UK Visa delays 2021: What to do next?

While the quantitative details might vary in the coming weeks thanks to brexit and Covid -19, the broad steps a person must take should they be facing a UK Visa delay in 2021 remains the same as the steps highlighted in the SmartMove2UK blog published below on the 3rd of October 2018.

We have a list of possible reasons for these delays in UK visa processing in 2021. If you feel that your application could be delayed due to one (or more) of the reasons mentioned, then it would help you take the necessary course of action. Even if that means just waiting patiently, which could very well be the case.

But before we get to that, here’s a quick checklist of what you should do next if you are facing an unusually long wait in hearing back from the Home Office regarding your UK Visa.

You may contact the UKVI (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration) directly, provide them with your details, and ask them what is causing the delay. This is the most effective course of action, as the chances are highest for you to understand why your application is taking so long. There is a good chance that a talk with the UKVI should put your concerns to rest. And if not, at least you’ll know it. However, like all good things, the paid service inquiry isn’t free. Sitel UK is the new commercial partner to the Home Office responsible for service inquiries, and any email or phone call to Sitel will be chargeable. (An email to Sitel will cost you £5.48)

If you are already residing in the UK on a valid visa, but are waiting for a response on your extension application, or if you are waiting for a Spouse Visa application response, you may contact the local Member of UK Parliament of the area of your residence (or your British Spouse’s residence). MPs in the UK are a great source for tackling any grievances regarding immigration related issues, or other things. You should have a clear picture of why your application is taking so long if you have a chat with an MP.

While the Judicial Review is used to review any decisions made by the Home Office regarding certain visa applications, you may also call for a Judicial Review if you feel that a due process is not followed. An unspecified delay in a response for your UK Visa application may be a case of not following the due process for the same. Therefore, you may file for a Judicial Review in certain cases of prolonged delay in reciprocation by the Home Office. See next point for more information on the same.

If you believe that your application is taking longer than required, with no justifiable reason for the same, you may of course choose to follow any one of the above listed options. However, in order to be absolutely sure that you not only choose the right option, but also go about the option in the right way, it’s always best to rely on guidance from people who are well versed in immigration matters and law of the UK. In other words, consult a professional immigration consultancy or a UK immigration law firm, in order to have an authority’s opinion on the matter. This could end up saving you a lot of unnecessary procedures and other hassles.

Before following through with any of the options listed however, it is important to have a look at some general reasons why your UK Visa application may be taking longer than expected.

We recommend that you have a look at the list below, to have a better understanding of why your particular application may be caught up:

1) Improper paperwork:

The documentation that you submit must be complete, and well organized. Any trouble for your assessing officer in finding the relevant information in order to process an application, could potentially lead to major delays in your visa application.

2) Non-Payment of fees:

We are not saying that you have deliberately not paid for the application. However, it is possible that you inadvertently may have left out paying certain fees. Please ensure that this is not the case. If you do feel you may have not paid all the fees you were required to, you may consult a professional immigration advisor who would guide you on the same.

3) Verification of information:

Depending on the type of visa application you fall under, the assessing officer might have to contact various departments in order to ensure that the information you have provided is verifiable. This process may take longer than you might think.

Be smart, and empower yourself with the required knowledge of UK visas and immigration procedures. The best way to tackle issues like these are to stay up to date with the latest happenings.

We at The SmartMove2UK strive to provide anyone who requires with the right information on the subject of UK immigration law. However, we understand that the information may be too much and a little overwhelming for some. Especially when your application is delayed and your mind is already under tremendous pressure.

In cases like these, make the smart decision and get professional help. Our attorneys at The SmartMove2UK would be more than adequate to guide you in the right direction.