2024 – UK Spouse visa processing time explained by The SmartMove2UK

• When joining your partner in the UK with a UK Spouse Visa, you need to make sure you apply in time! Here’s why:
• The UK Spouse Visa is a great pathway to ending the distance between you and your partner
• But to make a successful application, you need to be aware of the full information for the UK Spouse visa
• Our UK Spouse Visa Expert in India – Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore have assisted many clients in navigating their way through their UK Spouse Visa Processing Time
• A critical factor of making an application is to consider the UK Spouse Visa Processing Time
• The country you are applying from, how strong your application is, the current state of immigration are some factors affecting the UK Spouse Visa Processing Time
• Currently, applications for the Ukraine Visa Scheme are being given priority by UKVI because of the humanitarian catastrophe brought on by the invasion of Ukraine
• This has resulted in delays for applications from other nationalities

The UK Spouse Visa processing time after biometrics 2024 is –

• If you are applying from outside the UK, is up to 24 weeks, only if the application is strong and has all the required information to process the application easily
• If you use the normal service and submit your application in the UK, you should get a decision within 8 weeks after the application date

The UK Spouse visa application process involves 5 stages:

• Complete the online Visa application form on the official UK government website: www.gov.uk
• Submit the application and pay the application fee.
• Schedule a biometric appointment.
• Attend the biometric appointment and provide the necessary documentation.
• Wait for the decision on your UK Spouse visa application.

There are a number of factors affecting UK Spouse Visa processing time like – increased workload at UKVI, the country you’re applying from, insufficient or incorrect documents and other official reasons.

Here’s a brief explanation of each.

Although summer is typically the busiest season for UKVI, applicants should be aware that because of the increased workload at UKVI as a result of recent changes to the UK immigration system, particularly those brought about by the introduction of the EU settlement scheme, processing times are longer than in years past.

• Several factors, such as the relationship and agreements between the UK and the country you’re applying from, the administrative systems in each country, and the current state of either country, the need to endorse documents from your country or find an equivalent in the UK, whether that country is a member of the EEA, and others, may have an impact on the country from which you apply for your UK Visa
• It is always advisable to inquire about any such problems that can cause delays in the processing of Visas with the UK embassy or consulate in your country

• If UKVI pauses processing to ask for further information from you before making a decision because your application contains inaccurate information or the supporting paperwork you provide is insufficient, the processing time may be longer than anticipated
• The simplest way to prevent this is to double-check your application and make sure you have all the required paperwork on hand before you apply

While there can be delays due to reasons you (the applicant) cannot control, like the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and Home Office prioritising applications from Ukraine, there are some factors that an applicant can control.

This will also help you reduce the chances of UK spouse visa refusal for your UK Spouse visa application.

1. Make sure you can meet the financial requirements for a UK Spouse visa and have sufficient evidence to prove it.
2. Make sure you can meet the genuine and substantial relationship requirement for a UK Spouse visa and have sufficient evidence to prove it.
3. Make sure you fill out your UK Spouse visa application form accurately.
4. There is a specific order of documents issued by the UK Home Office. You must submit your documents in that sequence.
5. Make sure you meet the maintenance funds requirement for children (if you are travelling with any dependants).

One way to speed up the UK Spouse Visa processing time is to opt for the ‘Priority Service’.

• If you’re applying from outside the UK, UK Spouse Visa Priority Processing Time can take up to 30 days
• The fee for priority processing service is £500 in addition to the visa application fee

You cannot apply for a UK Spouse Visa priority processing service if:

• Your UK Visa was rejected
• You overstayed a UK Visa
• You were forced to leave the UK, removed, or deported
• You were denied permission to stay in or enter the UK
• You had his right to remain restricted by the Home Office
• You have a history of offences
• Police have detained, questioned, or are pursuing you for a crime

• You can contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to know the status of your Visa application
• You can also opt for an SMS service when you submit your application
• You will receive updates about your Visa processing on your registered mobile number
• While there is no option to track the status of your application, you can contact the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) – the department of the Home Office in charge of UK Visa processing

• If you submit a UK Spouse Visa application from outside the UK, you can continue travelling while awaiting a decision on a UK Spouse Visa application
• However, if your application is accepted, you will need to return to the country from which you submitted it in order to pick up your Visa
• Keep in mind that if you don’t have a Visa, you shouldn’t try to travel to the UK
• There’s also something called the ‘Passport Passback’ service in India
• While Visa determinations are being made, applicants are able to keep their passports with this service
• Those who need to travel or apply for additional Visas during this time will find this to be of particular interest
• The number of slots available for the service would be limited to 75 per day at each VAC across India
• If you made your application from within the UK, it is advised that you stay put while your UK Spouse Visa application is being processed
• The UK Home Office might consider your application withdrawn if you depart from the country
• It’s best to pay for Super Priority service if you want to leave soon after completing your UK Spouse Visa application so that you receive your Visa decision well in advance of your departure