtain a britsh passport. my parents are both not british but have both lived in the uk for over 20 years own property and pay taxes, but i only lived there for 6 years as i moved with one parent but the other still lives there. they have indefinite leave in the uk and my current passport has my residency as the uk. can i apply and get a british passport?


r/ukvisa 28m ago

Using crypto sales as Spouse Visa proof of savings

Upvotes

Hi all, my husband and I are combining our proof of cash savings over the last 6 months and we’re frustratingly £3000 short of the £88,500 threshold in January.

We have enough savings tied up in crypto and stablecoins which have been parked on Coinbase for more than 6 months. Since Coinbase is in the UK and regulated by the FCA, we can provide monthly statements and transfer logs of the cash in GBP to our bank accounts we were hoping it meets all the requirements.

Has anyone ever been successful in using cash savings from crypto? I know crypto in itself isn’t accepted but this is liquidated from our assets and available in our bank account right now.

Thanks for any advice!


r/ukvisa 30m ago

Getting spouse visa with graduate visa

Upvotes

Hello everybody,

I am on graduate visa, my partner wants to move to UK and we have been together more than 2 years. However one of the rules that my spouse needed to get a visa when I had the student visa. Is it impossible for him to get a spouse visa right now? I am also working and our combined salaries are more than 29k per year.

Thank you in advance.


r/ukvisa 32m ago

Skilled worker dependent visa

Upvotes

Guys does anyone know what are the documents that I need to submit for skilled worker dependent visa for my wife. It's an arrange marriage and we got married on 18th feb 2025 and now I want to apply dependant visa for her. Previously we applied tourist visa because generally marriage certificate takes time ,but then visa was refused on 5th Jan 2025. What do I need to submit? Please help


r/ukvisa 40m ago

Writing a nice letter to the Home Office for speedier Citizenship?

Upvotes

I'm guessing the answer here will be "lol, no" but has got me wondering and been playing around in my mind a bit.

I saw a thread on here recently where someone posted a little-known email relating to citizenship applications, and lo-and-behold, plenty of people saying it did work. Long wait times, but a nice email and their citizenship application was sped throuhh. Lovely.

However I assume they were already eligible for citizenship, they were just speeding up the process to apply for it.

I'm wondering if there's any point writing a nice email to them to ask if they'd consider, maybe, you know, please thank you very much kindly good sir, letting my wife get her citizenship early?

Here already for four years on a student visa, coming up on two on a spouse visa. Good job, good income, pays all her taxes, plenty of family here (most of whom have citizenship), never been in trouble with the law or anything. I'm a decent citizen myself too, never any trouble apart from one speeding fine, decent income, etc.

While I grant they'll almost certainly say no, is it worth a shot? Or conversely might they simply get annoyed and make it more difficult?

It's absolutely fine as things stand, the only thing she can't do that she could if she got citizenship is claim benefits, but has zero intention of doing so. But it's a right bloody pain travelling to Europe, which I do a lot.


r/ukvisa 47m ago

Photo requirement

Upvotes

I used the immigration id check app for my identity confirmation. The app accepted the picture, but I’m a bit worried as the wall behind me had brick lines, even though it was all white as required, and got accepted by the id check app. Could this impact my graduate visa application?


r/ukvisa 49m ago

Graduate visa timeline

Upvotes

I applied for my graduate visa on the 28th of March, and I helped my friend apply on the 2nd of April. He got his the next day (3rd of April), and mine is still processing. Are there people who applied in March, and how long did your processing take?


r/ukvisa 10h ago

Couldn't upload supporting documents

6 Upvotes

Vfs gloabl website: I tried uploading documents countless times.i can add documents and preview them but once I click upload and submit it loads for so much time and stops in the end it won't get uploaded. It's very frustrating. Any solution for this. I've been trying from morning and I have biometrics in 30 hours


r/ukvisa 57m ago

Evidence to be uploaded for skilled worker visa

Upvotes

What documents do i need to upload as an evidence in skilled worker visa while applying from within the uk. Please do let me know . Thanks


r/ukvisa 1h ago

Need help for which English test for my visa

Upvotes

Hi all,

My future employer is being very vague in his replies and I need help figuring out which test exactly I need to book. I am in France.

I assume I will be sponsored for a skilled worker visa but they haven't specifically told me.

All I know is I need a B1 level test with the four components: speaking, writing, listening and reading. They've sent me the BritishCouncil.org website but here is my issue: When I scroll down to B1 life skills, I only have options for reading & listening.

When I go to the general training section, I have the four components but it doesn't say B1 anywhere.

Is anyone able to guide me on which to choose ? This is getting a bit maddening.


r/ukvisa 2h ago

UK Student Visa-Previously on an Unmarried Parner Visa (US Citizen)

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I moved to London with an ex in December 2023 on an unmarried partner visa, and shortly after my arrival, our relationship broke down. I moved back home to the USA in July 2024. I renounced my visa in September or October 2024 and have not returned to the UK even to visit. I have decided that I want to return and applied for a Master's program at UCL and have been accepted. Will I have an issue applying for a student visa b/c I was previously there on an unmarried partner visa?

Thanks in advance!


r/ukvisa 2h ago

Made a mistake in my application for skilled worker visa

0 Upvotes

So I was doing my skilled worker application and by mistake I have done the declaration but I did not realise there were a few mistakes in my application. What can I do now?

Ps : i have not paid anything yet. 


r/ukvisa 14h ago

VFS Global is not working! Docs cannot be uploaded

7 Upvotes

I'm applying for a visit visa and going to have my biometric appointment this upcoming Wednesday (I'm based in the US). I followed their document instructions and was able to "Choose file" and Preview the files I selected. However every time I clicked "Save and Upload", it kept refreshing and loading for all day.

I tried all browsers, re-export and re-print my pdfs, rename them to only letters. No luck. Is there a website issue right now? Has anyone had the same issue? Thanks!!


r/ukvisa 10h ago

Can someone explain the 28 day rule to me please

3 Upvotes

we submitted our application on 04 April. All our financial documents are dated within the last week of March so from WC 24 March, none are older than that. Payslip dates 28 March.

There’s currently a widespread issue with the TSL website when redirecting from the gov.uk website so we can’t book our biometrics

As our application date was 4 April and submitted, will my paperwork still be valid or will I have to include April if the website issue isn’t resolved within 2 weeks?

And yes I know it will be resolved, TSL is losing a lot of money like this but I just want to be sure I’m not going to miss anything :)


r/ukvisa 4h ago

Please your expert opinion if my parents will get the visa?

1 Upvotes

So i am a UK resident with ILR. I am in the final stages of buying my first house in UK and so i wanted my parents to join me here for Eid holidays and to be part of the milestone of the new property. I am submitting the following documents.

  1. My bank statement showing 80K GBP which is the deposit i have for my property.
  2. My brother bank statememt who works in another country and sponsoring the visit for my paremts along with my. He is having around 50k GBP in the account.
  3. My father bank statement which has around 15,000 GBP in the account.
  4. My father owns multiple properties worth 170K in home country so the ownership papers.
  5. The properties have 6 flats and he earns around 5,000 GBP annualy so i attached the Tenancy agreements of all flats.
  6. Accomodation letter of where they will be staying in UK along with tenancy agreement.
  7. My UK evisa and passport
  8. Sponsorship letter from me saying that i am inviting them and i will be responsible for all of their expenses during the two weeks duration.
  9. Sponsorship letter from my brother that he is also going to pay them for the trip.
  10. Ownership papers of my own land that i owns backhome worth around 140,000 GBP

My parents are retired and living in home country with my kids and he is the sole male guardian of my kids back home and he also manage not only his properties but i also own a big land and he manages everything.

He has no intention of staying in UK infact they dont want to visit to be honest but i insisted them to atleast come and visit me once as i want to show them UK. They did so much for me while he was working and it is my desire that i also do something for them. They have strong ties back home and own many other big ancestor lands.

So please guide me if this is a strong case as i feel everything is taken care and have proof of the reason for them to visit.


r/ukvisa 4h ago

NRPF Home Office

0 Upvotes

Hello, I am soon going to put in my application for Private Life as I am 18 and been here since 8, just waiting for my fee waiver. I am also pregnant and my only source of income is through my mum, I can’t work anymore due to my expired visa.

I seen somewhere that I can request the Home Office to uplift the NRPF while waiting for a decision if I have solid evidence that I do need access to it.

Has anyone ever done it and how did it go?


r/ukvisa 5h ago

What is the wait time for a biometrics appointment here in the UK for a spouse visa application from within the UK?

1 Upvotes

Anybody got any recent experience of this? We're trying to figure out whether or not we might need to look at paying for the super priority service. My partner is currently on a fiance visa and living here in the UK with me.

Thank you


r/ukvisa 5h ago

Waiting for endorsement for more than 8 weeks. Any solution?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I applied for my Global Talent Visa endorsement on January 28th from within the UK. Then, It took a week for the Home Office to forward my application to the Royal Society. The standard processing time is up to 8 weeks, but I have now been waiting much longer with no clear response.

Two weeks ago, I contacted the Royal Society directly, but they told me that all communication should go through the Home Office. Even after following this guidance, I still haven't received a decision. The Home Office stated that the Royal Society has received a high volume of applications, which has caused delays. However, this feels very unfair, as I have already been waiting 8+ weeks.

The Home Office has advised me that I can apply for my visa while waiting for the endorsement decision. However, if my endorsement is rejected, I risk losing my application fee.

Given that I now have a job offer, I’m wondering if I should apply for a Skilled Worker visa instead. However, the organisation that offered me the job has not yet confirmed whether they can provide sponsorship.

Given the above situation, I have three questions:

  1. Has anyone else experienced similar delays?

  2. Is there anything else I can do to speed up the process?

  3. And has anyone applied for Stage 2 with a pending endorsement?

I appreciate any answers or advices.

Thank you!


r/ukvisa 6h ago

Electronic Documents for Citizenship

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

Just a quick question, are electronic document such as copies of eP60 accepted as a form of evidence for proving your residency?

I see no need to print them out and scan. But just checking if others had experiences with just using electronic documents for majority of the supporting docs that you uploaded.


r/ukvisa 7h ago

Moving 70 yr old mother to UK

0 Upvotes

Hello,

Apologies for repeating similar posts - I have had a look but can't find anything recent with the same variables.

We're looking at whether there are any ways to move my partner's mother to the UK from the US. I was born in the UK, my partner got UK citizenship (independently of me - we're not married) a couple of years ago, and also got Italian citizenship a few years before that. His mum is a US citizen and would be eligible for Italian citizenship but hasn't got that yet (I think there is the option to move to Italy with the intention of getting it). Although she is getting older and we are thinking towards the future, she is currently independent. It looks from previous posts that it would be very difficult for her to move to the UK permanently, but I just wondered if anyone could give some advice on whether there might be a possibility if she got Italian citizenship, if there are any other options (to be here for longer period through the year), or if there are things we could do to be more eligible (with the currently changes to the US economy she might become financially dependent on us soon anyway).

Many thanks in advance for any advice.