You might be able to find out why your immigration application is delayed by contacting the Home Office, or your local MP.You might want to make sure your passport will be returned in time for a holiday, or simply be worried about how long the decision is taking.
You can do this yourself rather than paying an expensive lawyer or immigration expert to do it for you.
Your immigration status
Your immigration status will stay the same while you wait for your new visa if you make the application in the 28 days before your visa ends.
If you already have the right to work, access education and receive benefits, you'll still have these rights while you wait for a new visa.You won’t keep these rights if you applied after your original visa ends - find out more about overstaying your visa.
Important If your original visa had ended when you applied
You’ll usually lose the right to work, access education and receive benefits while you wait for a new visa.
The rules are complicated so you should get specialist immigration advice as soon as possible.
You can phone the UK Visas and Immigration contact centre (part of the Home Office) to find out how long your visa will take:
UK Visas and Immigration contact centre
Telephone: 0300 790 6268
Textphone: 0800 389 8289
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.45pm. Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
Calls cost 12p per minute from a landline, 3p to 40p from a mobile.
If you’re outside the UK you need to use different contact details. Check how to contact UK Visas and Immigration from outside the UK on GOV.UK.
The service can be busy, so you may be waiting for some time.
You’ll be asked for a Home Office reference number - this is sometimes called a 'unique application number' (UAN). You’ll have received this number when you first applied.
Before you can get any information about your application, you’ll be asked questions to confirm your identity.
It might be worth contacting your local MP if you've been waiting a long time to hear back from the Home Office. They can find out more about the delay and might be able to help speed up your visa application.
Prepare as much information as possible - it'll help your MP track down your application. For example, you might need:
Contact your nearest Citizens Adviceif you need help.
FAQs
These include the following:
- Call or write to the Home Office – You can write or phone the Home Office to find out why your application is delayed. ...
- Make a formal complaint – If speaking to the Home Office still doesn't resolve the issue and accelerate the decision, you might choose to make a formal complaint.
Delays are usually caused by additional security and background clearances due to your citizenship, ties to specific countries, or field of study. These additional clearance checks may take several weeks to several months to process. There is no way to circumvent or expedite this process.
How do I know if my US visa application was successful? ›
You can check the status of your visa application on ceac.state.gov. If your visa has been denied, you may find useful information on Ineligibilities and Waivers on usvisas.state.gov.
How do you know if your visa application is denied? ›
You will also be given a letter stating your application has been denied under 221(g) and listing which documents you need to provide. Administrative processing - The consular officer could not conclude you were elegible for the visa sought and additional administrative processing of your application is required.
Why is my U.S. visa taking so long? ›
The processing time varies, however, with the workload of the US Embassy, so if you do not receive an answer within those time frames, it does not mean that your visa application was denied. The processing time might take longer as the Embassy might have a bigger workload.
Can I speed up my visa process? ›
Using the 'super priority service' for visa and settlement applications means you'll usually get a decision by the end of the next working day. It can take longer to get a decision, for example, if the Home Office needs to ask you for more information.
What does it mean when your case is taking longer than expected to process? ›
The "taking longer than expected" status update on your USCIS I-130 case can indicate several possibilities. It generally means that your case is currently undergoing a more thorough review or additional processing by USCIS.
Do you get an email when your visa is approved? ›
If you have applied for a Student Visa, you will get a letter or email to let you know that a decision has been made on your application. You will need to bring this with you when attending an international check-in appointment. Below are examples of a physical visa decision letter and a visa decision email.
Can a visa be denied after approval? ›
Yes, a US visa can be rejected after approval. This can happen for several reasons, such as a change in the visa holder's circ*mstances or a finding of ineligibility. If a visa is found to be ineligible, the visa holder will be notified in writing and provided with the reason for the ineligibility.
Do they tell you if your visa is approved? ›
If your visa is approved, you will be informed how and when your passport and visa will be returned to you.
Visa processing takes approximately 21 workdays from the date on which the application is received by the Embassy. A further 2-3 workdays should be allowed for the return of your passport. We strongly advise you not to make any travel plans until processing is complete and your passport is returned to you.
How long does U.S. visa decision take? ›
Most delays are resolved within 30-60 days. The Department of State has stated that requests to expedite processing will not be considered. Each consulate has its own process for handling inquiries.
What is the most common visa rejection? ›
Most visa rejections happen because the applicants submit incomplete or incorrect travel details. You must provide the following information to the immigration department to avoid any issues: The list of countries you are planning to visit. The timings and the duration of the trip.
Will I be notified if my visa is refused? ›
If your application for a visa has been refused under Section 221(g) INA, you will have been provided with a letter explaining the steps you are required to take. Please review this information carefully and follow the instructions.
What makes visa rejected? ›
The most obvious reason for visa rejection is missing documents or information failing to prove your eligibility to visit the desired country. It will not only spoil your excitement but also sabotage your future visa approval possibilities.
How do I request to speed up visa processing? ›
Complete Visa Application: Ensure your visa application form is filled out correctly and completely. Any mistakes can delay the process, even with an expedite request. Expedite Request Letter: Craft a compelling letter explaining why you need your visa expedited.
How long could you expect to wait for a visa? ›
Visa processing takes approximately 21 workdays from the date on which the application is received by the Embassy. A further 2-3 workdays should be allowed for the return of your passport.
Why is there a visa backlog? ›
Increase in visa applications
The demand for U.S. visas has been steadily increasing over the years. This influx of applications puts a strain on the NVC's resources and processing capabilities, leading to delays in the review and approval of visa petitions.
Can visa status change from refused to ready? ›
In such cases, refused visa applications warrant further administrative processing. Upon completion of the case-specific administrative processing, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied.
