How to Chase a Delayed UK Visa

It is not uncommon for us to receive emails and calls from people who are experiencing delays in the processing their immigration and visa applications by the Home Office. We, of course, understand that such delays can be distressing, especially when the Home Office has set out application turnaround times, and during such difficult global situations, such as the war in Ukraine. Delays in the Home Office processing times can be very difficult to deal with, as it can cause difficulty in working in the UK, reuniting with family or cause stress and anxiety while waiting on a decision. We aim to set out the most common causes of delays in this article, and provide ways in which you can chase the Home Office in the event of delays in the processing of your application and visa.

How to tell if your application is delayed

The Home Office does publish its estimated wait times for decisions on applications that have been submitted inside and outside the UK on its website, in addition to Service Standards.

The Home Office website clearly states that, for applications made inside the UK, the “waiting time starts once you’ve submitted your application online and ends when you get a letter or email with a decision”.

Applications made outside the UK have a waiting time that starts when you “attend your appointment and provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre” or you

“verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. This will depend on the visa you apply for and you’ll be advised if you can use this,” with the waiting time ending “when you get an email containing the decision on your application.”

Before submitting your application, you should always account for additional time for the Home Office to issue and send a BRP if it is part of your application; BRPs are usually sent out within 10 working days of the decision.

Why has there been a delay?

If the published waiting time has passed and you have still not heard from the Home Office, you should investigate the reasons for such delays. Home Office regulations state that for an application to be processed within service standards, the following should be made sure of:

your application is made before your current visa expires

your application is completed accurately

you include any required photographs

you provide evidence of funds to maintain yourself if required on the application form and guidance

you enrol your biometric information and respond to any requests for further information by the dates we ask you

when you attend your appointment at our commercial partner or Service and Support Centre, you submit the required documents with your application

if your application is made on a paper form

it is signed and dated and made on the correct form, submitting the required documents

you have included the payment and any cheque is signed and dated for the full fee

Home Office guidelines state that those applications that adhere to the above requirements and would be considered as “straightforward”, should be handled within the published timeframe; however, if your matter becomes more complicated or there is an issue with your application, the Home Office will be in contact

“to explain why it will not be decided within the normal standard. We will write within the normal processing time for the 8 week standard and within 12 weeks for the 6 month standard. The letter will explain what will happen next.”

Reasons why your application may have been delayed

It is important to note that the Home Office’s Service Standards only apply to “completed” applications.

In addition, your case may take longer than the published processing times due to:

• The Home Office is processing a higher quantity of applications than usual (such as before seasonal holidays or tumultuous global events)
• The Home Office may wish to conduct an interview about your application

The Home Office needs further information from you, or is conducting checks with other government departments regarding your application.

Always ensure that correspondence from the Home Office is read carefully, as they may provide instructions on what to do next, or information on the status of your application.

follow each of these steps, starting from the first, in order. It is important that you take these steps when complaining about the Home Office:

1. My Visa Application is Delayed – What Can I Do?
2. Home Office Compensation for Delays in Processing Visa & Immigration Applications
3. How to Chase a Delayed UK Visa & Immigration Application
4. Contact UK Visas and Immigration for Assistance
5. Complain about UKVI
6. Contact your local MP
7. Complain to Parliamentary and health Service Ombudsman
8. Pre-Action Protocol Letter
9. Judicial Review