Key Points
- Outside the UK: usually within 12 weeks.
- Inside the UK: usually within 8 weeks if the financial and english requirements are met.
- The clock starts after biometrics, not when you submit the form.
- Requests for further evidence add time.
What affects processing time
- Whether applying inside or outside the UK
- Whether priority services are available
- Application complexity
- Whether further evidence is requested
- Whether additional checks are required
Applications that take longer
Applications from inside the UK that do not meet the financial or English requirements are considered on a different basis and can take around 12 months.
Past immigration problems, criminal records and doubts about documents all lead to further checks.
Priority availability
Inside the UK a super priority service is offered for many partner applications, subject to appointment availability. Overseas, priority processing for settlement applications is offered in some countries and not in others.
Planning around the decision
Do not book non-refundable travel, give up a tenancy or resign from a job on the assumption that the decision will arrive by a particular date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I chase the Home Office for an update?
You can contact UK Visas and Immigration, but updates within the standard time are usually limited. Outside the standard time an enquiry or a complaint may be appropriate.
Official Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. The rules and figures are set by the Home Office and can change.