How to track my UK visa application status?

How can I track the progress of my UK visa status?

The process to track your UK visa status is different depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.

How to check UK visa status inside the United Kingdom

It is not possible to track your visa application online but it may be possible to contact the relevant department processing your application.

To check your status, you may contact UK Visas and Immigration ((UKVI) the Home Office body in charge of processing visas in the UK).

You can ask about the progress of your application but you cannot receive information or advice about your personal circumstances.

The phone number for UKVI is 0300 790 6268. The phone service is available from Monday to Thursday 9:00 – 16:45 and Fridays 09:00 – 16:30 excluding bank holidays. Calls cost between 16p – £3.60 per minute.

Checking your visa status outside the United Kingdom

If you submit your visa application from outside the UK, you will be required to attend a visa application centre in the country where you are resident.

You will have to submit your biometric information at your local visa application centre, but UKVI will issue the decision on your application.

You can contact UKVI for a decision on your application but there are costs involved in checking this information.

If you wish to contact them by email, you can use this contact page to get in touch. You will be charged £2.74 for your initial email and any related follow-up emails.

What do you need to track your UK visa status?

To track your status by contacting UKVI, you will need the provide the following information:

Your Case Identification Number or ‘CaseID’

This should be included on all letters you have received from the Home Office and should be an 8 digit number, for example, 12345678.

Payment Reference Number

After you have submitted payment for your application, you should receive a payment reference number that you can use to track the status of your UK visa application. It should follow this format: AG1234567890/123

Your Unique Application Number

This is a 16-digit number that will be on all letters and emails you receive from UKVI.

Your Biometric Residence Permit Number

This is a combination of letters and numbers and can be found on your biometric residence permit number. All BRPs expired at the end of 2024. If you have permission to stay in the UK longer, you must switch to an eVisa to prove your immigration status.

Your Immigration Health Surcharge number

If you had to pay the NHS immigration health surcharge when making your application, you should receive a number after payment. It will be a combination of numbers and letters in the following format, for example: IHS123456789

Can I speed up my UK Visa Status?

If you have used any of the following forms, you may be able to get a decision on your visa within 5 working days. This service only applies to the following visas:

• SET (AF)
• SET (F)
• SET (LR)
• SET (M)

You will need to download and fill in these request and payment forms from the Home Office. Only the first 5 requests received each day between 8 am and midday between Monday and Thursday are accepted.

The cost for this service is £500 per person, in addition to the main application fee. This does not make it more likely your visa will be approved, it just means a decision will be made quicker.

When individuals submit their UK visa application to the Home Office, one of the most unknown parts is the waiting time. The Home Office keeps up-to-date processing times for the key visas on its website. However, the exact time can vary on a case-by-case basis. It is important to respond to any requests for additional information as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Typical Standard UK Visa Processing Times

The processing duration for your UK visa application is dependant on whether it’s for entering or remaining in the UK and the specific visa category you’re applying for. Typically, visas requested from abroad tend to have quicker processing times.

In cases where you’re seeking to stay in the UK, you can generally stay during the processing period, provided you’ve applied before your current visa expires.

Common Reasons For Visa Application Delays

For straightforward visa applications, processing occurs within standard timeframes set out by UKVI. However, complex cases may experience delays.

Delays can occur from processing backlogs due to global events such as the pandemic or busy holiday time-periods, outstanding document verification, interviews, or personal factors such as your immigration history or criminal record.

If there’s insufficient evidence or uncertainty about eligibility, further examination may be required. If requested to submit additional documents or if you’re concerned about an interview, seeking advice from an immigration specialist is advisable. Contact IAS today on +44 (0)333 414 9244.

How can IAS help with my UK visa application?

IAS is a firm of experienced immigration lawyers who have extensive experience in assisting clients with their visa applications. Every immigration case is different and complex, and we understand the importance of receiving a successful decision on your application.

Your dedicated immigration lawyer will work closely with you to understand your case and identify your goal. We work with you throughout each step of the process, from assessing your eligibility, to completing your application, to liaising with UKVI on your behalf and monitor UK visa tracking.

Our immigration lawyers can also help if you want to track your UK visa status. We work closely with you throughout the entire process, communicating with you regularly and giving you regular updates. For a confidential discussion, contact our friendly client care team to discuss your case. We look forward to helping you achieve your goal.

We have offices based in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, as well as in many other locations throughout the UK. We look forward to assisting with your case.

Phone +44 (0)333 414 9244 to speak to us today about your visa.